Barnard Castle
Recommended by
Overview
Bits and pieces of Bernard de Balliol’s castle still exist, as well as the 14th-century Round Tower and also the 15th-century Great Chamber, where you can see the boar badge of King Richard III (AKA Shakespeare's Richard ‘Crookback’), carved into the stonework of one of the windows. You can see what attracted de Balliol to the site – it is protected by steep cliffs, and as a bonus it has fine views across the River Tees. Embellished by sturdy walls and deep ditches, it was a formidable fortress, on a site covering more than six acres. It was a sought-after prize, and it changed hands many times. Through the centuries it was claimed by Alexander II of Scotland, the powerful prince-bishops of Durham, the powerful Neville earls of Warwick, and finally Richard III. After his demise at Bosworth in 1485 and the end of the long Wars of the Roses, the castle fell into disrepair.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open Apr-Sep, daily 10-6; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
County Durham reaches halfway across England, from the North Pennines in the west, to the sea in the east. Much of it is very sparsely inhabited, and is naturally beautiful; a mix of rolling hills, monumental valleys, lush farmland and unforgiving moors.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
1 Teesdale Road
Situated centrally in the historic town of Barnard Castle, 1 Teesdale Road is a contemporary property next to the banks of the River Tees. This cosy house offers views of the 12th centu...
1 Teesdale Road
Situated centrally in the historic town of Barnard Castle, 1 Teesdale Road is a contemporary property next to the banks of the River Tees. This cosy house offers views of the 12th centu...
Riverview Leisure Park
Perfectly situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Riverview Leisure Park overlooks the River Tees. As one of the most histo...
Pecknell Farm Caravan Park
Pecknell Farm Caravan Park is a small family-run site set on a working farm, in beautiful rural meadowland. There are spacious pitches on level ground, which are always in tip-top condi...
Lily Hill Farm B&B
Lilly Hill is a farmhouse set on a working farm amidst wonderful views in the quiet hamlet of Brignall. Just 1.5 miles from main Trans-Pennine route A66, four miles south of historic ma...
Balder Cottage
Awaiting description...
Tees Cottage
Awaiting description...
Woodencroft Cottage
Awaiting description...
