Raby Castle will allow children with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens ticket to enter the medieval fortress at no extra cost from May 24 to June 1.
The initiative is part of the castle’s effort to share its rich history with the younger generation.
Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “With so many fascinating stories and incredible people that have all played a part in Raby’s legacy, we want to share our history with the next generation and provide children who are visiting Raby Castle, whether it’s for the first time or even the tenth time, with an unforgettable experience at no extra cost.
“Soaking up the pivotal historic events, learning about key figures who called Raby Castle their home and exploring the grand rooms inside the medieval fortress all await families during the May half term.”
In addition to free entry, a complimentary Family Explorer Guided Tour and Castle Quest Trail will be available to take youngsters on an adventure through the historic walls.
Ms Biddlecombe-Brown added: “We hope offering free entry to the castle keeps this as accessible as possible and we can’t wait to see children become inspired by Raby’s story.
“It’s not just the castle that is offering added value during the May half term – there are lots of daily activities taking place throughout the castle grounds that are included in the admission price to provide our visitors with so much extra to enjoy during their time with us.”
Outside the castle walls, families can enjoy a selection of nature-based activities, all provided as complimentary experiences.
The Little Gardeners’ Trail in The Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground will get youngsters off screens and looking skyward with horticultural clues hidden around the woodland.
Tractor and trailer rides will also be available throughout the long bank holiday weekend and on May 31 and June 1, taking visitors across the Deer Park where they can spot the Red and Fallow Deer.
There will also be a complimentary children’s seed planting station, and another trail hidden in the restored 300-year-old Walled Gardens will have families bird spotting and learning all about bees.
Singer Charley Penman will also be performing live in the Walled Gardens’ Amphitheatre with a special one-hour set at 1pm on both Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26.
Children with separate pre-purchased tickets can also join the Victorian workforce this May half term in an exciting behind-the-scenes experience.
On selected dates, children and adults can step back in time on a fascinating journey and discover what it took to keep Raby Castle running in a series of hour-long experiences, guided by the butler.
Families can relax and enjoy food and drink at The Vinery Cafe, with views of Raby Castle, or visit the new Garage Café, located just outside the Walled Gardens’ entrance, and choose from its ten flavours of ice-cream produced by Yorkshire-based Brymor Dairy.
The theme of nature continues over at Raby Estates’ High Force Waterfall, just a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle.
New for the May half term, the Butterfly Quest is a fun and interactive way to explore nature and enjoy the beauty of High Force, as families help Clover the caterpillar on her journey to become a butterfly and achieve her dream of flying.
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Trail sheets can be collected at the Visitor Centre, helping youngsters tick off all eight of Clover’s friends that are waiting to be found on this new adventure.
To get the best ticket price, it is highly recommended to pre-book online.
Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £14 for adults, £11 for children (ages 4-15) or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children).
Under fours go free.
Children with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens ticket will get free entry into Raby Castle during their visit.
