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RABY REVEALS PLANS FOR POST CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens will be reopening on Monday 29th December to continue the festive celebrations into the Twixmas period and beyond.
After closing on Christmas Eve for a four-day break, the north east lifestyle destination will welcome visitors once more so they can enjoy the Raby Castle at Christmas installation until Sunday 4th January.
Designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard, eight ground floor rooms in Raby Castle have been beautifully decorated with elegant Christmas trees and beautiful floristry to tell the story of Christmas Day at the medieval castle.
The experience takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the family’s festivities and features previously unseen items from the castle archives to bring to life a historic Christmas Day at Raby.
For families, the popular Enchanted Christmas Trail in The Plotters’ Forest, Raby’s woodland adventure playground, will also be available during the day from 29th December until 4th January, featuring two hours of immersive play and a festive treat for each child. Families can make the most of Raby’s all-inclusive Christmas Family Explorer Ticket for £70 when purchased online, which includes access to the Enchanted Christmas Trail as well as the splendour of Raby Castle at Christmas, the Deer Park and the Walled Gardens for a jam-packed day out.
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Continuing the Christmas indulgences, a festive afternoon tea in The Vinery also awaits, featuring three tiers of seasonal delights including a selection of freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam and an assortment of miniature cakes and sweet treats, and a glass of fizz can also be added for an extra treat.
Visitors can stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh air with a scenic walk round Raby’s Walled Gardens and its Deer Park, where both red and fallow deer can be spotted as they amble through the parkland.
The picturesque Deer Park will be open on Thursday 1st January for its annual New Year’s Day charity walk, this year in aid of the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie. Raby Estates recently announced Marie Curie as its Charity of the Year 2026 and has committed to raising funds and awareness for end of life and palliative care.
Vicky Wilkinson-Rhea, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as Raby Estates’ Charity of the Year 2026. The vital funds raised through this partnership will help us to provide expert end of life care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families, across the North East.
“The New Year’s Day charity walk in the Estate’s beautiful grounds is a great way to kick off our year of fundraising. Stay tuned for what else we have in store for 2026!”
Raby will be celebrating the start of 2026 with free entry to the Deer Park and Walled Gardens on New Year’s Day, with a reduced ticket price for Raby Castle at Christmas at £7 for adults, with children entering for free, alongside a £5 entry ticket to The Plotters’ Forest for both adults and children.
A short drive from Raby Castle is High Force Waterfall, which is also part of the Raby Estate. A frosty woodland world full of winter magic awaits, where families can enjoy outdoor fun with a touch of seasonal discovery on the Polar Quest Trail, which will continue into the new year.
Across the road from the waterfall is High Force Hotel, providing a cosy spot for a post-walk treat in front of the roaring fire and extra festive family gatherings into the new year.
A family saver ticket for High Force Waterfall and its Polar Quest Trail is available, admitting two adults and two children for £10 when booked online or £12 onsite.
Raby Castle at Christmas will be available between Monday 29th December and Sunday 4th January. The castle will then close until February half term, when it will be returning with children's tours every day.
The festive afternoon tea in The Vinery is available between 2pm and 4pm and is £29.50 per person, or £37.50 per person with fizz. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours in advance.
For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/