Barnard Castle Tourist Information
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.
What to see - Barnard Castle Tourist Attractions To Visit
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. Bowes Castle information
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. Raby Castle information
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. Barnard Castle information
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. Eggleston Hall Gardens information
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. Stainton Pottery information
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', Egglestone Abbey information
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 Rokeby Park information
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. Bowes Museum information
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 information
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. Hamsterley Forest information
Where to stay in Barnard Castle
Hotels
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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. More Information and Book ... |
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Harmire Road Barnard Castle DL12 8QJ MAP Situated in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, The Redwell Inn offers free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking and en suite rooms. The town centre can be reached within a 10-minute walk and is lined with picturesque Georgian buildings. More Information and Book ... |
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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.. More Information and Book ... |
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
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Forest-in-Teesdale Barnard Castle DL12 0XN MAP With panoramic views over the North Pennines, YHA Langdon Beck is a rural retreat offering scenic hikes and cycling routes in the surrounding area. Free private parking is offered and homemade evening meals can be provided. More Information and Book ... |
Holiday Cottages
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Caldwell near Barnard Castle DL11 7UD MAP Hawthorn Cottage is a charming choice for a romantic break, this end terraced cottage is on a site with 4 other cottages and a small rural caravan site, between Barnard Castle and Richmond. Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Fri Price Guide: 170.00-358.00 More Information and Book ... |
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Barnard Castle DL12 9TS 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. Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 239.00-422.00 More Information and Book ... |
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Baldersdale near Barnard Castle DL12 9UU 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. Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 186.00-450.00 More Information and Book ... |
Days Out Near Barnard Castle
Towns Near Barnard Castle To Visit - straight line distance:
Middleton-in-Teesdale (8.73 miles) Richmond (12.12 miles) Bishop Auckland (12.56 miles) Shildon (12.68 miles)
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