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 Barnard
Castle
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Barnard
Castle lies on the north side of the River Tees opposite
Startforth. Locally known as 'Barney', the historic town
is the gateway to Teesdale.
The town,
located on the site of a Roman ford, grew up in the shelter
of Bernard de Balliol's castle. Built around 1125, on a high
rock above the River Tees, this imposing ruined fortress last
saw action in 1569 during the Northern Rising against Elizabeth
I.
The town
is proud of its cobbled streets, yards and back lanes which
were first laid out in the 12th century.
At the
heart of the thriving market town is an octagonal market cross
or Butter Market once used for the sale of dairy products
and was also the site of the Town Hall, Court House and town
lock-up.
On May
Bank Holiday weekend the town stages the Barnard Castle 'Meet'.
This famous annual event features an open-air Rhythm 'n' Blues
festival and carnival parade.
Amongst
Barnard Castle's other attractions is the world-famous Bowes
Museum, opened in 1892.
Nearby
is the village of Cockfield, birthplace of Jeremiah Dixon,
surveyor of the Mason-Dixon line in North America.
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Map of Barnard Castle |
What
To See -
Barnard Castle Tourist Attractions
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 Bowes Castle The Sreet, Bowes near, Barnard Castle |
4 miles west of Barnard Castle, off A66. Originally a Norman earth and timber fortress, built around 1136. The castle was erected in the Roman fort of Lavatrae, guarding the approach to Stainmore Pass. Henry II strengthened the site against Scottish raids. The massive rectangular three-storey stone keep was constructed between 1171-74. but today only the crumbling ruins can be seen.
Tel: 0870 333 1181 Open: All year during daylight Location Map |
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Raby Castle Staindrop near, Barnard Castle DL2 3AH |
King Canute's mansion, his descendants, the Neville family, lived here until the 16th century .In 1569 the Nevilles were part of the rebellion against Elizabeth I., and the land was seized by the Crown until 1626. The castle was bought by Sir Henry Vane, republicans, so the castle survived the Civil War. 
Tel: 01833 660202 Open: 2009 Easter: 11 Apr-13 Apr; May-Jun & September: Sun-Wed ( guided tours Mon-Wed every 30 mins) ;Jul-Aug: daily except Sat; On Bank Hol Weekends open Sat. Park/Gardens: 11:00-17:30 Castle: 13:00-17:00  Location Map |
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Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle DL12 8PR |
Established in the 11th century, with areas rebuilt in the 14th century. Its history is of disputed ownership, becoming Scottish after a siege by Alexander II. In 1296, the Prince-Bishops seized the castle. Later the castle was given by Edward I to the Earl of Warwick, and then was owned by Richard III. English Heritage site.
Tel: 01833 638212 Open: 2008: 21 Mar-Sept: 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; Oct: 10:00-16:00 Mon-Sun; Nov-Mar: 10:00-16:00 Mon & Thu-Sun. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Location Map |
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Eggleston Hall Gardens Eggleston near, Barnard Castle DL12 0AG |
The "Secret Garden of the North", a 4.5 acre garden full of interest, with borders, vegetable garden, winding paths, walls, a stream and fell views. Tranquil garden set around a 16th century graveyard. The gardens specialise in rare and unusual plants. Garden shop.
Open: Daily 10:00-17:00 (closed 25 Dec) Location Map |
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Stainton Pottery Tall Trees, 11 Stainton Village, Barnard Castle DL12 8RB |
Stainton Pottery, housed in a charming black and white building, boasts views over the beautiful Teesdale countryside off A688. Surrounding the pottery is a studio garden, an inspiration for the decoration of the ceramics. Watch the potter, Rod Farry, at work. The hand-thrown stoneware ceramics range from mugs and jugs to large sculptural pieces and have a variety of glazes.
Tel: 01833 631066 Open: Closed at Christmas and New Year Location Map |
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Egglestone Abbey Egglestone near, Barnard Castle |
North of Barnard Castle on minor road off the B6277. Set above a dramatic bend on the River Tees, a mile south of Barnard Castle, stand the remains of a 12th century abbey built by Premonstratensians or 'White Cannons', But dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. The ruins include the 13th century church and living quarters. Beside the abbey are the remains of a medieval pack horse bridge.
Open: Open to the public at any reasonable time. Location Map |
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Rokeby Park, Barnard Castle DL12 9RZ |
An early-18th century Palladian-style house set in a grounds. Designed in the late 1720s by its owner, Sir Thomas Robinson, the son-in-law of the Earl of Carlisle, builder of Castle Howard in Yorkshire. Acquired by J S Morritt, an ancestor of the present , who added some superb paintings, including the famous "Toilet of Venus" by Valazquez. This painting, collected by J S Morrit, now hangs in the National Gallery in London. Rooms, paintings, needlework pictures
Tel: 01609 748612 Open: 2007:May Bank Holiday then Mon & Tue from Spring Bank Holiday - Tues 4th Sep 14:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30 ) 2008: Call Location Map |
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Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP |
Museum is housed in a magnificent French-style chateau surrounded by gardens and parkland. The museum was purpose built in the 19th century by the businessman John Bowes and his wife Josephine. Dedicated to European fine and decorative arts the couples collection had 15,000 objects, opening in 1892. Porcelain, paintings, and the Silver Swan, an icon of the Bowes Museum, a musical automaton. Cafe and shop.
Tel: 01833 690606 Open: Daily:10:00-17:00 (Closed 25/26 Dec and 1 Jan) Location Map |
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Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre The Stags Head Inn, The Slack, Butterknowle, Bishop Auckland |
The rich landscape of the Gaunless Valley reflects its agriculture and coal mining heritage. Over many centuries these two industries have created a unique pattern of villages, villages, fields, hedgerows and mines in the valley. Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre in a restored building
Tel: 01388 690909 Open: Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec: Sat-Sun 11:00-15:00;Apr-Sept: Daily 11:00-15:00 Location Map |
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Hamsterley Forest Durham Dales, Follow "Hamsterley Forest" signs from A68 north of, Barnard Castle |
5,000 acres of woodland, lying between Teesdale and Weardale, is County Durhams largest forest.Wide range of habitats and home to varieties of insects, reptiles and mammals. Cycle paths, woodland walks, forest drive, orienteering course, adventure playground and picnic areas. Visitor Centre has displays on forest management and wildlife, cafe and shop
Tel: 01388 488312 Open: Daily: closes at dusk. Visitor Centre open daily from Easter-Oct weekdays 10:00-16:00 weekends & Bank Holidays 11:00-17:00 Location Map |
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Where
To Stay in Barnard Castle
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Darlington Road Barnard Castle DL12 8TA MAP
Situated on the outskirts of picturesque Barnard Castle, this former working farm, with animals still in the fields, has been turned into a contemporary, unique and quirky hotel.
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Greta Bridge near Barnard Castle DL12 9SE MAP
Privately owned 17th century country house hotel with landscaped gardens set in the small hamlet of Greta Bridge. Gilroy's restaurant with award winning wine list. Bistro and Traditional bar with hand-pulled ales. Just off the A66..
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Guest
Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels
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21 The Bank Barnard Castle DL12 8PH MAP
recently completely refurbished 17th century coaching inn nestled against the Castle wall and surrounded by antique shops, beautiful scenery, hills, rivers and historic houses. Real ale, great food and a blazing wood fire await you.Our Bedrooms..
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Holwick Middleton-in-Teesdale Barnard Castle DL12 0NJ MAP
The Strathmore Arms is well known to locals and to many travellers, though its semi remote location and being on a no through road means that you have to be going there for a reason.The Strathmore Arms is named after the family who own much of the land..
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Baldersdale near Barnard Castle DL12 9UU Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
Situated in its own grounds in the peaceful and tranquil hamlet of Hury, this property is a charming stone-built semi-detached cottage just 10 miles from Barnard Castle....
Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 186.00-450.00
Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms.
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Romaldkirk near Barnard Castle DL12 9EE Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
This property is a charming first floor Romaldkirk cottage located in the wing of a detached, stone-built barn conversion on the edge of the village and just six miles from Barnard Castle The cottage is a well-equipped, cosy intimate haven....
Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 164.00-316.00
Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms.
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Romaldkirk near Barnard Castle DL12 9EE Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
A splendid Teesdale cottage, this unique property is a ground floor wing of a stone-built detached barn, only one minute from the village centre on the edge of the charming village of Romaldkirk....
Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 164.00-316.00
Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms.
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Whorlton near Barnard Castle DL2 3PU Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
This charming property lies two miles away from Whorlton and is situated on a former farm, three miles from Barnard Castle....
Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 210.00-410.00
Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms.
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Barnard Castle DL12 9TS Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
This beautiful detached cottage was once a stable block and has been skilfully converted to provide holiday accommodation full of character The well-equipped kitchen has a real farmhouse feel with its stone floor and large dining table....
Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 239.00-422.00
Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms.
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Staindrop near Barnard Castle DL2 3QS Tel: 01244 357717 MAP
Strathmore Barns comprise the imaginative conversion of old stone byres and barns, set around a central courtyard. In the ideal location for exploring nearby Teesdale, Durham and the Yorkshire Dales...
Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 261.00-850.00
Sleeps up to 7 in 3 bedrooms.
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Bowes near Barnard Castle DL12 9NB Tel: 0844 847 1200 MAP
Nestling in unspoilt Teesdale countryside the historic village of Bowes is the delightful backdrop for this traditional cosy cottage conveniently located beside the village's 16th century coaching inn. The village is clustered round a Norman castle it...
Sleeps 3
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Around
The Barnard Castle Area
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Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Middleton-in-Teesdale (8.73 miles) Richmond (12.12 miles) Bishop Auckland (12.56 miles) Shildon (12.68 miles) Crook (13.88 miles) Leyburn (16.50 miles) Hawes (19.78 miles) Durham (21.19 miles) Bedale (22.02 miles) |
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Our
Hotel Booking Line
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Call
0870 4786316
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