An exclusive look at Raby Castle’s new visitor destination

UNVEILING HIDDEN TREASURES

Raby Castle brings historic and iconic buildings, previously hidden from view, into the spotlight.

These structures have been lovingly renovated and repurposed to create elegant retail spaces, a stylish restaurant and magnificent event and exhibition areas. Intertwined with beautifully landscaped meandering walkways, this new development promises a perfect day out.

A GARDEN REIMAGINED

One of our personal highlights of the scheme is the historic 18th-century Walled Garden, remodelled by world-renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard.

This stunning five-acre romantic garden celebrates existing features, including the famous sculptural yew hedges that offer a visual feast.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS BROUGHT TO LIFE

The Rising project has breathed new life into historic listed buildings such as The Dutch Barn and The Riding School. Originally the working buildings servicing the ancient Castle, they had fallen out of use over a century ago.

Over the past two years, they have been meticulously restored using traditional skills and materials sourced from the estate.

STYLISH SHOPPING

The magnificent Grade II* listed Coach House, designed by renowned architect John Carr in the 18th century, now offers a beautiful retail space where you will discover the kind of high-quality, artisan items you can’t find anywhere else. Part of the magnificent building will be a free-to-enter exhibition. This allows you to delve deeper into Raby’s rich history and the picturesque Teesdale landscape.

WELCOMING ALL VISITORS

You’ll receive a warm welcome at The Round House, a newly constructed ticketing and information reception. Here, you can discover all that Raby Park, Gardens, and Castle, as well as the wider Estate, including High Force Waterfall, have to offer.

The building, inspired by a simple but beautiful field barn near the castle, is surrounded by landscaped gardens designed by award-winning North Yorkshire designer Alistair Baldwin.

THE VINERY CAFÉ RESTAURANT

Another exciting addition is the newly designed glasshouse, The Vinery Restaurant. Modelled on the original which once stood in the same spot, this restaurant seats over 200 people and offers locally sourced ingredients from across the estate.

Here you can enjoy a menu catering to all tastes while taking in panoramic views across the High Vinery Garden and Raby Castle beyond.

THE PLOTTERS’ FOREST

The first phase of the development opened in Easter 2022. Nestled within the Estate’s magical Christmas tree plantation you will find The Plotters’ Forest, a woodland adventure playground which is the perfect place for families to reap the benefits of outdoor play.

A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS

The Walled Garden features the East, Formal and West Gardens, along with a new grass amphitheatre set in the lower part of the East Garden. This amphitheatre will host a variety of outdoor productions, making Raby a beautiful place to enjoy year-round.

THE VISION OF LADY BARNARD

Lady Barnard, the current custodian of Raby Castle, has led this ambitious project alongside her husband, Lord Barnard. 

 ‘For several years, we have been working to restore the historic working buildings at Raby Castle, where our family has lived for the past 400 years,’ Lady Barnard says. ‘It is an ambitious project that we are hugely excited about launching to visitors who already know and love Raby as well as new visitors to the area. We genuinely feel Raby now has something for everyone.’