52 Raby Castle - The Rising and Plotters Forest
RABY CASTLE - THE RISING AND PLOTTERS FOREST
The Raby Estate is a family-run business that has been operating in County Durham and Shropshire for many centuries . The estate is diverse in terms of its landscape and comprises three main landholdings around Raby Castle and Upper Teesdale in County Durham and the Shropshire Estate near Shrewsbury .
Whilst the Estate operates numerous farms it also has residential properties to let . The Estate therefore has an important social function as a provider of local housing and tenant farms . The Estate is also fortunate to have a number of significant heritage buildings within the portfolio . As part of a long-term restoration programme , many of these historic buildings are being renovated and repurposed , retaining heritage features by using traditional skills .
The Estate ’ s Home Farm covers substantial areas of land between Piercebridge and Staindrop with both arable and livestock enterprises . The Estate ’ s Home Farm practises regenerative farming techniques to produce high-quality food whilst improving soil health at the same time . The land management department covers a wide range of conservation and environmental projects , including peatland restoration and sporting enterprises . The woodlands also form an integral part of the Raby Estate , with the forestry team focusing on sustainable harvesting and regenerative management .
The Estate has three major landmarks ; Raby Castle – one of the finest medieval castles in England , High Force Waterfall in the stunning countryside of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and The Wrekin which is one of Shropshire ’ s most iconic hills . All three areas welcome visitors from far and wide , making the Leisure and Tourism aspects of the Estate a thriving part of its business .
Raby Castle is set in landscaped parkland where both red and fallow deer roam near Staindrop in County Durham . The Castle was built in the 14th century and has been home to the Vane family for generations , and was previously home to Cecily Nevill , mother of two Kings of England . It was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and was a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War .
The visitor attraction is currently being redeveloped as part of an exciting two-year major investment project . Known as ‘ The Rising ’, the ambitious programme includes the renovation and restoration of historic buildings – some of which have never been open to the public , alongside the redesign of the historic Walled Gardens . Lord and Lady Barnard seek to develop the Castle and grounds so that it will become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the North .
High Force Waterfall is situated within the beautiful Upper Teesdale countryside in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an UNESCO Global Geopark . Surrounded by a stunning , upland landscape , the area offers wide-open moorlands , flower-rich hay meadows , majestic woodland , inky-black night skies , curious wildlife , fascinating industrial heritage and tumbling rivers . The awe-inspiring 21-metre cascade is just a few minutes ’ walk from The High Force Hotel , where visitors are afforded a warm welcome , excellent hospitality , and luxurious overnight accommodation .
The Wrekin is set in the heart of Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and attracts numerous visitors each year . Self-catering holiday accommodation is available at nearby Eyton on Severn in the unique octagonal tower Summer House surrounded by the beautiful countryside in a tranquil in a secluded setting .
With acres of agricultural land , vast woodland , heritage landscapes and unique buildings all steeped in a rich history , the Estate ’ s strategy is to develop a vibrant and sustainable