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Barnard Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

This imposing castle overlooking the River Tees was probably begun by Guy de Baliol about 1095. De Baliol's fortress consisted of a ring work, which is now the inner ward. The Baliol family owned the castle for two centuries and founded the town of the same name that surrounds the castle. In the early Middle Ages Barnard Castle was one of the astrongest and most imposing fortresses in the north of England.

The castle passed through the hands of some of the most powerful families in England. It was owned by the Beauchamps, Earls of Warwick, and later by the Nevill family. It was also a crown possession, and it was claimed by the powerful Bishops of Durham, who made several bids to occupy the castle over the centuries.

The castle's most famous moment came in 1569, when it was beseiged for 11 days by rebels during the 'Rising of the North'. Though the castle was take by the rebels, the stout defense meant that the rebellion foundered and was ultimately unsuccessful.

The castle is composed of an Inner Ward, the original castle site, which boasts a tall Round Tower and remains of a great hall and kitchens. The Inner Ward is surrounded by the Great Ditch, a moat separating it from the Middle Ward and Town Ward. Within the large open space of the Town Ward is amodern herb garden featuring plants used in the medieval period.

Town Ward
You enter the castle through the North Gate, which gives access to the Town Ward, so named because it was used by the townsfolk of Barnard Castle during times of trouble. In one corer of the Town Ward is the Dovecot Tower, where we can see nesting boxes for this important medieval source of food.

Middle Ward
Much smaller than the Town Ward, this area served to join the Town Ward and Outer Ward to the Inner Ward. We can see the remains of the moat that separated this area from the other wards. At one side is the Constable Tower, which stands over the original castle entrance.

Inner Ward
The original part of the castle, the inner ward has been expanded and strengthened many times. On entering you see remains of the Headlam Tower, the original 12th cenury gatehouse. You can see foundation walls of the kitchen block, at the far end of which is the Mortham Tower, a 14th century structure created to provide residential quarters. Off this tower is the Great Hall, the hub of castle life. Above the hall was the Great Chamber, the private chamber of the lord. This area features a large 15th century oriel window. This was possibly added during the brief lordship of Richard III, as suggested by the armourial carving of a boar, Richard's symbol, into the ceiling of the window enclosure.

The most imposing remaining structure in the Inner Ward is the Round Tower, where the lord has his sleeping quarters. You can ascend the tower for wonderful views over the castle and the River Tees below. In the vaulted cellar of the Round Tower is a covered well, beside which, rather incongruously, stands a stone coffin.

For more, read our Barnard Castle History article (link below).

Related:
Barnard Castle History

About Barnard Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: In the centre of Barnard Castle town. Well signposted. Lots of nearby parking.
Website: Barnard Castle
Phone: 01833 638212
English Heritage
Location map
Barnard Castle Photos
OS NZ049164
Heritage Rating:   ?

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

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Egglestone Abbey - 1.1 miles (Abbey) Rokeby Park - 2.5 miles (Historic House) Bowes Castle - 4 miles (Castle) Raby Castle - 5.8 miles (Castle) Stanwick Camp - 8.5 miles (Prehistoric) Piercebridge Roman Bridge - 10.4 miles (Roman) Wynch Bridge - 11.4 miles (Historic Property) Low Force - 11.4 miles (Countryside)

Nearest Towns and Villages Richmond - 12.6 miles away Darlington - 14.4 miles away Muker - 14.8 miles away Kirkby Stephen - 17.5 miles away Askrigg - 18 miles away Aysgarth - 18.1 miles away Middleham - 18.5 miles away Hawes - 20.1 miles away

Photos of Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle from the River Tees

Inner Ward exterior

Town Ward

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Nearest Accommodation to Barnard Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Red Lion Cottage - 3.1 miles from Barnard Castle Cotherstone, County Durham Sleeps: 8 Stay from: £350

West Cottage - 3.4 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £210

The Cottage, Far East Hope - 3.8 miles from Barnard Castle Barningham, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £250

More Self Catering near Barnard Castle

Nearest Hotels

The Jersey Farm Country Hotel - 1.5 miles from Barnard Castle Startforth, County Durham Stay from: £60.00

The Morritt Arms Hotel - 3 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Stay from: £29.50

The Morrit Arms Hotel - 3 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham Stay from: £110.00

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Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Old Well Inn - 0.1 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham From: £114.00

Strathmore Lawn East - 0.3 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham From: £28.00

Spring Lodge Bed & Breakfast - 0.4 miles from Barnard Castle Barnard Castle, County Durham From: £65.00

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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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