Raby Castle, Park and Gardens unveils a packed programme for Easter 2026

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is preparing to welcome visitors this Easter with a lively programme of seasonal events, family activities and springtime experiences set against one of County Durham’s most impressive historic backdrops.

Running across the long bank holiday weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April, Easter celebrations at Raby will centre around a vibrant Food and Craft Market. The market will be hosted inside the Estate’s elegant Riding School and will also extend into the Dutch Barn, a lesser-known but characterful space that offers a new setting for visitors to explore.

Across both venues, carefully selected local traders will showcase a tempting mix of artisan food, sweet treats and handmade crafts. From small-batch produce to thoughtfully made gifts, the market promises a strong celebration of creativity and flavour from across the North East.

Beyond the market, visitors can browse Raby’s Coach House, home to the Estate’s retail space. Here, shoppers will find a curated selection of unique homeware, gifts and Raby-produced goods, making it an ideal stop for Easter treats or souvenirs.

Food and drink play a central role in any day out, and Raby offers plenty of choice. Raby’s Garage Café will be serving ice creams alongside speciality teas and coffees, while The Vinery Café provides a more relaxed dining option. With space for over 200 guests and sweeping views of the 14th century castle, The Vinery is an inviting place to enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, light lunches and indulgent sweet bakes.

Spring also signals the reopening of Raby’s outdoor spaces. The Walled Gardens, redesigned into three distinct areas, begin to burst into colour at this time of year, while the wider Deer Park offers a chance to enjoy the landscape as red and fallow deer roam freely. Complimentary tractor and trailer rides will run throughout the weekend, giving visitors a gentle way to explore the grounds and experience the daily deer feeding within the parkland.

Families will find plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. A special Easter trail will run through The Plotters’ Forest, Raby’s woodland adventure playground, where children can follow clues while navigating slides, elevated walkways, treetop tunnels and interactive play features nestled among the trees.

Hands-on craft sessions will also take place in the yurt, allowing children to create their own Easter-themed makes to take home. For those keen to explore further, an additional complimentary trail across the Deer Park adds another layer of outdoor adventure.

Throughout the holiday weekend, visitors can enjoy a programme of free daily activities, guided family tours and the opportunity to explore one of England’s finest medieval castles. For those looking for a more immersive experience, the much-loved hot bun masterclasses will return in the castle’s medieval kitchen. Led by the Estate chef, these sessions offer practical tips and insight into creating the perfect sweet, spiced buns.

To make the most of everything on offer, visitors are encouraged to purchase a Castle, Park and Gardens with Market Entry Ticket. Prices start from £22 for adults and £7 for children, with a family ticket available for £55 for two adults and two children.

For those wishing to visit the Easter Food and Craft Market only, entry is available at £2 when booked in advance or £5 on the day, with free entry for children under 15. Families can also opt for the Family Explorer Ticket, priced at £60 in advance or £65 on the day, which includes access to The Plotters’ Forest and Easter trail, Raby Castle, the Deer Park and the Walled Gardens for two adults and two children.

Further details and ticket bookings can be found at www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on.