Raby Castle and Deer Park
Imposing medieval castle with art treasures and tapestries set within a scenic 200-acre deer park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Playground & market access
Raby Castle and Deer Park
Best Time
Playground & market access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Imposing medieval castle with art treasures and tapestries set within a scenic 200-acre deer park.
"A truly amazing day out with stunning history, peaceful grounds, and a lovely walled garden."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Raby Castle is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome in the shop, cafe, and deer park. Hydration stations are available.
☕ Cafe Variety
Two dog-friendly cafes offer refreshments. While options are good, some find limited non-child-friendly choices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Castle Interiors
Main Castle Building
Explore stunning medieval rooms filled with art, tapestries, and centuries of history. Informative guides bring the past to life.
Walled Gardens
Adjacent to the Castle
Discover beautifully maintained gardens, a haven for butterflies and a peaceful escape. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Deer Park Safari
Deer Park
Embark on a guided tour to observe red and fallow deer roaming freely across 200 acres of parkland.
+2
Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground
Near the Castle
An exciting adventure playground designed for children, offering a fun-filled experience amidst nature.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
+1Embrace the Outdoors
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
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🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Raby Castle is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome in the shop, cafe, and deer park. Hydration stations are available.
☕ Cafe Variety
Two dog-friendly cafes offer refreshments. While options are good, some find limited non-child-friendly choices.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the castle and extensive grounds. Comfortable shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Bring your camera or phone to capture stunning shots of the deer and the picturesque castle and garden landscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Raby Castle is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome in the shop, cafe, and deer park. Hydration stations are available.
☕ Cafe Variety
Two dog-friendly cafes offer refreshments. While options are good, some find limited non-child-friendly choices.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the castle and extensive grounds. Comfortable shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Bring your camera or phone to capture stunning shots of the deer and the picturesque castle and garden landscapes.
📅 Check Opening Times
Castle and grounds have specific opening hours, and some attractions like the playground are seasonal. Always check before visiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Raby Castle for its stunning medieval architecture, beautiful gardens, and the engaging deer park. The family-friendly atmosphere, particularly the Plotters' Forest playground, is a major draw. While the cafes are generally well-received and dog-friendly, some find the food options a bit limited for less adventurous eaters. Overall, it's considered a highly worthwhile day out.
"Went on a beautiful sunny day and was blown away by the gorgeous walled gardens. Lots of butterflies which our daughter enjoyed photographing. We went on a guided tour round the castle and Daphne was very informative and kept some of the "chatty" and wandering guests from the party in line with her professional competence 🤣. After the castle tour we walked through the deer park and captured some wonderful video footage of several deers running up the embankment and crossing the path right in front of us. Lovely experience for both us and our 15 year old. Very stylish and bright/airy cafe where we found something to eat quite easily for us adults, but if you are slightly particular with your foods and not a child it did prove a little more difficult. You can't go wrong with jacket potatoes but unfortunately our daughter isn't a fan. Was looking for something safe like macaroni cheese and garlic bread but we found something to suit in the end. Definitely worth the money. Spent 3+ hours here. Easy to find and parking great. Every aspect of this place was tidy and well maintained. One suggestion, the toilets separate from the cafe (never looked in the cafe toilets) could do with a sanitary dispenser."
Nikki Codd
"Beautiful castle and gardens – well worth a visit!
Stunning historic building, peaceful grounds, and a lovely walled garden. Great for families, especially with the deer park and the amazing kids’ play area (Plotters’ Forest). Staff are friendly and everything is well maintained. A perfect day out in the countryside!"
Adrian Moldovan
"I went here for the first time today. On entry there was a market with the gardens and access to the Castle. The Castle is the main event in my opinion. The rooms are stunningly beautiful and well preserved. I would go again to take in all the sights and look for new things to catch my eye. There is parking and the person at the entrance took card payments for entry."
random User
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Raby Castle is located in County Durham. It's about a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Newcastle.
Public transport options to Raby Castle can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access.
Parking at Raby Castle is described as great and easy to find. There are designated areas for visitors to park their vehicles.
Yes, Raby Castle is a popular day trip destination. It's about an hour's drive from Newcastle, making it feasible for a full day of exploration.
While specific details on signage aren't widely shared, its location in County Durham means it's generally well-integrated into local road networks for visitors. Using a GPS or navigation app is always advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees apply for Raby Castle and its grounds. The entrance person at the gate accepts card payments. Consider a season pass if you plan to visit multiple times.
While general entry might be available on the day, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended for special events like Christmas trails or Horrible Histories takeovers to guarantee entry.
Admission typically includes access to the castle interiors, the walled gardens, and the deer park. Special events may require separate tickets.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely detailed, but season passes are mentioned as a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. It's always worth checking their official website for any current offers.
Raby Castle and its grounds have specific opening hours that can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Raby Castle website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the stunning castle interiors, wander through the beautiful walled gardens, take a guided Deer Park Safari, and enjoy the Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground.
Absolutely! Families love Raby Castle, especially the Plotters' Forest Adventure Playground and the chance to see deer. +2
Yes, Raby Castle is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome in the deer park, shop, and cafe, with hydration stations available.
Yes, guided tours are available for the castle, with guides like Daphne providing informative and engaging insights into its history. Deer Park Safaris are also guided.
It's a fantastic adventure playground perfect for children of all ages, offering a fun and engaging outdoor experience. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Raby Castle has two dog-friendly cafes on-site, including one in the orangery and a new Vinery cafe. +1
The cafes offer a range of options, including jacket potatoes and coffees. Some visitors note that while good for adults, options might be limited for picky eaters. Brymor Ice Cream is also available.
While not explicitly stated, the extensive grounds and cafes suggest that picnicking might be permitted in designated areas. It's best to confirm on-site or their website.
Reviews suggest the food is delicious and reasonably priced for a day out, with one visitor mentioning it was worth the money.
Yes, both cafes at Raby Castle are dog-friendly, making it convenient for visitors with pets.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle exterior, the walled gardens with butterflies, the deer in the park, and the grand interiors all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside Raby Castle, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions in certain rooms or exhibits.
Sunny days enhance the beauty of the gardens and parkland. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for capturing the castle's architecture.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography policies. It's advisable to contact Raby Castle directly to inquire about their regulations regarding drone usage.
The main wildlife attraction is the herds of red and fallow deer in the park. Butterflies are also noted in the walled gardens. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and the chance to spot butterflies in the Walled Gardens. The cafes are generally accommodating, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming for families. 🐶 Dog Owners
+1 Dogs are welcome in the deer park, the shop, and the cafe, with hydration stations dotted around for their convenience. This means you can enjoy a full day out without leaving your dog behind, allowing them to explore the beautiful grounds alongside you. 🏰 History Buffs
Take advantage of the guided castle tours led by knowledgeable volunteers who share captivating stories and insights into the castle's past inhabitants and events. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Raby Castle's History
It played a significant role in English history, notably during the Rising of the North in 1569. The castle's impressive defensive structure, featuring high curtain walls and towers, speaks to its medieval origins. Inside, the rooms are described as stunningly beautiful and well-preserved, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. Beyond its military significance, Raby Castle has also been a stage for historical narratives, including those of notable women.
Exploring the Deer Park and Gardens
+2 Visitors can embark on a guided Deer Park Safari to observe these animals up close and learn fascinating insights from knowledgeable rangers. The parkland itself offers stunning views of the castle and is a perfect setting for leisurely walks, with several suggested routes available. It's also noted as being very dog-friendly, allowing canine companions to enjoy the expansive grounds. +1Adjacent to the castle are the beautiful walled gardens, a peaceful sanctuary that attracts numerous butterflies, much to the delight of visitors, especially children.
Family Fun at Raby Castle
Beyond the playground, the deer park provides an exciting opportunity for children to spot wildlife, and the walled gardens are a lovely spot for them to explore and discover butterflies.
With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, Raby Castle ensures a memorable and fun-filled day out for the entire family. 
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