England
County Durham

County Durham Travel Guide - Castles

Barnard Castle Location map Barnard Castle, County Durham 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. Barnard Castle, County Durham, England, DL12 8PR Location: In the centre of Barnard Castle town. Well signposted. Lots of nearby parking. Website: Barnard Castle Phone: 01833 638212 English Heritage

Bowes Castle Bowes, County Durham 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, County Durham, England, 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

Durham Castle Location map Durham, County Durham Built by William the Conqueror n 1072 during his ferocious "Harrying of the North" (i.e. putting down rebellions among the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the North). Begun as a part of William's plan to pacify the north of his new realm, the castle is an excellent early example of the Norman "motte and bailey" style of fortification. Palace Green, Durham City, Durham, County Durham, England, DH1 3RW Website: Durham Castle Phone: 0191 374 3800 Fax: 0191 334 3801 University College, Durham University

Raby Castle Location map Staindrop, County Durham One of the great castles of northern England, Raby is a huge 14th century fortress built by the powerful Neville family on an estate once owned by King Cnut. Raby has been inhabited by the Vane family - and a few ghosts! - for almost 400 years. Lovely gardens and a deer park surround the castle. Darlington, Staindrop, County Durham, England, DL2 3AH Location: off the A688, 2 miles north of Staindrop Website: Raby Castle Email: admin@rabycastle.com Phone: 01833 660 202 Fax: 01833 660 169