Raby Castle in County Durham has been invited to join the esteemed Treasure Houses of England, a select group of the country’s most significant historic houses, palaces, and castles. This invitation marks Raby Castle as the eleventh member of this distinguished collection, dedicated to sharing the heritage and cultural treasures of England with a wider audience.

​

Lord Barnard, owner of Raby Castle, expressed his pride in this recognition: “Raby Castle has a rich and storied past, having played a role in the plotting of the Rising of the North, served as a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War, and been the birthplace of the mother of Richard III and Edward IV. As the heart of a largely intact ducal estate formerly held by the Dukes of Cleveland, the castle boasts an outstanding collection of art and historical artifacts. My wife and I are committed to making this collection more accessible to the public. Becoming part of the Treasure Houses of England is a great privilege, and we look forward to collaborating with the other distinguished members.”

​

Since inheriting Raby Castle in 2016, Lord and Lady Barnard have been dedicated to enhancing public access and enriching the visitor experience. A three-year restoration and development program has seen several historic buildings meticulously restored, and the 18th-century Walled Gardens have been transformed under the expertise of renowned landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei, working alongside Lady Barnard.

​

Commenting on this prestigious invitation, Lady Barnard said: “It is an honor to stand alongside such remarkable historic properties and collections. My husband’s ancestors assembled an extraordinary collection within Raby Castle and cherished the surrounding landscape. This recognition is a proud moment not only for us but for the entire North East of England.”

​

Victoria Howard, custodian of Castle Howard and chair of the Treasure Houses Group, welcomed Raby Castle to the collection, stating: “The Treasure Houses of England work closely together to share expertise and best practices as both visitor attractions and guardians of historical and natural heritage. Spanning the breadth of Britain, our properties represent the finest historic homes in the country. We are delighted to welcome Raby Castle as our newest member, following their significant investment in conservation and visitor experience.”

​

Raby Castle reopened to the public on Saturday, March 1st, following its annual winter maintenance and conservation program, marking the start of its 2025 season. For the first time in its history, the castle is now open seven days a week, offering visitors the chance to explore its remarkable interiors and collections.

​

Guided tours provide expert insights into the castle’s Medieval, Regency, and Victorian heritage, alongside its extensive collection of fine art, textiles, and furniture spanning from the 17th to the 21st century. The castle’s renowned Deer Park, home to herds of red and fallow deer, and the beautifully restored 18th-century Walled Gardens are also open daily. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of seasonal events and workshops throughout the year.

​

For more information about Raby Castle, its Park, and Gardens, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle.

For details on the Treasure Houses of England, visit: www.treasurehouses.co.uk.