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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle

From £4.60
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8PR

Tel: +44 01833 638212

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Barnard Castle
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About

A spectacular fortress set on a high rock above the market town, Barnard Castle takes you back to the 12th century. Spot Richard III’s boar emblem carving, enjoy the sensory garden and stunning views of this riverside location. 

Ruined castle overlooking the River Tees. Remains include 14thC great hall, 3-storey keep and circular round tower which inspired Sir Walter Scott (Rokeby).

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, imposing Barnard Castle was the stronghold of the Balliol family. Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the 12thC, it includes a fine great hall and a dominating round-towered keep.

Unsuccessfully besieged by the Scots in 1216, it was confiscated when John de Balliol, briefly King of Scotland, was deposed by Edward I. It last saw action during the Northern Rising against Queen Elizabeth in 1569, surrendering to 5,000 rebels, and was partly dismantled in 1630 to furnish materials for Sir Henry Vane's new Raby Castle.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult (including gift aid)£7.60 per ticket type
Child (5-17 years) (including gift aid)£4.60 per ticket type
Concession (including gift aid)£6.90 per ticket type
Family 1 adult, 3 children (including gift aid)£12.20 per ticket type
Family 2 adults 3 children (including gift aid)£19.80 per ticket type

Please book in advance - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/barnard-castle/

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousTripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
806 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    358
  • Very Good
    327
  • Average
    99
  • Poor
    16
  • Terrible
    6

Recent Reviews:

  • gillzagreb
    Kinlochewe, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Lovely staff
    5 of 5 stars
    Thursday, 13th October 2022
    Really interesting castle much bigger than we were expecting. Stunning views of the autumn colored trees and down over the river and town. Read full review
  • richard r
    Borgue, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Dog friendly castle in a lovely market town.
    5 of 5 stars
    Sunday, 6th November 2022
    The castle is not.the biggest or best preserved, but still plenty to see on a fantastic site overlooking the river Tees. Different from many, it shows how a large walled area protected the towns... Read full review
  • 943karll
    Hong Kong, China
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Great castle to visit
    4 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 15th November 2022
    Very well preserved castle with a rich history. Well maintained grounds with access for mobility impaired. Staff were helpful. Toilet on site which is always a bonus. Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2023

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Access Statement - Please see below

Catering

  • Picnic Site

Provider Facilities

  • Toilets

Access Information

Visit External Site

Opening Times

2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)

* Please book in advance - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/barnard-castle/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barnard-Castle-1119135551442811

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A1. In Barnard Castle town centre.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest rail station at Darlington.

Highlights...

Barnard CastleBarnard Castle, Barnard CastleBarnard Castle is the historic, 'must-see' European market town.

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