Ghost stories and haunting at Raby Castle with new Halloween tours and events

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has launched a spine-chilling lineup of new Halloween tours and events for all ages to celebrate this spooky time of year.

A first in Raby’s history, a tour by torchlight will be taking place daily from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October, leading visitors to both familiar and unfamiliar parts of the castle, including spaces that have never been shown to the public before.

Raby’s expert guides will share stories of unexplained phenomenon and reported hauntings witnessed at the castle over centuries, from long-standing myths and legends of the castle ghosts recorded by previous generations, to brushes with past residents that have been experienced by the team today.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, Curator at Raby Castle, said: “Focusing on the more eerie side of Raby Castle isn’t something we’ve done before, and we’ve extensively researched this to ensure we are providing an insight that is respectful and truthful about the experiences people have had at Raby.

“We are divulging tales that have been documented in Raby’s archives and written about in County Durham folklore, alongside stories that have been told to us by the Raby team, volunteers, Lady Barnard herself and visitors. Nothing has been made up and are all believed to have happened by those who experienced them.”

Lit only by the light of candles and torches, visitors will be able to experience and see the castle as generations have done in the past and learn about the medieval fortress’ chilling tales of the unexpected and unexplained.

Julie added: “The process of putting these anecdotes together was an interesting yet seamless one, and it left me feeling as though the castle wants these stories to be told.

“I would also like visitors to know that what they experience and feel during this tour isn’t because we’ve put it there. We haven’t created an artificial setting with fake cobwebs, sound effects and screams – the atmosphere is purely created by the castle itself. This really is a chance for people to let their imaginations run wild.”

Taking inspiration from the traditions of Victorian ghost telling, Raby Castle is also hosting a special one-off ghost story event on Wednesday 29 October.

In a two-part experience, ghost story expert Dr Emma Liggins will provide an illustrated talk on the development of the ghost story in the nineteenth century, including the popularity of Gothic fiction, followed by a lamp-lit ghost story performance by theatrical performer and writer Adam Z. Robinson who will bring to life a thrilling tale sure to send shivers down every spine.

For families looking to celebrate Halloween at Raby, a bespoke twilight tour of the castle is also available, designed for children aged between eight and 12. Also lit by candlelight, visitors will be taken along the public route as they hear spooky stories that are just as spine-chilling but suitable for a younger audience.

Daytime Halloween experiences include a spookily-themed afternoon tea in The Vinery, with a smaller version available for younger diners, a creative pumpkin painting workshop on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October and Raby’s popular Halloween trail throughout its woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, is back.

A special Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail will also be taking place in The Plotters’ Forest, with extra slots added for 2025 due to popular demand, where families can venture into the shadows as dusk descends for a spooky evening experience.

Dates, timings and ticket information:

• The Haunted Raby: Tour by Torchlight will take place from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 October between 17:30 and 19:00. Tickets are £25 for adults and the event is not suitable for children under 16.
• Ghost Stories for Halloween: Haunted Places featuring Dr Emma Liggins and Adam Z. Robinson begins at 6pm and tickets are £15 for adults.
• The Hauntings and Happenings Family Tour at Raby Castle is available from Saturday 25 October to Saturday 1 November from 4pm each day. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £10 for children (aged 8-12 years).
• The daytime Plotters’ Forest Halloween trail is included in a standard Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Walled Garden ticket, or families can make the most of their day out with Raby’s Family Explorer ticket, providing access to Raby Castle, Deer Park, Gardens, and The Plotters’ Forest (daytime entry). Book online in advance to enjoy discounted rates as the Family Explorer Ticket (two adults and two children) is £60 online or £65 when purchased onsite.
• The Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail in The Plotters’ Forest is available on the following dates only: 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31 October from 16:30 to 19:00. Tickets are £8 for adults and £10 for children. This a trail event and the play equipment will be closed during this time
• The pumpkin painting workshop is £10 per child and each child must be accompanied by at least one adult.

To find out more about Raby Castle and its Halloween events and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/halloween