A County Durham attraction has unveiled a spectacular new look as it launches a stunning summer floral exhibition.
Raby Castle has been transformed for its new “Castle in Bloom” experience, which officially opens today (Saturday, May 2).
The experience sees rooms, terraces and visitor buildings filled with elaborate floral installations inspired by nature and the site’s gardening heritage.
Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle, said said: “Every department at Raby has played a part in bringing this theme to life. In the past Raby Castle would have been an incredibly productive place with home grown flowers, plants and even tropical fruits.
“Old photographs show us that flowers and plants would have filled the castle in the past and we were all delighted to lean into that history and bring this theme to life.”
Gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding added: “We also wanted to extend the experience to the exterior of the castle and delight visitors with a sea of colours as soon as you walk through the castle gates.
“The castle is a very dominating building but the addition of flowers to the terrace will soften the façade and show the historic building in an entirely new light.
“The placement of the seeds and flowers, which have been provided by Boston Seeds, has allowed us to create a visually stunning pathway for visitors to follow after entering through the Neville Gateway and we’ve also left the lawns to the north of the castle to grow, ensuring there is a beautiful and natural environment all around.”
Inside the castle, visitors can walk through arches of tumbling flowers and meadow-style arrangements rising from the floors, designed to take them on a visual journey “from dark to light” with layers of texture and scent.
The entrance to the main installation, through the medieval passage, has been created by floral designer Deborah Simpson Boston, owner of Periwinkle Barn, who is based at Raby for the summer.
She said: “The design for the passageway has been created to welcome guests to the space and draw them into the Castle in Bloom experience.
“A mixture of textures has been incorporated, including soft grasses, wildflowers and dried British flowers, and we’ve purposefully chosen flowers which are warm, fragrant and inviting for an immersive experience down the corridor.”
The centrepiece of Castle in Bloom is in some of the Castle’s grandest rooms, showcasing contemporary designs created by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, as her installation further explores the contrast between dark and light.
Several local makers have also contributed, including Yorkshire-based florist Opulence and the Beetle, whose designs have transformed additional castle rooms.
Castle in Bloom runs until August 31.
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Entry is included with Castle, Park and Gardens tickets, which cost £23 for adults, £22 for concessions, £12 for children aged 4–15 and £66 for a family ticket.
Raby’s family explorer ticket, which covers all areas of the “lifestyle destination”, also includes entry to Castle in Bloom and is £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.
For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/
What do you think of the new exhibition? Let us know in the comments.
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