A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY....

 

RABY CASTLE LAUNCHES A NEW VISITOR DESTINATION FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND 

 

 

Opening in spring 2024, Raby Castle brings an exciting new visitor experience to the home of Lord and Lady Barnard in captivating County Durham in the North of England. Known as The Rising it will be the largest development in generations at this 14th century family home and the next chapter in the fascinating history of Raby Castle.

 

Historic and iconic buildings previously hidden from view have been renovated and repurposed to create elegant retail space, a stylish restaurant and magnificent event and exhibition spaces all intertwined with beautifully landscaped meandering walkways to create the perfect day out.

 

The historic 18th century Walled Garden has been remodelled by world renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard. They have created a stunning five-acre romantic scheme to celebrate the Walled Garden's existing features, including the famous sculptural yew hedges.

 

Set within the grounds of Raby Castle, the scheme named The Rising combines Raby’s rich history as the home of one of Britain’s most notorious plots, the Rising of the North, with the promise of growth, energy and ambition, which will provide visitors with a unique experience set within the scenic countryside of the North of England. All aspects of the scheme bear the distinctive Raby trademark of simple, honest design combined with the Estate’s energy and spirit.

 

Raby Castle’s current custodian Lady Barnard who has led the project with her husband Lord Barnard said, “For several years we have been working to restore the historic working buildings at Raby Castle where our family have been living for the past 400 years.

“It is an ambitious project that we are hugely excited about launching to visitors who already know and love Raby as well as new visitors to the area. We genuinely feel Raby now has something for everyone – from its unique history and collections in the Castle to the stunning parkland and Deer Park, Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground, and full events programme – we hope all our visitors will enjoy everything it has to offer.”

 

The historic listed buildings known as The Dutch Barn and The Riding School, previously hidden from the public view, were originally the working buildings servicing the ancient Castle but had fallen out of use over a century ago. Over the past two years they have now been lovingly restored using traditional skills and materials sourced from the estate.

 

The magnificent Grade II* listed the Coach House, designed by renowned architect John Carr in the 18th century will now offer a free-to-enter exhibition to allow visitors to delve deeper into Raby's rich history and the picturesque Teesdale landscape.

Visitors will receive a warm welcome at The Round House, a newly constructed building that will be a ticketing and information reception where visitors can discover all that can be enjoyed at Raby Park, Gardens and Castle as well as the wider Estate including High Force Waterfall. The building takes inspiration from a simple but beautiful field barn sited close to the castle. Its surroundings are all tied together by landscaped gardens designed by award-winning North Yorkshire based Alistair Baldwin.

The Walled Garden comprises the East, Formal and West Gardens as well as a new grass amphitheatre set in the lower part of the East Garden which will host a programme of outdoor productions. Raby has created a beautiful place for the local community and visitors to enjoy all year round.

A newly designed glasshouse, The Vinery Restaurant, modelled on the original which stood in the same spot, will seat over 200 people. The Vinery Restaurant will offer locally sourced ingredients from across the estate and a menu for all, enjoyed with panoramic views across the High Vinery Garden and Raby Castle beyond.

Raby Castle is bringing a destination with a difference to the North of England where visitors of every generation can discover County Durham’s thrilling past and promising future.

 

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/