- Christmas
- 4th Nov 2026
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Christmas shopping at Raby Castle: where to find the best gifts, decorations and festive treats
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Beautiful surroundings, free parking and gifts you won’t find on the high street. Here’s our guide to the shops, brands and festive finds at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens this Christmas.
“People are choosing standout locations and a more memorable experience over simply shopping for products.”
Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism.
Christmas shopping surrounded by woodland, deer and a castle
There’s Christmas shopping, and then there’s Christmas shopping with a castle for a backdrop. At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in County Durham, a day of gift hunting comes with a deer park on the doorstep, no parking stress and plenty of places to stop for a treat.
Since opening in 2024, Raby’s retail offer has gone from strength to strength, and this year it has grown again. As well as The Coach House Shop, there’s a brand new Christmas Emporium in the Riding School, a TUTTI concept store and a floristry residency in the Potting Shed.
The Coach House Shop
Housed in the estate’s historic Coach House, this is the heart of Raby’s retail offer: a boutique where furniture, fashion, homeware and gifts are styled alongside reclaimed pieces from across the estate. Since opening in 2024 it has built a loyal following, with some regulars calling in two or three times a week, and an expanded team on hand to advise on more considered purchases. Look out for Neptune homeware, Bamford’s spa range and pantry favourites from Daylesford Organic, plus Raby keepsakes and produce from the estate itself. There’s also a small exhibition about Upper Teesdale inside the building, narrated by Matt Baker MBE.
The Christmas Emporium
New for this year, the Christmas Emporium has taken over the Riding School to create what is effectively Raby’s own Christmas department store, building on the demand for festive gifts and decorations the team saw last year. Expect twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and traditional Christmas music as you browse decorations and baubles, stocking fillers such as chocolate coins and hot chocolate stirrers, and toys including classic family board games. There’s also a thoughtful selection of gifts for those who are hardest to buy for. From Saturday 14th November, a festive café area will open, a handy spot for a treat once your bags are full.
TUTTI at Raby
North East jewellery and lifestyle brand TUTTI launched its concept store at Raby this year, and you’ll find it in the Riding School, in the same building as the Christmas Emporium. After more than 20 years of designing timeless, wearable jewellery, TUTTI has expanded into clothing, with a capsule collection sold exclusively at Raby and at its Harbour House store in North Shields. This season’s autumn and winter edit is all about fluid tailoring, tactile knitwear and considered outerwear that’s made to layer and wear on repeat. Pair a new knit with a favourite necklace and you have a gift for someone special (or yourself).
Periwinkle Barn Florist in the Potting Shed
Tucked away in the Potting Shed, Periwinkle Barn Florist is a floristry residency from Deborah, a County Durham floral designer with a passion for British flowers and sustainable floristry. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it offers posy bags, seasonal bouquets and floral pick-ups, and Deborah also hosts workshops, so it’s worth checking what’s coming up before you visit. With plenty of experience creating flowers for events, she brings real flair to everything she makes. A bunch of seasonal blooms is a lovely finishing touch for a Christmas table, or a thoughtful thank you for a host, so pop in before you head home.
Gift ideas for everyone
For the home lover: Neptune homeware, faux florals by Blooms by Samuel Baker, elegant lighting and luxurious Raby throws.
For the foodie: Daylesford Organic favourites, Diddly Squat farm produce, The Newt Cyder, Loube wine, FATSO chocolate and Raby honey.
For the one who deserves a treat: Bamford skincare and home fragrance, plus countryside-inspired scents from Plum & Ashby.
For the hard to buy for: Elizabeth Scarlett, Estella Bartlett, Gentlemen’s Hardware and Toasted Crumpet soaps.
For little ones: Jellycat, Papo figures, Rockahula Kids accessories, Le Toy Van wooden toys and traditional games.
For the gardener: Raby plants and pots from The Coach Yard, garden accessories and horticultural books.
For the person who has everything: a Raby Estate Days and Stays gift voucher, from deer park safaris and 4×4 estate tours to stargazing at High Force Waterfall or cooking with an estate chef.
Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening
For a truly magical way to tick off your list, don’t miss Raby’s Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening on Thursday 12th November, from 4pm to 7pm. The Christmas Emporium and Coach House Shop stay open late, beautifully lit and full of festive atmosphere, so you can browse unique gifts, handcrafted treasures and stocking fillers at a gentler pace. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine from The Tipi, enjoy food from the pop-up kitchen, and get a proper head start on Christmas. Best of all, entry is free, though you’ll need to book a ticket.
Make a day of it
Raby is built for lingering. Refuel at The Vinery Café, with its homemade dishes and views over the castle, or head there for a festive lunch or afternoon tea with plenty of sweet treats and good coffee.
Wander through the newly remodelled Walled Gardens, created by garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard, or take a stroll in the 200-acre deer park, where red and fallow deer roam.
Wrap up warm, bring a friend and make it a Christmas outing to remember.
Visit Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Where: Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham DL2 3AH
The Coach House Shop and Christmas Emporium: Open daily, 10am to 4.30pm
Periwinkle Barn Florist: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
The Vinery Café: Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening: Thursday 12th November, from 4pm to 7pm
Parking: Free
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