Located in the county of Durham, Raby Castle is a medieval marvel. With its perfectly restored condition, and surrounded by lush green gardens with a glistening pond, the castle is one the most distinguished castles of its time. Apart from the historical sites to witness, there are several additional activities that you can enjoy while visiting Raby Castle. If you are planning to visit Raby Castle, here is a detailed guide to how you can make your time worthwhile while visiting this wonder.
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Raby Castle is famous for its intriguing artifacts that line the interior of the castle. Most of these arts and crafts are by Old Masters, including Sir Anthony Van Dyck and Jacopo Amigoni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Raby Castle Located?
Raby Castle is located in Staindrop, in the county of Durham, England. The castle grounds covers an area of almost 200 acres.
When was Raby Castle Built? Who Build It?
Raby Castle was built somewhere between 1367 and 1390 by John Neville, 3rd Baron Neville.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
The Castle is open to visitors, all days around the year. However, the best time to visit Raby Castle is somewhere between May to September. The summer breeze, lush gardens, along the sunlight making the nearby lake shimmer like a pearl is a scene worth seeing.
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
If you plan to visit Raby Castle, there are some other historical monuments near the castle vicinity worth a visit. Among some of the places that you can visit include Bowes Museum (6 Miles away), St. Mary’s Church (0.9 Miles away), and Mining Art Gallery (7 miles away).
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
The Nevills
The history of the castle starts with the Nevills family, who built the foundation of Raby Castle around the 14th century. The castle was accessed via a drawbridge and served as a palace fortress. The massive towers linked by curtain walls allowed the Castle Guard to look out for any potential enemies.
The Nevills retained their residence in the castle till the sixteenth century. The family was forced to evacuate, and Raby Castle came under the Crown’s ownership after the failure of the Rising of the North. The 6th Earl of Westmorland was the last Nevill to live in Raby Castle until he fled and died in exile in Holland.
The Vanes
After the Nevilles’ exile, Raby Castle stayed under Crown ownership till 1626 when Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased it. From there began a new period for Raby Castle where it became the fortress for a prominent member of Parliament. Sir Henry Vane the Elder also did some renovation within the castle; the renovation supplies were taken from Barnard Castle, which was de-roofed and pilfered of some stones. Raby Castle remained under the Vanes family for the coming few centuries, with minor repairs to maintain the castle.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
At present, the castle still belongs to the Vane family. It is also considered home to Lord and Lady Barnard. The castle holds an astonishing range of cultural and historical artifacts dating back to the 17th century. The art, textiles, and furniture on display speak of Raby Castle’s glory over the centuries.
Raby Castle and its surrounding gardens are registered national sites today, which have been preserved several times to maintain the originality of the castle. The bathhouse, icehouse, model farms, temple, and other landscape parks constructed in the vicinity of the castle mirror the eighteenth-century time. From the tree planting to the designed gardens, every detail provides an understanding of how the estate was used in the period when it was constructed.
Interesting Raby Castle Facts
- Raby Castle got its name from Viking settlements which were established in the region around the 11th century. King Cnut, also known as Canute II the Great, laid the foundation of the “Rabi” state. The word is derived from the Danish language, where “Ra” means “boundary” and “Bi” means “dwelling.”
- It took twenty-three years of labor to build the Castle of Raby. The construction effort started in the second half of the fourteenth century, from 1367 till 1390.
- Raby Castle is famous for its intriguing artifacts that line the interior of the castle. Most of these arts and crafts are by Old Masters, including Sir Anthony Van Dyck and Jacopo Amigoni.
- The most interesting artifact in the castle is “the Greek Slave,” made by famous neoclassical artist Hiram Powers.
Visiting Raby Castle – Tips and Tricks
If you are planning to visit a meaningful yet equally glamorous location, then Raby Castle is your place. However, before you plan your visit, there are a few tips and tricks that you must keep in focus to ensure a smooth venture.
How to get to Raby Castle?
You can visit Raby Castle by car or bus. Bus route 84 from Haughton Road is the ideal bus route to take, which will directly take you to Raby Castle. If you are traveling via car, there is a large free car park (or parking lot) available on site which you can avail.
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on October 29, 2023.
Ticket prices are different depending upon which landmarks of the castle grounds you wish to visit. The castle ticket allows you to visit the castle as well as the adjacent parks and gardens. The prices are £13 ($18 USD) for adults and £6.50 ($9 USD) for children between 5-15 years old. Kids under five can enter the castle free of cost. The family ticket for five persons costs £36.50 ($50 USD). To visit the park and walled gardens, the ticket is £8 for the adults, £4 for children between 5-15 years of age, and free for children younger than five. You can visit the stables, woodland play area, and stables café free of cost. There is also a special discount for students with valid student IDs and disabled individuals.
The castle is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, between 11 am and 4 pm. The deer park and the walled gardens open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The stables, cafes, and woodland play area are also open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The Stables Shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
At present, the Castle is undergoing a period of development and restoration. The restoration plan involves extending the surrounding gardens and building a wildlife park. Therefore, the walled gardens will be closed during the renovation period, which is believed to last till December 2021. It is important to note that the Raby Castle has limited accessibility, considering the historic nature of the building. Similarly, there is limited access for individuals in wheelchairs.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
The whole tour can take up to three to four hours, including the castle and adjacent gardens.
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/
Some words of advice and tips:
- Make sure to take advantage of the guided tours offered. It is the best way to learn the history of the place.
- There are also organized group walks that you can take to appreciate some of the breathtaking views that Raby Castle offers.
- Apart from the castle itself, there is so much more that you can visit and enjoy: from the horse-drawn carriage collection to the Deer Park and walled garden.
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