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Bowes Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The ruins of a 12th century keep within the foundations of a Roman fort. The castle was built for the same reason the Romans built their fort here; to guard the strategically important Stainmore Pass that runs east-west across the Pennines between present-day County Durham and Cumbria.

Bowes Castle was designed by Richard the Engineer for Henry II between 1171 and 1187. The remains consist of a keep standing several stories high, with the foundations of a forebuilding.

Bowes originally belonged to the Honour of Richmond, but by 1171 it had passed into royal control, and it remained in royal hands until 1233 when it passed to Peter, Duke of Brittany.

The castle was reported as being in ruins as early as 1325, and by the 17th century it had been largely dismantled.

The keep is built to a square plan, and incorporates masonry from the earlier Roman fort. The moat is obvious to the south and west of the keep. Visitors can enter the interior of the keep and ascend a spiral stair in one corner to a height of two stories, for a good view of the castle interior. The foundation walls of interior buildings are clearly visible within the keep.

Bowes, County Durham, England

About Bowes Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: At the west end of Bowes village, off the A66. Parking along the roadside. Open access site located opposite the church. Signposted.
Website: Bowes Castle
English Heritage
Location map
Bowes Castle Photos
OS NY992134
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Barnard Castle - 4 miles (Castle) Egglestone Abbey - 4.4 miles (Abbey) Rokeby Park - 5.6 miles (Historic House) Raby Castle - 9.8 miles (Castle) Wynch Bridge - 10.5 miles (Historic Property) Low Force - 10.5 miles (Countryside) High Force - 11.6 miles (Countryside) Stanwick Camp - 11.6 miles (Prehistoric)

Nearest Towns and Villages Muker - 11.4 miles away Kirkby Stephen - 13.6 miles away Richmond - 13.8 miles away Askrigg - 15.2 miles away Aysgarth - 16.1 miles away Hawes - 16.7 miles away Appleby - 17.5 miles away Middleham - 17.9 miles away

Photos of Bowes Castle

Bowes Castle

Moat

Castle entrance

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Nearest Accommodation to Bowes Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

West Cottage - 3.2 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £210

Red Lion Cottage - 4.1 miles from Bowes Castle Cotherstone, County Durham Sleeps: 8 Stay from: £350

Farm Cottage - 4.3 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £210

More Self Catering near Bowes Castle

Nearest Hotels

Ancient Unicorn - 0.2 miles from Bowes Castle Bowes, County Durham Stay from: £25.00

The Jersey Farm Country Hotel - 5.5 miles from Bowes Castle Startforth, County Durham Stay from: £60.00

The Morritt Arms Hotel - 5.8 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Stay from: £29.50

More Hotels near Bowes Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Lodge Farm Holidays - 2.9 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham

The Old Well Inn - 4 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham From: £114.00

Spring Lodge Bed & Breakfast - 4.2 miles from Bowes Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham From: £65.00

More bed and breakfasts near Bowes Castle

Barnard Castle
Tourist Information Centre
Woodleigh
Flatts Road
Barnard Castle
County Durham
England
DL12 8AA
Tel: 01833 690 909
Alternate Tel: 01833 695 320
Fax: 01833 695 320
Email: tourism@teesdale.gov.uk
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