Raby Castle has blossomed into a celebration of floral artistry this summer, filling its historic rooms with beautiful botanical installations. Here’s what to expect from this limited-time exhibition.
Following its magical festive-themed transformation last Christmas, Raby Castle in County Durham has once again reimagined its interiors with a series of beautiful installations.
This time, Castle in Bloom brings the outdoors in, filling the castle’s grand rooms with seasonal displays that complement its rich history.
Must-see floral installations
Castle in Bloom sees a variety of floral arrangements taking centre stage throughout the estate’s 14th century castle.
One of the most eye-catching displays – and the one that you’ll have probably already spotted on Instagram – is a suspended orb of dried deschampsia grasses cut from the estate’s very own walled gardens. This fluffy dusky mauve creation, dreamed up by Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, is said to represent the moon. It hangs dramatically from the ceiling of the Entrance Hall, while roots, mosses and grasses wind up the stairwell beneath it. It’s quite a sight.
Upstairs, the Baron’s Hall was the room that really gave me the wow factor. It felt like stepping into a scene straight from Beauty and the Beast with its grand scale, towering candelabras and shelves upon shelves of books. In here, you’ll find a five-foot wide sun portal with strings of dried flowers swirling around the centre. Perfectly positioned to catch the light streaming in from the large windows, it creates a pretty kaleidoscope of colour.
Historic rooms brought to life
As you make your way through the castle, you’ll discover smaller installations in many of the rooms, with flowers and foliage adding bursts of colour throughout. Some of the displays even take inspiration from photographs dating back to the 1890s which show the castle’s magnificent interiors filled with abundant floral arrangements.
One of my favourite displays was the dining table dressed with burnt orange, purple and sunflower-yellow flowers. I could almost picture myself sitting there with a fruity cocktail, soaking up the summery ambience!
I adored the sheer beauty of the flowers. It felt as though I had stumbled into the pages of a whimsical fairytale, wandering through an enchanted castle.
Highlights beyond the castle
The flowery theme continues beyond the castle, with The Vinery cafe serving a floral-inspired afternoon tea featuring produce grown on the estate, including lemon verbena, edible flowers, apples and pears. Throughout the season, there’s also a programme of garden-inspired talks and workshops.
And, of course, don’t miss the Walled Gardens themselves, now in full bloom. When we visited, there were also lawn games dotted around the grounds, including cornhole and noughts and crosses, making it a lovely stop for some playful competition!
Don’t forget to explore the surrounding deer park and lake. It’s a relaxing way to round off your visit, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Planning your visit
Castle in Bloom runs until 31st August 2026 and entry Is included in the Castle, Park and Gardens ticket, priced at £23 for adults.
I would allow three to four hours for your visit to really make the most of your time and soak up everything this beautiful estate has to offer. (Enjoying a cream tea outdoors in the sunshine was another highlight from my visit that I’d recommend!)
If you’re seeking a memorable day out this summer that combines history, gorgeous gardens, deer spotting and lots of Insta-worthy photo opportunities, Raby Castle should definitely be on your list.
For more information about Raby Castle, visit www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle.
