Welcome
Uncover history at one of the most impressive intact castles in England. Explore our beautiful parkland and meet our herds of red and fallow deer. Discover a woodland hideaway playground at The Plotters' Forest.
Enjoy a spot of lunch in the cafe and browse the lovely gifts in the shop.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
CastleHorseboxToiletsCaféStables ShopThe Plotters' ForestThere is level access from the car park to:
Picnic AreaHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
If travelling by bus you should arrive at Raby Castle, North Lodge.
The following bus services, service this stop:
Scarlet Band Route 84 runs between the towns of Darlington and Barnard Castle via Bishop Auckland and Cockfield village, passing Raby Castle approximately every 2 hours, alight at Raby Castle North Lodge stop.
If travelling from Durham, Arriva bus service 6 runs from Durham, via Bishop Auckland to Cockfield every half an hour. Alight at Cockfield then transfer to bus 84 onto Raby Castle.
Arriva Bus Service 75 travels between Darlington and Barnard Castle via Staindrop once every hour, alight at Staindrop then either walk (approx 1 mile) to Raby Castle or transfer to service 84 travelling to Bishop Auckland.
Please check bus routes direct with transport providers.
Parking
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Getting around inside
Ticket/ information desk
Horsebox
There is an accessible entrance into the Shop where visitors can purchase tickets, as well as the Cafe, but both ticket desks are not at wheelchair height.
Things to See and Do
Castle
Disabled visitors can enter the Castle through our Entrance Hall. However, due to the medieval construction of the Castle, there are stairs to other spaces which will not be accessible for wheelchair users.
Public toilet
Toilets
There is no accessible toilet in the castle however there is an accessible toilet near the parking area and cafe yurt.
Shop
Stables Shop
Place to eat and drink
Café
Disabled visitors can enter the Cafe through which has a permanent ramp in place.
Getting around outside
Walking Routes
Visitors are welcome to freely explore our 200 acre Deer Park. However, there is a tarmac path that runs around the Castle and ponds which is accessible for wheelchair users along with grass paths.
Picnic Area
Picnic Area
The Plotters' Forest
The Plotters’ Forest is set on a hillside within natural woodland, with some uneven ground and steps. However, a wooden boardwalk, which reaches the top of the playground is accessible by wheelchair and pushchair allowing visitors to enjoy interactive games on the first level.
The Plotters’ Forest has been designed to allow enjoyment and engagement at the boardwalk level for those visitors with mobility issues however you cannot access some play equipment at the upper level. We were mindful to install several interactive items at boardwalk level to make the experience as accessible as possible, including musical chimes, peeky portrait, pairs games, talking tubes and mischief mirrors. The play equipment is only part of the attraction of this wonderful place. The way the accessible boardwalk weaves throughout the pine trees allows for a very special sensory experience, just the smell and colour of this fabulous forest towering above you makes it a very magical place and one which stimulates both wellbeing and imaginative play.
Customer care support
If requested we can provide an area for people to charge mobility scooters and battery-powered wheelchairs.
Emergency evacuation procedures
There will be a member of staff in every room during an emergency evacuation procedure.
Customer care support