News Beat
Raby Castle opens on New Year’s Day in aid of Marie Curie
After a brief closure for Christmas, the castle reopened on Monday (December 29) to continue celebrations ahead of the New Year’s Day walk.
Raby Castle opened its Deer Park, home to red and fallow deer, and its Walled Gardens to families and friends to raise funds for Marie Curie.
The charity, which is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, has been chosen by Raby Estates to be its 2026 charity of the year. Raby Estates has committed to raising funds and awareness for end-of-life and palliative care.
Entry to the Deer Park and Walled Gardens was free, and both were open from 10am until 4pm, with Marie Curie taking donations throughout the day.
Pictures show friends, families and their pets strolling through the castle grounds. Members of the public were also seen buying food from concession stands, whilst some stood and admired the very first sunrise of 2026.
The Plotters’ Forest was also open, with the Enchanted Trail at a discounted rate, as well as Raby Castle at Christmas.
The Plotters’ Forest was priced at £5 for both children and adults, with Raby Castle at Christmas reduced to £7 for adults and free for children.
The castle opened its doors to the public for the first time in 50 years for the special Christmas experience.
Visitors were able to explore eight beautifully decorated rooms until Sunday, January 4, each telling the story of a traditional Christmas morning through to an evening of celebrations, including dinner and games.
The immersive experience featured family gifts, winter floral displays, and grand Christmas trees, all curated by Lady Barnard, custodian and creative director of the castle.
Following the conclusion of Raby Castle at Christmas, the castle will close until the February half-term.
It will then reopen with children’s tours every day.
February will also see the return of Sunday lunches in The Vinery, afternoon tea at High Force Hotel, and the Dungeons & Dragons Trail at The Plotters’ Forest.
