Raby’s Spring Garden Fair returns for 2026 after sell-out debut
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has announced the return of its popular Spring Garden Fair this May, following the event’s hugely successful debut in 2025, which attracted thousands of visitors.
Quickly establishing itself as a major highlight in the lifestyle destination’s annual calendar, the three-day event will take place over the second May bank holiday weekend from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May.
Taking centre stage throughout the event will be Raby’s expert gardening team, who will host tours and talks while sharing practical advice and insight into the remarkable transformation of Raby’s 18th century Walled Gardens, remodelled by world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard.
Dickon Harding, gardens and landscape manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said:
“Our Spring Garden Fair is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the reawakening of our gardens after their winter slumber, as spring breathes new life into the landscape.
“From our stunning Amelanchier and Cherry blossoms to the vibrant perennials, the ever-changing beauty of the Walled Gardens continues to shine. Our team is really looking forward to showcasing this wonderful space and sharing some of our gardening tips, so our visitors can leave feeling inspired and keen to replicate some of this in their own outdoor spaces.”
Visitors can also enjoy additional talks, horticultural showcases and floristry demonstrations from a line-up of prominent industry figures, including Arthur Parkinson, award-winning gardener, broadcaster and best-selling author; Anna Potter of Swallows and Damsons; local floral designer and Periwinkle Barn owner Deborah Simpson Boston; and North Yorkshire-based landscape architect and garden designer Alistair Baldwin, who redesigned the extensive public areas within the castle grounds.
Acclaimed artist Sarah Nelson will also lead a live drawing class within the Walled Gardens, sharing techniques for creating expressive artwork inspired directly by the surrounding landscape.
Set within the thoughtfully restored Riding School, the fair will offer visitors the chance to browse a variety of specialist stalls while soaking up Raby’s heritage surroundings. Additional shopping opportunities await in the Coach House retail space and outdoor Coach Yard, offering inspiration for outdoor living and garden design.
Plant stalls will also be available throughout the Walled Gardens, while the Conservatory will showcase the Garden Trading collection, featuring stylish indoor and outdoor furniture, pots, homeware accessories and tableware.
Families can enjoy a host of hands-on activities including flower crown making and seed planting, before taking a scenic tractor ride through the Deer Park or heading to the woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest.
Visitors can also make the most of Raby’s dining experiences throughout the day, including freshly prepared sandwiches, sweet treats and light lunches at The Vinery; speciality teas, coffees and snacks at the Garage Café; homemade traybakes and refreshments at the Plotters’ Pantry; and an estate barbecue in the Dutch Barn, featuring produce sourced directly from the Raby Estate.
Live entertainment will fill the East Garden amphitheatre, while visitors can also explore the medieval castle and experience the spectacular Castle in Bloom installation.
Created by Swallows and Damsons, Castle in Bloom will transform several castle rooms with dramatic floral displays, from a suspended orb of dried deschampsia grasses harvested from Raby’s own Walled Gardens to vibrant mounds of multi-coloured dried flowers, with delicate transparent threads appearing to float upwards into the castle’s vast interior spaces.
Adding to the excitement, Raby’s Walled Gardens have been entered into the RHS Partner Garden of the Year Competition 2026, which celebrates gardens that bring nature to life in imaginative and inspiring ways. Public voting is now open until Monday 21st September, with one regional winner selected before the overall national title is awarded.
A Spring Garden Fair ticket with Castle, Park and Gardens entry is available, priced at £23 for adults, £12 for children aged 4 to 15 years, or £66 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.
Raby is also offering an exclusive early bird 10% discount with the code SPRING10.
For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/spring-garden-fair/
To vote for Raby’s Walled Gardens in the RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2026 competition, visit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/partner-gardens/rhs-partner-garden-of-the-year/vote
