A British castle has unveiled the first images of its extensive summer installation, Castle in Bloom.
The project at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, which debuted on 2nd May, represents a site-wide transformation of the medieval fortress and its surrounding visitor infrastructure into a seasonal lifestyle destination.
The conceptual foundation for Castle in Bloom is rooted in the 14th-century estate’s history as a hub of horticultural production. Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle, explained that the initiative involved a collaborative effort across all estate departments to reconnect the modern visitor experience with the property’s archival past.
“In the past Raby Castle would have been an incredibly productive place with home-grown flowers, plants and even tropical fruits,” said McKerchar. “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”.
Exterior landscaping and architectural integration
The horticultural event extends beyond the interior rooms to the castle’s exterior terraces. Dickon Harding, the gardens and landscape manager at Raby Castle, oversaw the sowing of a diverse range of annual flowers provided by Boston Seeds. This design is intended to create a vibrant visual pathway for guests entering through the historic Neville Gateway.
According to Harding, the placement of these displays serves a specific architectural purpose. “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,” he said. The estate has, however, opted to leave the north lawns to grow naturally, fostering a meadow environment that complements the formal floral installations.
The internal visitor route has been curated to function as a “visual journey,” moving guests from the darker medieval passages into light-filled state rooms. This experience begins in the entrance corridor, where local floral designer Deborah Simpson Boston, owner of Periwinkle Barn, has installed a living entrance.
Boston describes the design as an immersive space utilising soft grasses, wildflowers, and dried British botanicals. “The design for the passageway has been created to welcome guests to the space and draw them into the Castle in Bloom experience,” she said. “We have purposefully chosen flowers which are warm, fragrant and inviting for an immersive experience down the corridor”.
Artistic centrepieces and contemporary installations
The exhibition’s focal points are situated within the castle’s grandest apartments, featuring work by the prominent florist Anna Potter of Swallows and Damsons. In the Entrance Hall, a large suspended orb crafted from dried deschampsia grasses – harvested directly from the Raby Walled Gardens – represents the moon. In the Baron’s Hall on the floor above, Potter has created a matching “sun portal” installation positioned against the backdrop of the hall’s three primary windows.
Additional contributions come from regional creators, including the Yorkshire-based florist Opulence and the Beetle. The floral theme is also integrated into the estate’s retail and dining spaces through a collection of faux botanicals curated by Samuel Baker. These include a decorative meadow woven into a ladder in The Vinery Cafe and large floral “ball-burst” arrangements in the Round House.
To provide historical depth, the resort has launched a themed exhibition detailing the lives of influential figures in Raby’s botanical history. This includes Lady Anne Monson, an 18th-century botanist who grew up at the castle during the initial development of the walled gardens.
The wider estate offering includes planting schemes by Alistair Baldwin and the remodelled Walled Gardens by award-winning designer Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard. For guests seeking a full-day experience, The Vinery Cafe is offering a floral-themed afternoon tea.
Castle in Bloom is scheduled to run at Raby Castle until 31 August. Access is included in standard admission, with adult tickets priced at £23 and children at £12. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £66, while the online-exclusive “Family Explorer” ticket is offered at £60.
