Attraction Information
Welcome to The Plotters’ Forest, a bespoke children’s play area that’s north of Raby Castle nestled in a magical Christmas tree plantation. Built around existing trees and natural clearings with sustainable materials, the play equipment feels woven into the forest; an extension of the great outdoors. Enjoy incredible activities from stargazing decks to climbing towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest. A truly magical space that offers an imaginative playground for all ages to enjoy. Discover your inner rebel.
In Potter’s Paradise, you can enter through a towering gateway and disappear into the dense woodland. Explore ground-level forest trails, climb high walkways and towers and become part of a magical mischievous world. You can also create a cacophony of outdoor musical instruments and match pairs on our giant memory game, or strike a Plotters’ Portrait pose and cause chaos with our spinning signposts. Visitors young and old will love getting lost amongst stunning views, impressive sky-high turrets and treetop tunnels, before spreading out on stargazing decks and slipping down slides. Send your fellow plotters coded messages through the Talking Tubes, and spot enemies in the Mischief Mirrors. And for the very smallest rebels, there’s a dedicated toddler area, like mini turrets, climbing equipment, slides and a chalkboard for drawing secret squiggles.
For centuries, Raby Castle has been home to men and women who stood up for their beliefs and changed the course of history; plus those who weren’t so lucky and ended up in big trouble. Which will you prove to be: a Plucky Plotter or a Rotten Rebel? Find out in The Plotters’ Forest. There’s also a 200 acre Deer Park, for everyone to enjoy exploring the ancient landscape, lush parkland and can also spot some red and fallow deer while they graze! After all, that exhilarating fun, replenish your energy with some coffee, cake, ice cream and plenty more at the Plotters’ Pantry. Overlooking the toddlers’ play area and ample amounts of fresh sandwiches and traybakes. Yummy. Or bring your own picnic and munch outside the yurt café.
- An outdoor adventure that will amaze you
- Magical activities for everyone
- A fun-filled day out
Join Our Membership
Opening hours
Last Entry
15:00
Pricing
Castle, Park & Play
Park & Play
Free parking on site.
Location
Address
Staindrop,
Darlington,
County Durham,
DL2 3AH,
England
Phone number
01833 660202
Reviews
FAQ & Additional Information
Yes, there is parking onsite.
Yes, there are toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Yes, there are baby changing facilities.
Yes, you can bring a picnic.
Yes, there is an onsite restaurant and snacks are available.
Yes, The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets.
The castle is limited to the ground floor due to historical features, the deer park has tarmacked road to use and The Plotters’ Forest has an accessible boardwalk.Yes, The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle have stated they are pushchair friendly.
- Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed to visit the Deer Park, Stables Cafe and Stables Shop. Must be kept on leads at all times, and dog waste to be placed in the bins. Dogs are not permitted within The Plotters’ Forest and Castle.
