Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
RABY CASTLE PREPARES FOR AN EGGS-CELLENT EASTER ON THE ESTATE
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Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is offering a bumper programme of Easter events – many of which are complimentary daily activities for all to enjoy – between Saturday 5th April and Sunday 27th April.
From seed planting in the Walled Gardens and bunny ear crafts inside the Yurt to tractor and trailer rides around Raby’s parkland during the Easter celebration at the historic Estate, these free daily offerings are all included in the admission price.
Families can also watch the Estate’s ranger feed the deer and embark upon a nature inspired trail together in the historic Deer Park, where the new organic sculptures will sit in the landscape that has been home to Raby deer for centuries.
Children and grown-ups can take on the Little Eggsplorers Easter Egg Hunt themed trail together in The Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground, woven amongst the Christmas trees. Spot the clues, admire the new spring leaves on the trees above and race to complete the trail with a reward waiting at the finish line.
Alongside this, children can go free into the castle with a valid Park and Gardens or Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens ticket where visitors can explore one of England’s finest Medieval Castles in all its grandeur.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, is leading the preparations for Easter across the Raby Estate. She said: “The Easter holidays are such an exciting time of year as spring is flourishing and families and friends are venturing back outside together. We think Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is a fantastic place to spend the school holidays with activities for all interests and we've also expanded our offering to include daily free Easter themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
“We’re very pleased to also offer children free entry to Raby Castle during the 2025 Easter holidays. We think cultural and historical learning opportunities for youngsters, even during the school break, are a vital way in which they can engage with their communities, local history and environment.”
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For the first time in its history, Raby will also be hosting an Easter Food and Craft Market over the bank holiday weekend from Friday 18th to Monday 21st April.
This new offering for 2025 will be full of market stalls showcasing impressive handmade crafts and unique gifts from local artisan sellers, alongside a vibrant selection of delicious local produce and seasonal treats.
Hosted under the beautiful arched Dutch Barn and within the impressive architectural gem called the Riding School, this four-day market will provide visitors with an opportunity to peruse and sample some of the region’s best delights.
Seasonal menus of delicious, sweet treats, brunches and lunches will also be on offer in The Vinery Café and The Coach House will be open throughout Easter for those looking to spend some time perusing the shop’s carefully curated selection of homeware and gifts. The Easter break will also see the launch of Raby’s outdoor lifestyle retail area where visitors will be able to pick up plants, pots and outdoor living wares.
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Visitors looking to turn their time at Raby into a weekend break can spend a night or two at The High Force Hotel, a cosy inn on the Raby Estate which has recently seen several rooms redesigned bringing more colour into guests’ stays. Just a short walk from the magnificent High Force Waterfall, the destination is perfect for couples and families with dog-friendly rooms perfect for four-legged friends.
High Force Waterfall, which is a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, will also be hosting a new woodland trail during the Easter holidays, helping families make the most of being outdoors in nature.
A small entrance fee of £3.95 for adults and £2.45 for children aged 4-15 (under 4s are free) is required to access High Force Waterfall. Tickets can also be purchased from the High Force Hotel on the day. For details, visit: www.raby.co.uk/high-force/
Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £14 for adults, £13 for children (ages 4-15), under 4s go free or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Entry to the Easter Food and Craft Market is included in all Deer Park and Gardens tickets, or entry to the market only can be purchased for £2 in advance or £5 on the day (children go free). To get the best price, it is highly recommended to pre-book online.
For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle