Raby Castle, Park and Gardens’ hoppingly brilliant Easter plans
Easter celebrations bloom at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is set to welcome visitors this Easter with a packed programme of seasonal events, family activities and food experiences across the Estate.
Taking place over the long bank holiday weekend (Friday 3 to Monday 6 April), the Estate will host its Easter Food and Craft Market within the impressive Riding School, extending into the charming Dutch Barn. Visitors can browse a wide range of artisan stalls showcasing local produce, handmade crafts and delicious treats, celebrating the very best of the North East.
The festivities continue across the Estate, with visitors invited to explore the Coach House retail space, home to a curated selection of gifts, homeware and produce, alongside well-known brands including Neptune, Bamford and Daylesford.
Food and drink play a central role in the Easter experience. The Garage Café will be serving ice creams alongside speciality teas and coffees, while the 200-seat Vinery Café offers panoramic views of the castle and a menu of fresh sandwiches, light lunches and sweet treats, with traditional Sunday lunches also available.
For a more indulgent option, Easter-themed afternoon teas can be pre-booked at The Vinery on selected dates throughout April. Featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, guests can also upgrade to include a glass of fizz for an extra touch of celebration.
As spring unfolds, the Estate’s beautifully restored Walled Gardens and expansive Deer Park provide the perfect setting to enjoy the outdoors. Complimentary tractor rides will offer visitors a unique way to explore the parkland and watch the resident deer being fed.
Creative and hands-on experiences are also part of the Easter programme. A wreath-making workshop on Saturday 21 March, led by local floral designer Deborah Simpson Boston of Periwinkle Barn, will guide participants through creating a seasonal arrangement using spring blooms, foliage and natural textures.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the Easter holidays, including a special Easter Trail at the woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. Here, children can follow clues left by a mischievous rabbit while exploring treetop tunnels, slides, sky-high walkways and interactive play features.
Additional family activities include hands-on craft sessions in the yurt, a complimentary trail through the Deer Park and guided tours of the castle. Inside the historic rooms, a “Little Eggsplorers” trail will offer younger visitors an engaging way to discover the castle’s heritage.
For those keen to get baking, the popular hot cross bun masterclasses will return on Thursday 9 April, with the Estate chef sharing expert tips for creating the traditional Easter treat in the castle’s medieval kitchen.
Elsewhere on the Estate, High Force Waterfall will host a carrot patch trail, encouraging families to explore the surrounding woodland and spot clues along the way.
A Castle, Park and Gardens with Market Entry ticket is recommended for those wishing to experience the full programme, with prices starting from £24 for adults and £13 for children. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available from £65.
Alternatively, entry to the Easter Food and Craft Market alone is priced at £2 in advance or £5 on the day, with free entry for children under 15. The Family Explorer Ticket, priced from £60 in advance, includes access to the castle, Deer Park, Walled Gardens and The Plotters’ Forest.
Afternoon tea at The Vinery is available on selected dates from 7 to 25 April, starting from £29.50 per person, with pre-booking required.
The Easter wreath workshop takes place on Saturday 21 March at 11am (£65 per person), while the hot cross bun masterclass on Thursday 9 April is priced at £35 per person.
At High Force Waterfall, a family ticket (two adults and two children) is available from £10, with individual tickets priced at £3.95 for adults and £2.45 for children aged four to 15. Children under four go free.
For more information and to book tickets, visit:
www.raby.co.uk/easter-at-raby-estates/