Exploring Raby Castle in England: Historic Gardens & Neptune’s Summer Collection
*this article discusses a gifted experience
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of County Durham, in Northern England, Raby Castle is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved castles in the UK - a true hidden gem for travellers seeking history, gardens, and a taste of English summer. On a gloriously sunny day, I visited to celebrate the launch of Neptune’s Summer Outdoor Furniture Collection, bringing my mum along for her very first trip to the castle.
From the moment we arrived, she was enchanted. We wandered slowly through the 18th-century walled gardens, pausing at every corner to admire the bursts of summer colour. She kept stopping to smell the roses and marvel at the perfectly clipped yew hedges, the amphitheatre, and the tranquil water feature - it was a joy to watch her soaking it all in. We laughed, gossiped, and chatted away, surrounded by the sweet scent of blooms and the hum of bees.
Raby Castle is one of the most impressive intact castles in England, built by the powerful Nevilles in the 14th century and home to the Vane family for nearly 400 years. Once the residence of Cecily Neville, mother to two Kings of England, its walls have seen royal intrigues, the plotting of the Rising of the North, and the turmoil of the Civil War. Today, it stands as a living piece of history, filled with superb collections and unique stories of the people who lived and worked there.
The grounds are just as captivating:
The Deer Park - 200 acres of ancient trees, ponds, and rolling green, home to majestic herds of Red and Fallow deer.
The 18th Century Walled Gardens - recently remodelled by renowned designer Luciano Giubbilei alongside Lady Barnard, filled with seasonal blooms, an amphitheatre, a water feature, and an exquisite cutting garden.
The Coach House Shop - offering beautifully curated homeware and gifts, from Daylesford Organics to Elizabeth Scarlett, displayed on reclaimed estate furniture.
The Vinery Café - serving locally sourced, estate-inspired produce with panoramic castle views.
This summer, Raby Castle has partnered with Neptune, the British home and lifestyle brand celebrated for its timeless style, thoughtful design, and enduring craftsmanship. Their outdoor living and garden collection has been artfully arranged in the Conservatory, nestled within the walled gardens with sweeping views of the castle’s striking façade.
Neptune’s pieces are designed with sustainability and longevity in mind; the sort of garden furniture you can picture in your family for decades. Sitting among them, surrounded by lavender borders and the hum of summer, I could imagine long afternoons at home, BBQs with friends, hours lost in a good book, or sipping a chilled glass of (non-alcoholic) rosé as the light fades.
The day ended with my mum already planning a return trip - she wants to explore inside the castle next time - and me feeling completely inspired to bring some of Neptune’s effortless elegance into my own outdoor space.
If you’re looking for a day out that blends history, beauty, and a little inspiration for your home, Raby Castle in summer is pure magic.
