Why visit Barnard Castle?
Historic sites
Built around the ruins of a medieval castle, Barnard Castle is an excellent spot for history fans to start exploring. Begin with the 12th-century Barnard Castle itself, based on a rock over the Tees Gorge, before moving onto the ruins of Egglestone Abbey, where there are still remains of monastery living quarters. The Bowes Museum is the town’s museum, based in a 19th-century chateau with fine European art on show.
Hiking trails
Exploring the surrounding North Pennines landscapes on foot is another way to spend your days around Barnard Castle. Take in the river Tees along part of the 100-mile Teesdale Way national trail, or head deep into the Deepdale Nature Reserve or Flatts Wood and Percy Beck, to find peaceful wooded trails.
Watersports
With the gorgeous river Tees running through the town, walking isn’t the only activity that will raise your heartrate in Barnard Castle. As well as strolls along the riverside, you could also spend your days paddling a canoe or settling in for an afternoon of fishing.
Essential things to do in Barnard Castle
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Time your visit for the town markets, which include the weekly market on Wednesday and the farmers’ market on Saturdays, for a taste of local produce
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Rifle through the town’s antique stores to see what vintage pieces you could get your hands on
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Make an appointment to walk with furry friends at Teesdale Alpacas, 10 minutes’ drive from the town
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Climb the Roman Road to Scar Top Hill and Barnard Castle, before tracing the city walls
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Take a trip to Raby Castle Park and Gardens, a 200-acre deer park with trails and a walled garden from the 18th century
Unexplored Barnard Castle
Take in the town’s diverse shops
While Barnard Castle may be known for its antique shops, there are plenty of other interesting shops to nose around during your time in town. Pick up handmade chocolates from Chocolate Fayre, local paintings from the town’s studio or a fresh page-turner from one of the bookshops.
Get golfing
Take on the holes at the Barnard Castle golf course, an 18-hole run. Set in parkland above the river Tees, it’s an especially scenic place to tee off. If you’re travelling with novice golfers, like the kids perhaps, there’s a miniature golf course on Scar Top opposite the castle.
Dine at Blagraves House like Oliver Cromwell
Back in 1648, the historic general and statesman Oliver Cromwell is believed to have taken his dinner in Blagraves House when he visited Barnard Castle. The restaurant still remains in Barnard Castle, so follow in his footsteps to add a historic spin to your meal out.
Here’s how
Choosing exactly where to base yourself in Barnard Castle is a big part of your getaway, and campsites are excellent if you want to soak up even more fresh country air or dig into local produce around a firepit or barbecue.
Whether you stay on old-school tent pitches to get the traditional camping experience or select somewhere with extra mod cons – perhaps a campsite with an indoor swimming pool – there’s plenty of variety.
Where you stay will depend upon who you’re travelling with too. If you’ve got the kids in tow, choose a spot at a family-friendly campsite in Barnard Castle. Those curling up with a furry friend in their tent can stay at dog-friendly campsites in Barnard Castle too.
Take your pick from other getaway options on Pitchup.com, such as:
Barnard Castle not for you? Branch out and browse what’s on offer around Egglestone, Bishop Auckland and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
