Place to visit

Telephone

01833 660 202

Description

The dramatic mediaeval castle is set within a 250 acre deer park, with a delightful rolling landscape and walled gardens. Raby Castle was built mainly in the 14th Century by the Nevill Family on a site of an earlier Manor House The Nevills continued to live at Raby until 1569, when after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and its land were forfeited to the Crown. Since then it has been the home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626. At Raby you will discover the vast Barons Hall where it is reputed that 700 knights gathered to plot a rebellion against Elizabeth I, a splendid Victorian octagonal drawing room from the 19th century and a mediaeval kitchen, used until 1954. Raby's treasures include an important collection of Meissen porcelain, fine furniture and artworks, including paintings by Munnings, De Hooch, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Teniers. The 18th Century Stable block contains a horse-drawn carriage collection including the State Coach last used by the family for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902. The remaining part of the stables has been converted into a gift shop and tearooms. Events take place throughout the summer.

Location

Raby Castle is positioned on the A688 Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle road, one mile north of the village of Staindrop. Easily accessible from the A1 and A66.