My love for British history comes from Dad. We would spend weekends in his study, bookcases stacked from ceiling to floor with stories and adventures of an English past. He has always encouraged curiosity and wonder to explore new places, right here in this country.

Back in February, I had one of those pinch-me moments – the kind you want to bottle up and replay. I was lucky enough to visit the absolutely stunning Raby Castle with my Dad on a PR invite, and it turned out to be so much more than just a day trip. It was a day of connecting with history, and another memory we could share together.

We even had the pleasure of meeting Lord and Lady Barnard, who are not only incredibly lovely but so passionate about keeping Raby’s magic alive for future generations. They see themselves as custodians of this historic estate, driven by their warmth and dedication to preserving Raby Castle’s legacy. It was a memorable meeting.

*Lord and Lady Barnard on grounds of Raby Castle. Photo sourced* ***here***

First Impressions: Like Stepping Into a Storybook

As we drove through the gates, Raby Castle kind of took my breath away. Set against rolling countryside in County Durham, this place is straight out of a fairytale. The castle itself is from the 14th century—massive, majestic, and oozing with history. It has that “wow” factor the second you see it, but somehow still feels really welcoming and intimate.

We started the morning with a meet-and-greet with fellow content creators over coffee and breakfast. Dad and I marvelled at the grand entrance, medieval stonework at its finest, a roaring fireplace and an impressive display of armoury. Our hosts - Lord and Lady Barnard - welcomed us all and it’s hard not to share the enthusiasm and love for the place.

Inside, we wandered through beautifully preserved rooms filled with antiques, artwork, and a whole lot of stories. You can just imagine the lives that have played out there—banquets, secrets, power plays. Every corner feels like it could whisper a tale if you listened closely enough.

Each room has its own unique allure, but if I had to pick a favourite, it’s the Victorian dining room by William Burn. With its bold red walls, perfectly placed paintings, and dramatic elegance, it feels like stepping into a scene from a period drama — every detail is simply breathtaking. The kitchen! Oh my word, they hold an enviable collection of copper pots and cake molds. It had been built since the medieval period and a lot of the features were still preserved.

Next stop was a private tour of the Walled Gardens.

A Private Tour of the Walled Gardens

Rows of charming trimmed yew hedges and bulbs just planted in preparation for a spring bloom - The Walled Garden has undergone a beautiful transformation. Remodelled and designed by Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard, it has that lovely mix of classical structure with a hint of modern flair. The garden was still in its winter hibernation mode when we visited, but that didn’t make it any less special. We walked through the plans for spring and summer by the head gardener – telling us what’s been planted and what to expect in the coming months. You could hear the excitement in his voice, and it made me want to come back just to see it all in full bloom. But even in winter, the garden had this peaceful, quiet charm to it.

Getting Close to Raby’s Wild Residents

The Deer Park is something else entirely. Spread across 200 acres, it’s home to over 500 deer, and they’re considered truly wild – not fenced-in or overly familiar with humans. We were lucky enough to get a closer look, guided by a member of the team who shared a mini masterclass in the history of deer breeds in the UK.

Honestly, watching them roam so freely in such a vast, ancient landscape was magical. There’s something deeply grounding about seeing animals in their natural habitat, and Raby offers the perfect setting for that kind of quiet awe.

Lunch at The Vinery Café

After all the exploring, we were treated to lunch at The Vinery Café – and it was delicious. They served a seasonal spring menu that felt fresh and nourishing: rainbow salads, perfectly grilled chicken, and light sides that hit just the right spot. I loved the aubergine mixed in with mint yogurt, and fresh pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top. The café itself is light, airy, and filled with greenery, making it feel like a little garden retreat of its own. It’s designed to feel like a classic English greenhouse essentially, and reminded of The Pig restaurants.

A Little Luxe at The Coach House Store

Of course, no visit would be complete without a browse through The Coach House Shop—and this time, there was something new and exciting. Bamford products are now stocked there, making Raby Castle the first stockist in the North East to carry this gorgeous, wellness-focused brand. It’s a really thoughtful addition, and feels like such a natural fit with the elegance and ethos of the estate.

Needless to say, a few items made their way home with me...

Looking ahead, what’s really exciting is what’s still to come. Lord and Lady Barnard are working on a huge project called “The Rising,” which is all about restoring and reimagining Raby for the future—more gardens, more cultural events, more reasons to come back again (and again).

So, would I recommend a trip to Raby Castle? 1000% yes. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a parent looking for a fun day out, or just someone who loves discovering hidden gems, this place will totally steal your heart. What’s more, I love that the backdrop of this illustrious estate is in the North East of England - an area of the country that is not visited enough, in my humble opinion.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave already planning your next visit—maybe when those summer blooms start showing off.

What I Wore

My outfit for the day was not as obvious, but after some searching online, I discovered and fell in love with the Dubarry Darkhedge Tweed Jacket (in Burren colour). I had to have it and it’s been worn several times since our visit. I added my Joules silk scarf for a little flourish. My new Fairfax and Favor Regina Knee-High Boots were being debuted as well, so in the end, I went for an equestrian look - classic and very country living.

Lose Yourself in the Legends of Raby Castle – A Journey Through Medieval England