Raby Castle’s gardens earn international recognition

A County Durham visitor attraction has gained international recognition for its historic gardens.

Raby Castle’s redesigned grounds and restored 18th century Walled Gardens have been shortlisted in the 2025 European Garden Award for the ‘Management or Development of a Historic Park or Garden’ category. 

The three-year regeneration project, completed in 2024, included a landscape scheme by Alistair Baldwin to reconnect restored buildings across the estate and echo the community feel of Old Raby village.

Landscape architect Alistair said: “Our aim was to replicate the sense of a traditional village connecting the various elements of the castle grounds together, providing sociable spaces where people can come together, shop, dine, meet and enjoy the gardens. 

“This closely aligned with Raby’s ethos for the overall development, and it’s always a rewarding experience to pay a visit to Raby Castle and watch everyone enjoy and soak up these spaces – just as we intended.

“As someone who is from the nearby area, with Raby holding special memories for me, it was an absolute honour to bring Lord and Lady Barnard’s vision to life. 

“To be acknowledged with this international award nomination is a fantastic addition to what has been one of the stand-out projects in my career.”

The Walled Gardens were reimagined by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, in collaboration with Lady Barnard, marking Luciano’s first public project.

Luciano added: “The Walled Gardens at Raby Castle are an extraordinary space. 

“Beyond the specifics of the planting, there was a need to make a garden that is charged with atmosphere and a restored spirit of place, in which the character of Raby and its rich history is embedded.” 

Lady Barnard, who is creative director and custodian of Raby Castle and Estates, added: “Everyone involved in this project, from its initial inception to its ongoing daily maintenance, was overjoyed to learn our gardens and landscape have been nominated in such a notable award scheme. 

“It is recognition of the team’s hard work and unwavering talent, which has breathed new life into the beautiful gardens, while sympathetically remembering the space’s wonderful past and legacy.”

The awards are run by the European Garden Heritage Network, with the winners announced at Schloss Dyck, in Germany, on June 27.

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