Two types of tickets are available to purchase to gain access to The Plotters’ Forest. 

The Plotters' Forest & Deer Park Tickets give you access to both The Plotters’ Forest and Deer Park
Raby Castle, Deer Park & The Plotters' Forest Tickets give you access to Raby Castle, Deer Park and The Plotters’ Forest (This is an upgrade option when purchasing The Plotters' Forest and Deer Park ticket). 

Annual Passes that were purchased before April 2022 do not admit visitors to The Plotter's Forest. However, all Annual Pass holders are able to upgrade their Annual Pass to include The Plotters' Forest. A NEW Annual Pass has been created for The Plotters' Forest for new customers, this includes access to Raby Castle, Deer Park, High Force Waterfall and The Plotters Forest. 

Previously Raby Annual Passholders did receive a physical card in the post. However, moving forward as a business we wish to reduce our environmental impact across the estate and use of plastic. Visitors will now receive a confirmation email with a barcode when purchasing an annual pass which can be shown on entry to access the park (on a mobile device or as a printed copy).

For those who would still prefer a physical card, we now have a sustainable option which can be purchased from the office for £2.50. Please call 01833 660202 to make an enquiry.

Well behaved dogs on leads are permitted to visit the Deer Park, Stables Café and Stables Shop. We do request that they be kept on a lead at all times and that any dog waste is cleared and placed in the bins around the grounds. Dogs are not permitted within The Plotters's Forest and Castle. 

Visitors with mobility issues or special needs will be offered a concession ticket. If your group requires a carer admission, please call the office to book your free space on 01833 660202 and bring ID along with you on the day.

If you are travelling as part of a special needs group, then group rates are applicable and we offer free places to organisers/teachers. Please call us in advance to discuss your requirements on 01833 660202.

Find out more about Disabled Access.

Find out more about Group Visits.

Raby Castle is part of the Historic Houses  (HH) Friends Scheme and therefore friends and members of the HH are welcome to visit the Raby Castle and Deer Park free of charge (subject to opening times) upon production of a valid membership card. We regret that we cannot permit access without a valid membership card. This is a requirement of the HH who recompenses Raby Castle for each visit.

The Plotters Forest is not included with entry and separate tickets must be booked in advance and shown at entry. 

Photography for personal use only is allowed in the Deer Park. Photography for personal use is allowed in the Castle as long as there is no flash or tripod used.

The use of drones at Raby Castle is strictly prohibited.

Permission for commercial photography or filming must be gained in advance, please contact us on 01833 660202 or email admin@raby.co.uk

Visitors, with a valid entrance ticket, are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the designated picnic areas.  Picnic tables are located near the car park.  We ask that visitors kindly clear up any litter and left over food after themselves and use the bins provided around the Park. We regret that barbeques or open fires are not permitted.

If you’d like to visit Raby, we would always recommend pre-booking online. We cannot guarantee ticket availability on site. 

Visitors are very welcome to bring their own bikes to enjoy a cycle around the Deer Park with a valid ticket. Bike trails and a map of the grounds can be provided on entry to help you explore. Look out for spectacular views of the Castle, our herds of red and fallow deer and an abundance of wildlife.

Food and drinks are available daily at the Yurt Cafe and the Plotters' Pantry. From soups to sandwiches, savoury snacks and sweet treats, there is something for everyone. We also have gluten-free and vegan options available.

Tickets purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if you created a Digi Tickets customer account when you made your booking you can log in and manage your account and tickets.

We do not have any cash machines on site. Card Payments are the preferred payment method. 

There are no wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters for Hire. 

Smoking is not permitted. 

For all group enquries please contact admin@raby.co.uk 

There is no charge to Park at Raby Castle. 

The Plotters’ Forest is set on a hillside within natural woodland, with some uneven ground and steps. However a wooden boardwalk, which reaches the top of the playground is accessible by wheelchair and pushchair, creating a fun and inclusive space for all of Raby’s visitors. 

The Plotters' Forest is an adventure play area that has been designed for children, therefore adults with no accompanying children will not be permitted into The Plotters' Forest. 

There are many other areas of Raby Castle you can explore instead including the castle, deer park, cafe and shop.

This is an unsupervised play area. All Plotters and Rebels must be accompanied by supervising adult (we have coffee at the top!)

The Plotters' Forest has been designed to cater for a mixed range of ages and abilities and contains elements of risk. The recommended age for children is between 4 – 12 years. The majority of the equipment is designed to be moderately challenging. 

Adults should supervise younger children carefully. Adults should also be comfortable that the risks contained are suitable for the abilities of their children before allowing them to play. Big people decide. Only you know the abilities and limitations of the children in your care. Please keep an eye on them and make sure they're playing safely. 

There is a small dedicated area for under 4’s toddler's play. 

If you book the 3pm allocated time slot you have access to The Plotters’ Forest until 5pm.

The Plotters’ Forest has been designed around discovery, intrigue and challenge around our Christmas Tree plantation with historical features throughout including the Neville Gateway, the Plotters’ Spire, towers and forts inspired by the castle's history. Other elements include plotters’ talking tubes, peaky portrait, rebels xylophone, mischief mirrors, giant memory game, plotters’ slide, rebels run, toddlers play, sky-high tunnels, treetop tunnels and so much more. Another key element of The Plotters' Forest is outdoor play reaping the benefits of playing in nature including sensory play, creativity, imagination and wellbeing.

We recommend two hours of play, all tickets allow access to the 200-acre deer park with scenic views of the castle and wildlife. Throughout the holiday periods, we have the added bonus of seasonal trails. There is also the opportunity to upgrade your ticket to include a visit inside the castle to view the superb collections and room exterior.

Please note this is not a tree tops high ropes course.

Entry to The Plotters’ Forest is at your allocated time slot, once you have left you can enjoy the deer park and other areas of Raby Castle. You will not be able to re-enter.

We have designated picnic benches on site close by to the Yurt Cafe, picnics are not allowed in The Plotters’ Forest. Refreshments are available at The Plotters’ Forest.

We would recommend the 3pm slot during the weekdays for children who enjoy quieter times.