Tickets for Raby Castle, Park & Gardens’ Christmas events are on sale, including a new event designed for family members with pets. There will be 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 photo opportunity for owners, including a special doggy treat to take home for the big day.
Sophie Brown, Sales and Events Manager at Raby Castle, Park & 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.”
In addition to the lifestyle destination’s annual events including a special meeting with Father Christmas inside the castle, festive afternoon tea and the Christmas market, its 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 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 50 years. Featuring several castle rooms decorated for the celebrations, the experience tells the story of Christmas Day at Raby Castle and takes visitors on a journey through the family’s festivities. For 2026, the experience will be bigger 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 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 include the popular Father Christmas at Raby Castle event, 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, woven amongst Christmas trees. On selected dates, race through in daylight or revel in the evening experience at dusk.
Tickets for Raby’s selection of creative seasonal workshops will also launch, including 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 Entrance Hall in the castle will be hosting Raby’s 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 enjoy the panoramic views of the castle.
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 a 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 (24 to 27 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 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.
Raby Estates offers two destinations (Raby Castle, Park & Gardens and High Force Waterfall and Hotel) that provide an experience for group visits. Groups of 16 or more receive discounted admission when booking their visit in advance, and Raby provides a personalised booking process. Designated coach parking is available at both locations and all pre-booked group visits receive complimentary entrance for coach driver and group organiser.
Raby also provides additional extras to provide that special touch, including welcome refreshments and group lunches. Groups can also elevate their time at Raby with specialised tours and experiences.
To book a group visit to Raby Estates, or to find out more, please contact the team here.
