Raby Castle in County Durham, UK is restoring and repurposing buildings across the estate to offer a unique visitor experience from spring of this year.
The project is named ‘the rising‘ after the Rising of the North of 1569, an unsuccessful bid by Catholic nobles to depose Queen Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.
The medieval castle is currently restoring and repurposing three listed buildings and constructing two new buildings across 25 acres of the estate.
When the project is completed, visitors will be able to spend a whole day on the castle’s grounds, which will house heritage buildings, reimagined gardens, and new retail and dining experiences.
Restoration work is now underway on the estate’s 18th century coach house and stables, designed by renowned architect John Carr in the late 1700s.
The coach house will contain a free permanent exhibition with audiovisual projections and displays of restored saddles, bridles, carriage sets and a traditional travelling chest. Adjacent to the exhibit space will be a new retail area.
“The coach house and stables have been a fundamental piece of our family’s history, and we are pleased that it will play such an important role in Raby’s future,” said Raby Castle owner Lord Barnard.
“As well as displaying elements of Raby’s equine history, we are delighted to be offering an improved retail space to our visitors, presenting local products – many from our own estate.”
New tourism destination in County Durham
Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism, added: “The restoration of this beautiful heritage building will ground visitors in Raby’s fascinating history.
“Key to its development was the safeguarding and celebration of its original features, whilst repurposing it for an exciting future.”
She added, “We want to embrace and celebrate Raby’s unique appeal, creating memorable visitor experiences for all. We look forward to welcoming guests to this unparalleled heritage setting for the opening in spring 2024.”
Images courtesy of Raby Castle
