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- 30th Dec 2024
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A waterfall, deer park and castle views – the ultimate winter walks at Raby Castle
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January has arrived, and with it, comes those “New Year, new me” promises. If moving more is one of your 2025 goals, Raby Castle has you covered.
Nestled in the heart of County Durham, Raby Castle and Estate is our go-to destination this January. Whether you’re looking to blow off those post-Christmas blues or fancy some fresh air and scenery, it offers the perfect winter escape.
Why? Imagine 200 acres of lush deer park, magnificent castle views, revitalised walled gardens and High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most stunning waterfalls, just a short drive away from Raby Castle.
Raby Castle is the perfect destination for winter walks, seamlessly blending history, natural beauty and modern amenities. After your stroll, enjoy a pick-me-up at the castle’s stunning gift shop and café.
Oh and if you’re not ready for Christmas to be over, you get complimentary access to the Christmas in the Entrance Hall when you purchase a Deer Park and Walled Gardens Ticket until 5th January (excludes 1st January). Plus, The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Trail is still running until 5th January for the little ones to enjoy the last few days of festive magic at Raby Castle.
So, lace up your boots, grab a warm coat and get ready to explore – your ultimate January adventure with Raby Castle and Estate awaits.
HLN TOP TIP: Get unlimited access to Raby Castle and Estate throughout January with a single ticket purchase. Find out more.
DISCOVER RABY ESTATES’ WINTER WALKING ROUTES
The Deer Park
Raby Castle’s Deer Park is a walker’s paradise. With ancient trees, tranquil ponds and grazing herds of red and fallow deer, every turn offers something new to discover. Finish your day of exploring at the recently opened café, The Vinery, which serves afternoon teas, light lunches and hot drinks.
Choose from these three well-marked routes:
- Red Walking Route (1.8km, 20 minutes): Perfect for a quick stroll, this route offers stunning castle views and wildlife spotting at High and Low Pond.
- Purple Walking Route (2.3km, 35 minutes): Explore a lesser-travelled area of the park with elevated views and historic structures.
- Blue Walking Route (2.7km, 45 minutes): For a longer adventure, this route takes you south, where the deer often graze, with options to return along different paths.
Dog walkers are welcome, but please keep furry friends on leads to protect the deer.
High Force Waterfall
Length: 2.4km
Duration: 30 minutes
Fancy a more dramatic landscape? High Force Waterfall is just a short drive from Raby Castle and offers a one-and-a-half-mile circular walk along the River Tees. With woodland trails and incredible views of the waterfall, it’s a medium-difficulty route worth every step. If you’ve worked up an appetite head to the High Force Hotel for a delicious Sunday roast after.
JOIN THE SOCIAL SUNDAYS WALKING CLUB
Cost: from £11 or free access for Raby members.
Make getting your steps in a social event this January with Raby Castle’s Social Sundays Walking Club. Taking place every Sunday in January, these guided walks are a chance to connect with new people while enjoying the beauty of Raby’s Deer Park or High Force Waterfall. Walks start at 10:30am and last around an hour.
Raby Castle Social Sundays
Stroll through the Deer Park, meet new friends and refuel afterwards with a visit to The Vinery café for a hot drink.
High Force Social Sundays
Begin at High Force Hotel with a guided walk to the waterfall, followed by a cosy tea or coffee by the fire.
MORE TO EXPLORE AT RABY CASTLE
Raby Castle is more than a walking destination. After your trek, treat yourself to a visit to The Vinery for locally sourced meals or browse artisan treasures in the boutique Coach House Shop.
Looking for garden inspiration ahead of summer? Stroll through the historic Walled Gardens, recently reimagined by renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei. With its sculptural yew hedges and romantic design, it’s a peaceful spot to reflect after your walk.
If you want to make the most of your visit to Raby Castle, make sure to download the Raby Estate app Raby Estates on the App Store to plan your day.
Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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