# The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle, Darlington — Reviews & Visitor Info > Step into centuries of history at this magnificent medieval fortress in Staindrop, where atmospheric castle rooms reveal tales from different eras and forest trails invite family exploration. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/attractions/the-plotters-forest-at-raby-castle (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Playground # The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle Staindrop [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8696394032692802812&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Sophie Grainger](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/106399452701593089462) **In short:** The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle is a playground in Darlington, rated 4.2 out of 5 from 209 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle Step into centuries of history at this magnificent medieval fortress in Staindrop, where atmospheric castle rooms reveal tales from different eras and forest trails invite family exploration. ## What's nearby - The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens next door - Raby Castle 400m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Paid car park ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## What visitors say [Greer Furniss](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101991338169035558032/reviews) ★★★★★ Kids loved it! So nice to be in the middle of nature. Very fun climbing and beautiful views! · via Google [Alicia Campbell Astbury](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112184771931673074372/reviews) ★★★★★ My children had lots of fun here! Lovely natural play area where they can get plenty of exercise, be outdoors and in nature. Lovely setting amongst the trees. Age range 2-4 yrs on the mini play area and 4-10/11 yrs for the main area. Toilets immaculately clean, seating for picnics and a snack bar offering icecream, snacks and hot and cold drinks. Seating for parents on a paltform above. I would recommend, we had lots of fun! · via Google [Kay Thompson](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105585542402033897401/reviews) ★★★★★ This place was something else! They do tell you everything the kids can go on adults can. I have added a flattering photo of my 5ft 5 larger self attempting to follow my 12 and 7 year old. It is accessible for adults but a challenge in places. Also there is a fireman's pole to finish off part of the course which my boys delighted in watching me tackle for the first time on 20 years! At the top of the forest is a good hit that serves hot and cold drinks with a range of foods, from toasties, sandwiches, cakes, biscuits. Above the shop is a small seating area with 6 picnic benches slightly larger than your usual benches. There were a few wasps keen to visit us while eating but other than that it was. Nice place to sit. Packed lunches are also fine to bring here too. Accessibility for wheelchairs is actually good although the climbing activities aren't accessible unless a lot of support is given. There are steps to the top as you come in but there is a ramp that weaves throughout the climbing activities that takes you from top to bottom although the picnic area is not accessible there is some seating around the food hut. Throughout the ramp there are multiple "hidden" items for kids to find and tick off which got all our family involved. Car park for Plotters forest is further up from Raby castle, it's all tarmac and signposted well if walking from the castle. Coaches are allowed on site with their own parking and group booking are taken. · via Google [Jenny Piazza](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108697184956993461069/reviews) ★★★★★ The Plotters forest is VERY expensive for what it is. Enjoyed visiting the gardens and parkland but I wouldn't say it was good value for money. The cafe in the greenhouse however, was sublime. A wonderful selection of fresh local food in a great space with a cracking view. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487c2754704e5ceb:0x78afcc4c197b34fc!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this adventure park offers a fun experience for both adults and children, featuring climbing activities and beautiful views amidst nature. They also highlight the magical Christmas forest with lovely lighting and reasonably priced hot drinks. Some reviews mention the tickets can be overpriced. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** H5WW+3G, Darlington [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.5951333%2C-1.8037289) **Category** Castles & Palaces **Guest rating** 4.2 / 5 (209 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Suggested visit** 3-4 hours **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Destination** Darlington [More attractions in Darlington](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/attractions) ★ 4.2 (209 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/play/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01833660202](tel:01833660202) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Darlington **Payment** Cards, Contactless [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487c2754704e5ceb:0x78afcc4c197b34fc!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c2754704e5ceb:0x78afcc4c197b34fc!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c2754704e5ceb:0x78afcc4c197b34fc!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Darlington Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DDarlington%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/camping) ## Quick answers ### Is The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle any good? The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle is rated 4.2 out of 5 from 209 Google reviews. ### How long do you need at The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle? Allow three to four hours. ### Is The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle indoors or outdoors? The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle suitable for? The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle suits all ages. ### Is The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle wheelchair accessible? The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle? Yes: paid car park. ### How do I contact The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle? Call The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle on +44 1833 660202. ## More near The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Manor House Hotel ★ 4.1 · 4.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels/manor-house-hotel) - [Runa Farm ★ 4.5 · 4.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels/runa-farm) - [The Redwell Inn ★ 4.2 · 5.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels/the-redwell-inn) - [Premier Inn Bishop Auckland ★ 4.4 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels/premier-inn-bishop-auckland) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Wayside Cottage 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/wayside-cottage-syk1067929) - [Sunny Cottage 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/sunny-cottage-syk943950) - [3 Mill Wynd 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/3-mill-wynd-syk1097522) - [Corner Cottage 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/corner-cottage-syk943949) ### Campsites nearby - [Craggwood Holiday Home Park ★ 4.4 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/craggwood-holiday-home-park) - [Riverside Touring Park At Craggwood ★ 4.4 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/riverside-touring-park-at-craggwood) - [Meadow Farm Camping & Caravan Park ★ 4.1 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/meadow-farm-camping-caravan-park) - [Stag Park Caravan Site ★ 4.8 · 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/camping/stag-park-caravan-site) ### Things to do nearby - [Teesdale Sports Centre ★ 4.4 · 5.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/teesdale-sports-centre) - [The Bowes Museum ★ 4.6 · 5.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/the-bowes-museum) - [Egglestone Abbey ★ 4.6 · 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/egglestone-abbey) - [Hamsterley Forest ★ 4.7 · 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions/hamsterley-forest)