Raby Castle hosts conferences, board meetings, training days, team away days, product launches, drive days, award ceremonies, networking events and private dinners, with spaces that range from the Vinery, which seats more than 200 diners, to a grass amphitheater for 500. The estate lies 1 mile north of the village of Staindrop in County Durham, in the north of England, close to the A1(M).
Seminars and company events
The estate runs a dedicated business events offer. Conferences, board meetings, networking evenings and training sessions take place in converted estate buildings, and a virtual tour is available for planning. Team building and away days use the 200 acres of parkland for outdoor challenges, wellbeing sessions and strategy workshops. The grounds and historic buildings also serve as a setting for car launches, drive days, fashion shows, brand activations and exhibitions. Smaller groups can add tours of the castle and afternoon tea. The estate also arranges festive corporate events in the Christmas season, combining castle tours, afternoon teas, dinners and evening walks.
Rooms and capacities
The Riding School is an 18th-century building converted into a flexible event space of 500 square meters, with much of its original character kept. The Dutch Barn is an open arcaded structure that gives cover for barbecues, exhibitions and networking. The Vinery, set in former glasshouses with views across the High Vinery garden to the castle, seats more than 200 diners. The grass amphitheater, used for summer plays and concerts, holds 500. The castle itself and the 200-acre Deer Park, home to more than 200 red and fallow deer, can be included in an event program. The estate also offers High Force Hotel, a separate property in Teesdale, for meetings and exclusive hire.
Catering
Catering is handled by the estate team, with produce sourced from the estate and the surrounding area. Breakfast options include a continental selection, a health menu and a cooked breakfast with local bacon, sausage and Teesdale free-range eggs. Lunch can be a light working lunch, a grazing buffet or a barbecue with Raby longhorn beef burgers. In the evening, groups can book a silver service private dinner and design the menu with the estate chef.
History and setting
Raby is one of the most complete medieval castles in the north of England. The Neville family built it in the 14th century. Since the 17th century it has belonged to the Vane family, and it remains the home of Lord and Lady Barnard. The castle is surrounded by a 200-acre deer park and 5 acres of walled gardens from the 18th century, recently redesigned by the garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard. Visitors also find the Vinery cafe, the Coach House shop and an adventure playground on the estate.
Getting there
The castle is on the A688 at Staindrop, Darlington, DL2 3AH, 8 miles from Barnard Castle and 13.5 miles from Darlington. From the north or south, leave the A1(M) at junction 60 or 58 and follow the A688 toward Barnard Castle. Darlington station, on the East Coast Main Line, is about 15 miles away. Teesside International Airport is about 21 miles away and Newcastle International Airport about 45 miles. Buses stop at the North Lodge. Parking is free, with electric car charging points.
