A self-drive visit to this important site which played such a part in the history of the North.   We have laid on a  guided tour of the castle leaving plenty of time to explore the extensive recently refurbished walled gardens.  If you require transport or are happy to share your car, please tell us and we will do our best to arrange things

Raby castle is arguably the most impressive, best-preserved castle in the North of England in an overall  form largely unchanged since the late 1300’s  for website click  HERE 

Through 7 centuries  it has been in the hands of only two families  First was the all-powerful Neville family who bult the castle much as it is today.  The redoubtable Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was born and spent her early childhood here  She went on to be the mother of two kings Henry VI and Richard III  

When the uprising in the North failed and the Yorkists lost the Wars of the Roses the Nevilles estates and this castle were seized by the Crown. 

 In 1626 the property was purchased  by Henry Vane a Privy Councillor and secretary of State to Charles I   The Castle survived Royalist sieges and  some serious family disputes.  In the 20th century the castle survived austerity driven by two World wars and society changes  

Lord Harry and Lady Kate Barnard (see picture)  inherited a decade ago and have set about restoring and modernising the property and lands   This includes a recent makeover of the extensive walled gardens; Lady Kate's personal project. The results are featured In House & Gardens magazine click here HERE   They own the  Castle and lands and view this important historic monument as their "Primary Residence"

Do not miss out on this our first event of 2026.    More details are to follow. For now, price is £19 per person including the tour   The are several options to enjoy refreshments  The plan is for the tour to start at 12,30 pm to give plenty of tine to get there have then explore the gardens, Raby castle is near Staindrop, 5 miles east of Barnard Castle. Directions to follow

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