New visitor destination to open at County Durham castle this weekend

A County Durham castle is set to welcome visitors to a new tourist attraction this weekend that has been six years in the making.

The Rising is a 24-acre site with a remodelled walled garden and a 200 seater restaurant and constitutes the "largest and most significant" scheme for generations at the 14th century family home of Lord and Lady Barnard. They hope that it will provide a stunning destination for the local community, as well as visitors from far and wide.

Historic buildings have been renovated and will host a new exhibition and shopping. They are tied with newly landscaped walkways to two new buildings; The Roundhouse; a central hub where visitors can book tickets and find out about upcoming events on the wider estate; and the Vinery, a 200-seat restaurant which promises food made with locally-sourced ingredients with panoramic views of the garden and castle.

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The historic 18th century Walled Garden has been remodelled by garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, who has created a five-acre romantic scheme, designed to compliment the Walled Garden's existing features, including the original sculptural yew hedges.

Many of Raby's heritage buildings, which were previously hidden from view, will also be accessible to the public and free to enter. The 18th century Coach House is now a retail space with an exhibition which gives visitors a taste of the wildlife in Teesdale.

The Riding School, said to be the hidden gem of the estate, and the Dutch Barn have also been restored to provided new event spaces. Throughout the restoration, of which the first phase was complete in 2022 with the opening of the Plotters Forest adventure playground, Raby Castle has used local and reclaimed materials and skilled craftsmen wherever possible to complete the process.

Lord Barnard said: "Our aim was to make Raby a place where all generations can enjoy a day out and I’m thrilled that we will be finally opening our doors to everything Raby Castle has to offer this weekend. Historic houses and gardens need to be able to offer an entertaining full day out for their visitors.

"This includes great service, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and drink and high-quality shopping experiences, events and exhibitions. We’re confident that the scheme will deliver this within a truly breathtaking setting."

The Rising opens to visitors on Saturday, June 15. For more information, visit the Raby Castle website.