Raby Castle, Deer Park & The Plotters' Forest — Attraction in Raby with Keverstone

Visted again in June 2024 on opening of the Vinery.

Not a budget day out if you are on a lower income. Expensive cafe, expensive gift shop, expensive entry, unless accessing all areas (I feel that offers best value for money in terms of what you get to see in return for your money) though it is free to access the vinery and gift shop, from the carpark. Now I have seen all the Raby estate offers, the new bit, at the moment was a little underwhelming from expectations, based on descriptions read, when it was being planned and built. Gift shop was barely any different from last year, just relocated and spread out more. Definitely very little is affordable for a lower budget. I had expected more retail and food options to be available in that area. Guessing these are still to come? Walled gardens are nice, but you get around them quickly. Did enjoy the new stable exhibit, sharing some history of the estate. The 3d map was especially impressive. Visited Vinery cafe and found a bit chaotic in main food area, though the open sandwich I had was nice. I wish I had waited longer for the new part to be more established and finished before visiting. We were told in the gift shop that there was a Dutch barn to view, but it was still being done out, so it was closed.

Summer 2023; Visited again properly, to see the deer park and Castle and wow, what place! Absolutely stunning! Enjoyed a walk around the deer park first, which had beautiful views all the way round as well as being able to see the herd of deer relaxing. Dog friendly, in the deer park as long as you keep the dog on the lead, which everyone did, except one lady in a pink op with a spaniel, who obviously though the rules didn't apply to her. (There's always one who spoils it, isn't there?) After this we had a quick snack in the Yurt cafe which is fun to visit but as, per usual with such places is a tad on the expensive side. But great service and the Yurt is a bit different. The Castle is fabulous. I particularly enjoyed the hunting lodge/coach park part. The guides through out are clearly passionate and enjoy sharing interesting knowledge. You can do a guided tour but nearly every room has a guide in who can tell you anything you'd wish to know. There was also items relating to the coronation on display on our visit which I really enjoyed seeing. Visited the gift shop before we left for a treat. Lovely selection of goodies on offer. There's also lots of new developments to come across the Raby Estate, such as dining and retail and such, so watch this space. Very fairly priced to access the Castle and deer park and simply a beautiful place. Well worth a visit.

Xmas 2020: First time here (xmas 2020) and what a beautiful place, with a friendly staff team. I attended for a workshop (Willow Reindeer) Turns out the original tutor could not make it due to bereavement. Rather than cancel the whole thing, short notice, Raby Castle sourced another tutor who was thankfully able to take their place. So pleased as had really been looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint. Staff throughout the day were all lovely. Had a mooch in the gift shop, which was very pretty and sold some lovely things. The reason for not giving 5* is for the length of time waiting in the Stables cafe for a sandwich and bottle of pop. Over 40 minutes!!! Then basically as it has taking so long and we were due back to the workshop had to ask staff if they could get them for takeout, so we could get back to the workshop, so it was chucked together quickly. £10.40 for pop and sandwich was quite expensive, considering sandwich was not that great. Next time I think I'll take my own food and just have a cuppa...

The site of Raby Castle has borne witness to more than a thousand years of history. The current fortress, begun in the 14th century, was built by the powerful Neville family, one of the most influential dynasties in medieval England, whose fortunes were closely tied to the Wars of the Roses. Later, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the castle passed to the Vane family, who carried out major works in the 1700s to restore and remodel the estate.

Walking around the castle today, you’re struck not only by its sheer scale but by the way its towers and halls tell a story across the centuries. Each section is carefully marked with its original name and function. The Chapel Tower, dating to the 1300s, sits between the older Bulmer’s Tower of the 1100s and another stronghold from the 1200s, a timeline in stone that traces England’s turbulent medieval past.

Inside, the rooms echo the grandeur of generations. The vast Baron’s Hall, once a setting for feasts and political intrigue, leads to the richly decorated dining room, where a Van Dyck painting holds pride of place. The cavernous kitchen, with its suite of servants’ quarters, hints at the bustling life below stairs. But the true jewel of the interior is the Octagonal Drawing Room, created between 1845 and 1847 as a showpiece for entertaining distinguished guests. Its vivid colours, opulent furnishings, and intricate décor speak of an era when status was displayed in every gilded detail.

Outside, the setting is no less dramatic. A shimmering pond catches the sunlight as swallows skim across its surface. Beyond, the landscaped gardens and sweeping deer park frame the castle in a romantic pastoral scene. Long-horn cattle graze lazily, while herds of deer, stags standing tall and watchful, add to the sense of timelessness.

Another highlight lies in the Coach House, a domed chamber where elegant carriages once drew in beneath lofty arches. Guests could alight without a drop of rain, before their coaches rolled out through opposite doors, a reminder of the thoughtful grandeur of aristocratic life.

On this busy Bank Holiday Monday, the castle feels alive with visitors. Families wander through the formal gardens, children run across the lawns, and we pause for a cold drink while soaking up the atmosphere. It is both a place of great history and a living landscape, a grand fortress softened by nature’s beauty.

As we drive away through the estate, glimpses of the castle appear between the trees, its stone walls mirrored in one of the two great ponds. It is a scene little changed over centuries: castle, water, deer, and sky, and Raby standing proud as a sentinel of northern...

Raby Castle is an impressive site with well-maintained grounds and modern amenities. The entire area is clean, tidy, and offers ample parking. The beautifully kept gardens are a pleasure to explore. While the food is expensive, the ice creams and hot drinks, sourced from top suppliers like Wensleydale, are a worthwhile treat—especially the cherry-flavored ice cream.

We opted not to dine at the restaurant due to high prices, such as £11 for a jacket potato, and the lack of a children's menu. The restrooms, both men's and women's, were immaculate.

The castle itself is stunning inside and out, with more to offer than photos can capture. There is plenty of interesting information, and knowledgeable staff are available to share insights. We arrived just after 10 AM on a Friday, which allowed us to explore the gift shop and other areas before the castle opened at 11. This early start made for a peaceful visit; by the time we finished our initial tour, the castle had become quite busy, so I highly recommend arriving early.

After touring the castle, we enjoyed a walk through the well-loved and meticulously maintained gardens. We had lunch in the car and then treated ourselves to ice cream before heading to the Plotters’ Forest. The forest is a fantastic play area for children, though smaller than expected. My 8-year-old had a great time, and we spent two hours there. There’s a café and restrooms nearby, allowing for an extended visit within your allotted time slot. Adults are also welcome to use the park, which is helpful for those with nervous children.

The experience was reasonably priced. Initially, the total was nearly £100, but by starting over and adding the Plotters' Forest first, we were able to include the castle and gardens for just £17 more as a family. This brought the total to £62 for two adults and three children, which is a great value. I strongly recommend booking online to secure your spot and benefit from lower prices compared to on-site rates.

Summary: Raby Castle is a must-visit with its beautiful grounds, stunning interiors, and excellent amenities. Though food prices are high (which can be avoided with a picnic), the overall experience is worthwhile, especially if you book online for better deals. The Plotters' Forest adds extra fun for children, making it a great day out...