After six years of meticulous planning, Raby Castle is proud to announce the grand opening of The Rising, a transformative 24-acre development featuring a redesigned Walled Garden and a blend of historic and contemporary buildings.

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The Rising represents the most ambitious project undertaken at the 14th-century estate of Lord and Lady Barnard in generations, creating a spectacular destination for both the local community and visitors from afar.

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Following an extensive renovation of historic structures and the addition of two impressive new buildings, all seamlessly connected by landscaped pathways designed by renowned landscape architect Alistair Baldwin, The Rising will officially open its doors on Saturday, June 15.

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Visitors can look forward to a brand-new 200-seater restaurant, upscale shopping experiences, the revitalized 18th-century Walled Garden, and a new exhibition housed within renovated heritage buildings.

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"Historic houses and gardens must offer a complete day out for visitors, with great service, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and drink, and high-quality shopping and events," said Lord Barnard. "We are confident that The Rising delivers this in a breath-taking setting."

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At the heart of The Rising is the newly built Round House, serving as the visitor reception. Adorned with bespoke hand-painted illustrations by Edinburgh artist Lucy Roscoe, this hub is where guests can book tickets, explore dining options, stay updated on events and exhibitions, and discover the Park, Gardens, The Plotters’ Forest Woodland Playground, Castle, and the wider estate including High Force Waterfall.

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Nearby, The Vinery, a newly designed glasshouse seating over 200 guests, offers delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, enjoyed with panoramic views of the High Vinery Garden and Raby Castle.

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The historic 18th-century Walled Garden, redesigned by international garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, now features a romantic five-acre landscape complementing its original yew hedges. Lady Barnard praised Giubbilei’s dedication, saying, "The winter structure is engulfed by spring planting, creating a romantic and peaceful haven."

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Many of Raby’s heritage buildings, previously hidden from view, are now accessible to the public. The 18th-century Coach House has been transformed into an expansive retail space, complete with a free-to-enter exhibition showcasing an audio-visual projection on a bespoke oak table, offering a glimpse into Teesdale’s wildlife.

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The Riding School and Dutch Barn have been restored as magnificent new event spaces. The Riding School, an 18th-century architectural gem, now serves as a versatile 500sqm event space, complemented by the Dutch Barn – the estate’s hidden treasure.

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The historic castle near Staindrop completed the first phase of its redevelopment in 2022 with the opening of The Plotters’ Forest, a woodland adventure playground beloved by families. Featuring trails, events, and seasonal activities, The Plotters’ Forest can be accessed with standalone tickets, which also grant entry to Raby’s famous deer park and gardens.

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"Our goal was to make Raby a place for all generations to enjoy, and I am thrilled that we are finally opening our doors to everything Raby Castle has to offer," said Lord Barnard.

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For opening times and pricing, please visit: Raby Castle Opening Times and Prices

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For more information on The Rising, visit: The Rising at Raby Castle and for Raby Castle, visit: Raby Castle.