Raby Castle’s magical Christmas events return for another year of enchanting festive experiences for families across the region to enjoy at the most extraordinary location.
Following last year’s hugely popular programme, Raby’s Fireside Stories will return to the castle for another magical season.
Children will meet Father Christmas in the majestic castle after being guided through the glittering halls by Raby’s footmen and will be treated to a special present and a magical story by the main man himself as the fire roars in the castle’s Entrance Hall.
Visitors can also take part in a sing-a-long to Christmas carols and enjoy a festive food box in the Yurt Café to round off the jolly Christmas experience.
The Plotters’ Forest
New trails await to be discovered at the adventure playground located in a Christmas Tree plantation, The Plotters’ Forest, which will be transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations for all to enjoy with both day and evening ticket options available.
Visitors are welcome to explore the magical Christmas Trail in the daytime or wander through the trail in the evenings. Raby’s Deer Park, home to both red and fallow deer, will also be waiting, ready to explore, with the magnificent castle on the horizon.
Raby will be hosting another free-to-attend Christmas shopping evening in its Stables Shop in Hunters Yard on Friday 3 November, where beautiful gifts, stocking fillers and Raby’s own produce will be available for purchase. The Yurt Café will be open to fuel shoppers with delicious sweet treats and hot drinks, and Father Christmas will also be dropping by to say a warm hello to visitors.
Raby Castle’s Christmas Market
Shoppers will have extra opportunities to find the perfect Christmas present at Raby’s Christmas market, taking place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December, featuring unique gifts and delicious treats from local suppliers. Shoppers can also explore the castle grounds while enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season.
For a relaxing Christmas treat, festive afternoon teas are available for booking in the majestic setting of the castle – with delectable sandwiches and delicious cakes to feast on and a glass of fizz to enjoy.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby said:
“Raby is a truly magical place, especially at Christmas with all of the beautiful decorations and the festive atmosphere.
We can’t wait to welcome families back as they enjoy their annual Fireside Stories tradition and everything else Raby has to offer, and of course new families who will be able to experience this wonder for the first time or pick up their Christmas tree from our very own Christmas tree plantation – ready to be decorated and enjoyed throughout the festive period.”
Additional Christmas experiences at Raby include a festive wreath workshop on 26 November, 2 and 3 December, Stir Up Sunday on 26 November – inspired by the Victorian tradition where cooks spend the last Sunday before Advent stirring the Christmas pudding – where visitors can learn how to make a traditional Christmas Pudding, as well as Yoga by Candlelight.
Alongside Raby’s festivities, the Estate’s High Force Waterfall will be introducing a festive woodland trail from 25 November to 31 December which is in the admission price.
Christmas clues await on the scenic wintery walk before relaxing with a hot drink or a hearty meal in front of the fire at High Force Hotel.
Magical Christmas Events And Stays
A Christmas escape awaits at the rural retreat with High Force Hotel’s magical Christmas stays from Christmas Eve until Wednesday 27 December – featuring three nights of delicious food, a spectacular Christmas lunch and a magical outing on Boxing Day.
The hotel – which will be open throughout December for pre-Christmas stays – will be introducing a festive menu, perfect for a catch-up with friends or colleagues, and is also available on Christmas Day so the family cook can hang up their apron and not worry about the stress of Christmas lunch.
For extra stocking fillers this year, Raby and High Force gift vouchers are also available.
All of Raby’s Christmas celebrations will begin on 25 November and run on selected dates until 24 December at Raby Castle, and 31 December at High Force.
Tickets For Christmas Events At Raby Castle
Tickets to Fireside Stories are between £22 and £28.50.
Festive Afternoon Tea in the Castle entrance hall ranges from £30.
Deer Park-only tickets are available from £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for children and £20.00 for a family ticket. Under 4’s are free.
Prices for the trail at The Plotters’ Forest begin from £6.50.
The festive wreath workshop costs £45.50 and Stir Up Sunday is £29.50.
A ticket for High Force Waterfall is £6 for a couple’s ticket (two adults) or £9 for a family ticket (two adults and three children).
Pre-booking at High Force Hotel’s restaurant is essential. For more information and to book, visit here.
For more information about Raby Castle’s Christmas events and to book tickets, visit here.
