Raby Castle introduces laughter yoga session to combat the January blues
14th January 2026
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is hosting a one-off laughter yoga session to cheer visitors up on what’s known as the most depressing day of the year.
Taking place on Blue Monday on Monday 19th January, Raby has teamed up with local wellness provider, Serene Mind Solutions from Barnard Castle, to lead the 45-minute laughter yoga session in the Riding School to help attendees release tension, calm the nervous system and create a sense of lightness and ease.
Combining laughter and breathing techniques, the workshop will be led by the founder of Serene Mind Solutions, Wendy Chippendale, who is an alternative therapist, trainer and coach.
Wendy said: “Laughter yoga is a unique and impactful concept combining fun and playful laughter exercises alongside deep breathing techniques which are often associated with traditional yoga. And we’re not talking about the polite laughter we often do; this is the deep intentional laughter with purpose.
“This exercise doesn’t rely on having a sense of humour but provides attendees with the techniques to create and use simulated laughter and the benefits this can bring – although we often find this simulated laughter is highly infectious and becomes real laughter.”
The 45-minute session features four steps including a brief introduction to Laughter Yoga as well as the signals used, laughter exercises combined with breathing techniques, laughter meditation, and grounding meditation.
Wendy added: “As we move through midwinter, we’re all feeling the Christmas hangover and are wanting to hibernate away from the world. Yet one of the quickest things you can do to lift your mood is to laugh and experience that release of endorphins, and the wider benefits of doing this for just ten minutes a day are immense.
“There are also numerous social benefits too, including sharing a connection and the social interaction with other like-minded people, increasing confidence and building a community.”
Entry to the Laughter Yoga session at 11am will be included for all who purchase a Park and Gardens ticket on Monday 19th January. Those who purchase this ticket will also benefit from Raby’s current Unlimited January offer, gaining access to the beautiful park and gardens for free for the remainder of the month where they can also take advantage of The Vinery Cafe’s dine for £10 menu during their visit.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “We all feel so much better after a hearty belly laugh with friends, especially at this time of year. We’re really pleased to be working with Wendy to provide some extra joy on what is known as one of the most depressing days of the year.”
A Deer Park and Gardens ticket is £14 for adults and visitors wishing to return should keep hold of their original ticket purchased in January and present it on re-entry. Access to Laughter Yoga is free with a Raby Estates Membership and for those who have already taken part in the Unlimited January offer.