First look at Raby Castle in Bloom
The Baron's Hall by Swallows and Damsons for Castle in Bloom at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
The Dining Room by Opulence and the Beetle for Castle in Bloom at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
A major lifestyle destination in the North of England has unveiled first look images of its spectacular new floral installation, Castle in Bloom, ahead of its opening on Saturday 2nd May.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and the surrounding visitor spaces have been transformed for summer 2026 with breathtaking floral displays inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle said: “Every department at Raby has played a part in bringing this theme to life. In the past Raby Castle would have been an incredibly productive place with home grown flowers, plants and even tropical fruits! Old photographs show us that flowers and plants would have filled the castle in the past and we were all delighted to lean into that history and bring this theme to life.”
As part of the transformation, Raby’s gardening team has created a vibrant multi-coloured display of annual flowers across the castle terrace.
Dickon Harding, gardens and landscape manager at Raby Castle said: “We also wanted to extend the experience to the exterior of the castle and delight visitors with a sea of colours as soon as you walk through the castle gates. The castle is a very dominating building but the addition of flowers to the terrace will soften the façade and show the historic building in an entirely new light.
“The placement of the seeds and flowers, which have been provided by Boston Seeds, has allowed us to create a visually stunning pathway for visitors to follow after entering through the Neville Gateway and we’ve also left the lawns to the north of the castle to grow, ensuring there is a beautiful and natural environment all around.”
Inside the castle, visitors will discover arches overflowing with flowers, immersive meadow-style displays and richly textured installations that guide guests on a sensory journey from dark to light, accompanied by delicate floral fragrances throughout.
The Entrance Hall by Swallows and Damsons for Castle in Bloom at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
The medieval passage has been transformed by Deborah Simpson Boston, local floral designer and owner of Periwinkle Barn, who has created a living floral entrance to the main installation.
Deborah said: “The design for the passageway has been created to welcome guests to the space and draw them into the Castle in Bloom experience. A mixture of textures has been incorporated, including soft grasses, wildflowers and dried British flowers, and we’ve purposefully chosen flowers which are warm, fragrant and inviting for an immersive experience down the corridor.”
At the heart of Castle in Bloom are the castle’s grand state rooms, featuring contemporary floral designs by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, whose installation explores the contrast between darkness and light.
The Entrance Hall showcases a dramatic suspended orb representing the moon, created from dried deschampsia grasses harvested from Raby’s own Walled Gardens. Above, the Baron’s Hall is home to a vast suspended sun portal positioned against the room’s three magnificent windows.
Several local suppliers and creatives have also contributed to the installation, including Yorkshire-based florist Opulence and the Beetle, whose vibrant floral creations have transformed additional castle rooms.
Blooms by Samuel Baker, whose curated collection of faux botanicals is stocked in Raby’s Coach House, has extended the floral theme throughout the wider destination. Their installations include a decorative meadow woven through the ladder in The Vinery Cafe and three striking suspended floral arrangements in the Round House.
To further celebrate Raby’s historic relationship with horticulture, visitors can also explore a specially curated exhibition highlighting influential figures connected to the estate’s gardening heritage, including 18th century botanist Lady Anne Monson and the head gardeners who have shaped the award-winning gardens over the years.
For those looking to enjoy a full day out inspired by flowers and planting design, visitors can also explore the wider grounds and gardens at Raby. Yorkshire-based landscape designer Alistair Baldwin has created the planting schemes surrounding the visitor buildings, while the 18th century Walled Gardens, redesigned by Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard, offer further inspiration alongside the Garden Trading furniture collection in the Conservatory.
Visitors can also indulge in a floral-themed afternoon tea in The Vinery Cafe, featuring a beautifully presented three-tiered selection of freshly prepared treats.
Castle in Bloom runs until 31st August. Entry is included in all Castle, Park and Gardens tickets, priced at £23 for adults, £22 for concessions, £12 for children aged 4 - 15 years and £66 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.
Raby’s Family Explorer Ticket, which includes access to everything across the lifestyle destination as well as Castle in Bloom, is available for £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.
For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/