Raby Castle: 

Raby Castle is set within 200 acres of beautiful green parkland and can be found in Staindrop, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH.

With ample free parking available on site there is certainly no need to worry about where to park the car! There is so much to enjoy here, it really is a wonderful place to spend the day with your children. Whether you opt to explore the castle, take a walk on one of the many walking trails or head to The Plotters’ Forest, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The facilities are endless, with several toilets on site and plenty of designated outside areas to enjoy a picnic. If you don’t fancy bringing your own food I would highly recommend heading to the Yurt Cafe – this unique venue offers incredible food surrounded by breathtaking views. I think this could be one of the nicest cafes we have been to – not only for the delicious food but also for the incredibly attentive staff. I have to say that the staff throughout the whole day were so welcoming, kind and engaging with the children.

On this occasion, since the children had already tired themselves out on The Plotters’ Forest, we decided to enjoy the easy 1.8km walk surrounding the castle and Deer Park. The children thoroughly enjoyed the scavenger hunt, set up by Raby Castle, and they were mesmerised by the many deer that they saw!

Please note: pre booking is essential for The Plotters’ Forest and admission prices do apply for Raby Castle, The Deer Park and The Plotters’ Forest. For up to date information please check their website here.

Raby Castle

Enjoying the scavenger hunt!

The Deer Park

The Plotters’ Forest:

The highlight of the day! Built around existing trees this really is a nature loving playground for children, and adults, of all ages! As mentioned earlier in the article pre booking is essential and admission prices apply.

When I asked my children what their favourite part of the day was they genuinely couldn’t think of one thing: “the slide… the ice cream… the deer”. It is impossible to name just one thing here that stands out however, as a mum to four small children, I have to say The Plotters’ Forest is incredible. This outdoor playground really does make it easy for your children to enjoy being outside, and active, whilst also feeling incredibly safe. I love that there is the option to leave your pram in the buggy park however, if you prefer, you are able to take your pram into the heart of the playground. This can be so essential when trying to parent children of differing ages – one child can sleep in the pushchair whilst the older children enjoy some time racing down the slides, climbing the walls or sliding down the fireman’s pole!

There are endless hours of outdoor fun to be had here. We enjoyed sending messages to each other using the Talking Tubes, racing down the slide, climbing ‘in the sky’ as my four year old put it and, with a designated under 4’s area, there is also plenty for the younger children to enjoy too.

The Hiking Household cannot thank Raby Castle enough for gifting us our day at Plotters’ Forest, there is no question that we will be back many times this summer to enjoy what really is a fabulous family friendly day out for all ages.

The Plotters’ Forest

Make your own music

Climb to the walkways!

Hours of outside fun

hiking household