Ghost stories and hauntings at Raby Castle with new
Halloween tours and events
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has unveiled a thrilling lineup of Halloween tours and events for all ages, promising spine-tingling experiences throughout the spooky season.
For the first time in its history, visitors can explore Raby Castle by torchlight. Running daily from Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October, the atmospheric evening tours will guide guests through both familiar and rarely seen parts of the 14th-century fortress - including areas never before opened to the public.
Led by Raby’s expert guides, the tours will reveal centuries of eerie tales, from historic legends recorded in the castle archives to more recent accounts of ghostly encounters experienced by staff and visitors.
Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “Focusing on the more eerie side of Raby Castle isn’t something we’ve done before, and we’ve extensively researched this to ensure we are providing an insight that is respectful and truthful about the experiences people have had at Raby.
“We are divulging tales that have been documented in Raby’s archives and written about in County Durham folklore, alongside stories that have been told to us by the Raby team, volunteers, Lady Barnard herself and visitors. Nothing has been made up and are all believed to have happened by those who experienced them.”
Lit only by the light of candles and torches, visitors will be able to experience and see the castle as generations have done in the past and learn about the medieval fortress’ chilling tales of the unexpected and unexplained.
Julie added: “The process of putting these anecdotes together was an interesting yet seamless one, and it left me feeling as though the castle wants these stories to be told.
“I would also like visitors to know that what they experience and feel during this tour isn’t because we’ve put it there. We haven’t created an artificial setting with fake cobwebs, sound effects and screams – the atmosphere is purely created by the castle itself. This really is a chance for people to let their imaginations run wild.”
In keeping with Victorian traditions of ghost storytelling, Raby Castle will also host a special one-night event on Wednesday 29th October. Ghost Stories for Halloween: Haunted Places will feature ghost story expert Dr Emma Liggins, who will give an illustrated talk on the 19th-century rise of Gothic fiction, followed by a live, lamp-lit performance from writer and actor Adam Z. Robinson - sure to send shivers down every spine.
Families can also enjoy a gentler thrill with The Hauntings and Happenings Family Tour, a candlelit journey through the castle designed for children aged 8–12.
Daytime Halloween offerings include a spooky afternoon tea in The Vinery (with a child-friendly version available), creative pumpkin painting workshops on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October, and the return of the popular Halloween trail through The Plotters’ Forest.
Back by popular demand, The Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail in The Plotters’ Forest invites families to explore the woods as dusk falls, discovering glowing surprises in the shadows.
Dates, timings, and ticket information:
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The Haunted Raby: Tour by Torchlight – Sat 25th–Fri 31st October, 5.30–7pm. £25 per adult. Ages 16+.
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Ghost Stories for Halloween: Haunted Places – Wed 29th October, 6pm. £15 per adult.
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The Hauntings and Happenings Family Tour – Sat 25th Oct–Sat 1st Nov, from 4pm. £12.50 adults / £10 children (8–12).
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Plotters’ Forest Halloween Trail – Included with standard admission or Family Explorer Ticket (Castle, Deer Park, Gardens & Forest): £60 online (£65 onsite) for two adults + two children.
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Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail – 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th & 31st October, 4.30–7pm. £8 adults / £10 children. (Play equipment closed during trail).
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Pumpkin Painting Workshop – £10 per child (each accompanied by an adult).
For full details and to book tickets, visit www.raby.co.uk/halloween.
