Date – 21 August 2024
Time – 10:30 am
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH
what3words: cares.writers.curls https://www.raby.co.uk/
Time: Meet for 10.30am outside the ticket office for the tour.
After six years of planning, Raby Castle has opened its doors and welcomed visitors to “The Rising”, a 24-acre site featuring the remodelled Walled Garden along with old and new buildings tied together with newly landscaped and meandering walkways designed by landscape architect Alistair Baldwin. An ambitious redevelopment, the most significant for generations at the 14th century family home of Lord and Lady Barnard provides a stunning destination for the local community and visitors from far and wide.
The 18th century Walled Garden has been remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard. Together, they have laboured to create a stunning 5-acre vision, including the estate’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig. In doing so, they have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded.
A new grass amphitheatre, the first of its kind in the north of England, set in the lower part of the East Garden will host a programme of outdoor events. The formal gardens comprise a series of unique mazes alongside the historic Raby yew hedge, with a graceful rill flowing north to south, adding the tranquil sounds and sight of water complementing this calm space. The West Garden is a productive space, combining raised beds growing seasonal vegetables, a greenhouse displaying hot house plants and a cut flower garden full of roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas.
Our tour will be led by Head Gardener Tim Marshall
On conclusion of the guided tour attendees are welcome to enjoy the various features of the estate: explore the historic castle, Raby’s famous deer park or enjoy lunch in the Vinery.
Cost: Members £15, Guests £20, cash on the day please or by prior bank transfer.
RSVP: Jason Daff via email: northern@horticulture.org.uk
All members, guests and students are welcome to join this visit, please get in touch if you are interested in arranging car sharing opportunities.