HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TICKET LAUNCH FOR RABY CASTLE’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES – INCLUDING NEW EVENT FOR FURRY FRIENDS

Tickets for Raby Castle, Park and Gardens’ much-loved Christmas events are going on sale from Friday 31st July, including a new event designed for four-legged family members.

For the first time, Raby will be hosting a Santa-Paws experience for dogs, where they get to enjoy a special Christmas encounter and meet Father Christmas in the Yuletide Yurt, providing a picture-perfect photo opportunity for owners to look back on in years to come and also includes a special doggy treat to take home for the big day.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a festive experience for the furry members of the family and our new Santa-Paws event ensures that no one is left out of the Christmas celebrations at Raby.

“We’ve held numerous dog events here, including Bark in the Park, plus our Deer Park is a fantastic place for owners to walk their furry companions – and it’ll be wonderful to now share the festive magic with man’s best friend.”

For families, couples and groups of friends, Christmas is set to be even more captivating at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens this year.

In addition to the lifestyle destination’s ever-popular annual events including a special meeting with Father Christmas inside the castle, festive afternoon tea and the famous Christmas market, its impressive selection of activities and events for all different ages and interests also includes hands-on Christmas workshops, family experiences in its playground set amidst the Christmas tree plantation and the chance to step into the past and marvel at the castle filled with an abundance of spectacular Christmas trees.

Raby Castle at Christmas is returning following its debut last year, which saw the castle doors open during the festive period for the first time in fifty years.

Featuring several castle rooms beautifully decorated for the celebrations, the experience tells the story of Christmas Day at Raby Castle and takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the family’s festivities.

For 2026, the experience will be bigger and more magical than last year, with two new rooms added to the ground floor route to provide a snapshot into the Christmas celebrations for those who worked at Raby Castle.

The Servants’ Hall, a space where the estate’s staff would have gathered to eat, sew and rest, will be dressed for a traditional Christmas Day celebration, offering visitors a glimpse into festive life below stairs. Nearby, the kitchen will be brought to life through an immersive installation created by renowned designer Tom Le Bon, showcasing the energy, anticipation and meticulous preparations behind the most important meal of the year.

Raby is introducing more technology and projections to Raby Castle at Christmas for 2026, creating a sensory journey with extra movement and light for its visitors and a candlelit experience of the installation will be available on set dates.

Other tickets going live on Friday 31st July include the popular Father Christmas at Raby Castle event, a sellout experience year after year which invites families to meet the main man himself within the North of England’s most magical castle.

Families can also purchase tickets to Mr and Mrs Claus in the Yuletide Yurt as well as The Enchanted Forest trail in advance, which takes place throughout The Plotters’ Forest adventure playground, aptly woven amongst Christmas trees. On selected dates, race through in daylight or revel in the extraordinary evening experience at dusk where the lights sparkle through the trees, spotting the Christmas clues along the way.

Tickets for Raby’s selection of creative seasonal workshops will also launch, including the popular Christmas Pudding Masterclass in early November. Wreath making sessions, led by owner of Periwinkle Barn and Raby’s floristry resident, Deborah Simpson Boston, will be taking place in early December. Featuring a strong focus on British flowers and foliage, visitors can get creative, make their own wreath and take a piece of Raby Castle home with them to hang on their front doors this Christmas. Other Periwinkle Barn workshops include a festive garland, a luxury Christmas door swag and a Christmas tablescape.

Christmas treats and festive afternoon tea are returning to the lifestyle destination this year, with the option to pre-book early at the end of July. Surrounded by the opulence of Christmas trees and decorations, the magnificent Entrance Hall in the castle will be hosting Raby’s popular festive afternoon tea and castle tour on selected dates in December once again, with a festive afternoon tea also available in The Vinery Cafe, where visitors can soak up the panoramic views of the castle.

  • The Santa-Paws experience is on Friday 11th December and is £7.50 per dog.
  • Raby Castle at Christmas will be revealed from Saturday 14th November with prices starting from £25 per adult and an exclusive early bird discount code RCC10 is available.
  • Father Christmas arrives at Raby Castle from Saturday 21st November with one adult and one child starting from £32, running all the way through to the highly anticipated Christmas Eve.
  • Tickets to The Enchanted Forest trail in The Plotters’ Forest start from £14 per child, both day and evening prices.
  • Mr and Mrs Claus in the Yuletide Yurt is available on selected dates between the 6th and 20th December and is £27.50 for one adult and one child.
  • Christmas Pudding Masterclass is on the weekend of 7th and 8th November and is £37.50 per person.
  • Christmas Wreath Making is on Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December and is £65 per person.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea and Tour inside Raby Castle will take place on 1st – 4th, 8th – 11th, 15th – 17th December with prices starting from £42.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea in the Vinery is £32.50 starting from mid-November.
  • Raby’s ever popular Christmas market is on 27th – 29th November and is £2.50 in advance or £5 on the day.
  • A Winter Family Explorer ticket is £70 when purchased online for two adults and two children which provides families with access to all areas including Raby Castle at Christmas, the Enchanted Forest daytime trail, Deer Park and Gardens.

Ray Castle, Park and Gardens is offering priority booking for its newsletter subscribers on Friday 31st July, before tickets go live on general release later that day. To sign up to Raby’s newsletter, visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/newsletter/

High Force Hotel and Waterfall

Several Christmas experiences can already be booked at High Force Hotel and Waterfall, which are part of the Raby Estate. High Force Hotel offers a festive dining experience throughout December for an unforgettable celebration with friends and family, alongside a premium hotel package for those who are looking for a peaceful and elegant Christmas break this year.

The magical Christmas package includes a three-night stay at High Force Hotel (24th – 27th December 2026), dinner on Christmas Eve, a Christmas Day traditional four-course lunch, Boxing Day pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome with transport included, a full country breakfast each morning and dog-friendly rooms available for those who are looking to bring their furry family members along with them.

High Force Hotel is also running a December offer, Twixmas and New Year’s Eve stays and its festive dining experience is £28 for two courses and £32 for three courses.

Based on two guests sharing, the magical Christmas stay at High Force Hotel is £1,570 for a Deluxe Room, £1,420 for a Classic Room and £1,315 for a Cosy Room.

To find out more about High Force Hotel and Waterfall and book, visit: www.raby.co.uk/high-force/