- Christmas
- 19th Nov 2025
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Raby Castle opens for a new Christmas experience for the first time in 50 years
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Raby Castle is delivering something special this Christmas – and we’re so excited about it.
If you’re looking for a Christmas day out in the North East with a little extra magic, this is it.
For the first time in five decades, the iconic County Durham landmark will open its doors from Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 4th January – inviting you to step inside and experience Christmas at the Castle like never before.
And that’s not all. The Raby Castle’s grand opening is just one highlight in a packed festive programme across the estate, including The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail, a cosy festive afternoon tea at The Vinery and magical candlelit evenings.
Plus, soak up the stunning backdrop of Raby Castle while getting Christmas-ready – from finding unique gifts at the Christmas market to mastering your festive table styling and even learning how to make a classic Christmas pudding.
Expect a full festive line-up the whole family will enjoy, all set within the breathtaking surroundings of Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
HLN TOP TIP: Don’t miss our exclusive High Life North discount, get 10% off Raby Castle at Christmas tickets with the code ‘HLN10’ until Sunday 30th November.
STEP INTO RABY CASTLE’S CHRISTMAS PAST
Inside Raby Castle, you’ll explore eight beautifully decorated ground-floor rooms, each styled to reflect how the Vane family would have celebrated Christmas in the early 1900s. The entire experience has been creatively curated by Lady Barnard, who has blended authentic Edwardian tradition with her own family’s festive memories.
Expect glittering trees dressed with foraged foliage, hand-crafted decorations, traditional gifts and a spectacular dining table set for a grand Edwardian Christmas feast. Every detail has been chosen to tell the true story of a historic Christmas Day at Raby.
“I have had a wonderful time collecting these beautiful pieces from Christmas past as well as my present family traditions, bringing to life our personal and honest telling of how our ancestors would have celebrated the day right here at Raby Castle,”
- Lady Barnard says.
A TRULY AUTHENTIC EDWARDIAN CHRISTMAS
Before you journey through the decorated rooms, you’ll enjoy a bespoke introductory film, styled on ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, setting the perfect tone for the experience.
Behind the scenes, Raby’s curator Julie Biddlecombe-Brown has researched the family archives to ensure everything you see is historically accurate. From original Christmas cards to the toys the Vane children unwrapped, to menus and wine lists from the period, nothing has been guessed or modernised. The result is an intimate and deeply authentic glimpse into an Edwardian Christmas.
CANDLELIT EVENINGS FOR SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL
For an atmospheric night to remember, Raby Castle will host candlelit experiences on Saturday 13th and 20th December. Wander around the decorated rooms in ambient candlelight before heading to the Coach House for late-night Christmas shopping.
FESTIVE EXPERIENCES ACROSS THE RABY CASTLE ESTATE
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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