Future Countryside 2026 will host a series of optional activities for delegates on Monday afternoon, offering the opportunity to explore the landscape, heritage and collaborative conservation work in Upper Teesdale and the wider Raby Estate.

These experiences are designed to provide a deeper understanding of one of England’s most distinctive upland environments, alongside unique access to the people, places and heritage that shape its future - from working farmland and conservation partnerships, to the historic setting of Raby Castle and its surrounding parkland, concluding with a networking BBQ in the castle grounds.

Delegates may only sign up for one daytime activity and places are strictly limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for activities here and buy BBQ tickets here.

Optional activities

1. Upper Teesdale landscape and partnership visit
   
   Join the teams from North Pennines National Landscape and Raby Estate for an introduction to Upper Teesdale.
   
   Immerse yourself in one of England’s most special upland landscapes and discover the communities who live and work within it. This visit will explore the upper reaches of the Raby Estate and highlight the collaborative conservation, restoration and land management work taking place across the area.
   
   You will meet farmers, land managers, Natural England representatives and local partners working together to deliver positive outcomes for nature and people. The focus of the day is on how we build on what works, strengthen collaboration and adapt approaches to deliver better environmental and community outcomes in the future.

2. Raby Castle tour
   
   Explore the remarkable Raby Castle, one of the most impressive intact medieval castles in Northern England.
   
   Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, the castle has played a significant role in English history, including connections to Cecily Neville, the Rising of the North, and the Civil War. Today, it remains a lived-in family home alongside a major historic and cultural estate.
   
   Visitors will experience:

   • • Medieval towers, terraces, and embattled walls dating back to the 14th century
     • Regency and Victorian interiors still in use today
     • A rich collection of art, textiles, furniture, and historic objects spanning the 17th–21st centuries
     • Works by notable artists including Sir Alfred Munnings and Luca Giordano
     • Decorative porcelain and sculpture collections, including Meissen pieces and classical works
     
     Set within beautiful parkland featuring deer herds, lakes, and landscaped gardens, the approach to the castle offers one of the most striking estate settings in the North of England.

3. Networking BBQ – Raby Castle (Evening)
   
   Conclude the day with a relaxed networking BBQ in the picturesque grounds of Raby Castle, including the deer park and gardens.
   
   Guests will enjoy a menu showcasing estate-sourced produce while taking in the historic surroundings. This informal evening provides an opportunity to connect with fellow delegates, speakers, and partners in a unique setting.
   Price: £35 per person - buy tickets here.