Industry News

New after dark Halloween trail to open at Raby's popular woodland play area

Publication Date: 28th Sep 2022

A new after dark twilight trail will be opening for the first time at the woodland adventure playground The Plotters’ Forest, for Halloween.

As the sun sets, the trail at Raby Castle’s adventure playground – which is woven within its Christmas Tree plantation – will come alive in a different, more spooktacular setting, as magical inhabitants will be taking on a life of their own for an exciting mix of challenge and discovery at this creepy time of year.*

For those who are looking for a daytime experience, there will also be a Halloween trail at the Plotters’ Forest from Saturday 15th to Sunday 30th October.

Raby is also offering a witches and wizards trail across its scenic Deer Park from Saturday 15th to Sunday 30th October for budding sorcerers. Families can pick up an activity sheet and begin a spellbinding quest to discover magical creatures and hunt for clues to complete the puzzle.

Families can also bring along their best-dressed pumpkins throughout the October half term for the chance to win a 2023 Raby Estates annual pass. The pumpkins will be displayed for all to see in Hunters Courtyard and Raby Castle’s head gardener, Tim Marshall, will select the winning pumpkin.

Sophie Brown, events manager at Raby Estates said: “We’re always looking to inspire and delight our visitors throughout the year but watching the children’s imaginations come alive at Halloween is a joy to see.

“Following the opening of The Plotters’ Forest at Easter this year, our new themed play area provides a remarkable setting for some of our Halloween trails this year – making sure families have an unforgettable experience.”

At the magnificent High Force Waterfall, which is part of the Raby Estate, an additional Halloween experience awaits along the spectacular woodland walk.

A series of hair-raising clues will need to be collected along the way to solve the puzzle so families can make it back to High Force Hotel – and maybe indulge in a delicious treat for completing the spooky mission.

There’s also High Force’s new exploratory trail to discover which was introduced to the local natural landmark earlier this year, featuring a series of intricately carved and thoughtfully designed woodland sculptures – from a moon-gazing hare and an observant owl to a beautiful fox and a giant caterpillar.

For those looking for a picturesque and relaxing autumnal retreat, the High Force Hotel is offering 10% off dinner, bed and breakfast bookings made before 27th November, using the code AUT22.

All daytime trails will be included in the general admissions ticket price. The after dark trail at The Plotters’ Forest will run from Thursday 27th October until Sunday 30th October. Prices for the after dark trail are £6 for children and £4 for adults.

Prices for Raby Castle, Deer Park & Plotters’ Forest cost: £13 for adults, £10 for children and £45 for a family ticket. Under 4s are free. A concession ticket is also available at £12.

Prices for the Deer Park & Plotters’ Forest cost: £8 for adults, £7.50 for children and £29 for a family ticket. Under 4s are free. A concession ticket is also available at £7.

Prices for the Deer Park cost: £5.50 for adults, £3.50 for children and £17 for a family ticket. Under 4s are free. A concession ticket is £4.50.

A small entrance fee of £2.50 for adults (16+) and £1 for children (5-15) is required to access High Force Waterfall. Under 5s are free. For details and family online discounted tickets, visit:

*Please note this is a trail event and the Plotters’ Forest play equipment will be closed during the after dark trail.