VISIT  BARNARD  CASTLE  WITH ENGLISH  HERITAGE  MEMBERSHIP

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TICKETS & PRICES

Adults: £7.70
Children 5-17 Years: £4.00
Families (2 adults, up to 3 Children): £19.40
Families (1 adult, up to 3 Children): £11.70

Quick Navigation

  1. Visiting Barnard Castle
  2. History of Barnard Castle
  3. Castle Images
  4. Barnard Castle Occupants
  5. Barnard Castle Q&A & Facts
  6. Barnard Castle Location / Directions
  7. Places too Stay
  8. Barnard Castle Events
  9. Barnard Castle Architecture
  10. What to do and see at Barnard Castle
  11. Other Places to Visit near Barnard Castle

Visiting Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is a mediaeval fortification situated in Durham, England. It shares its namesake with the nearby town. The first castle was erected on the site in 1093, and underwent multiple renovations and additions throughout the centuries. Today, it is a ruinous site, and visitors can explore the foundational remains and climb the tower by booking a ticket through English Heritage.

Parking

Barnard Castle does not offer on-site parking. Instead, visitors are encouraged to utilise the nearby car parks within the town of the same name. These lots are not managed by English Heritage, however, so both members and non-members may be subject to parking fees.

A free two-hour car park is located in the town. Alternatively, there are several Pay-and-Display locations in the area, with the closest car park being about ½ kilometre (0.3 mi) from the castle site.

Price

The admission fee to Barnard Castle changes based on the day and season. Special events may also affect opening and closing times.

Visitors can receive a discount for booking tickets online up until 8:45 a.m. on the date of your visit. Tickets purchased on-site do not qualify for the advance-booking discount.

For an idea of ticket prices, reference the table below (please note, the advance-booking discount is already included in these prices):

Barnard Castle Ticket Prices - August - Off-Peak

Ticket Type

With Donation

Without Donation

Members

Free

Free

Adult

£8.50

£7.70

Child (5-17 Years)

£4.50

£4.00

Student (with Valid ID)

£7.50

£6.80

Family (2 Adults, Up to 3 Children)

£21.50

£19.40

Family (1 Adult, Up to 3 Children)

£13.00

£11.70

Senior (65+)

£7.50

£6.80

 

If you are an overseas visitor and intend to visit Barnard Castle, you can receive free admission to the site and numerous other historic English Heritage sites by investing in a 9- or 16-day Overseas Visitors Pass.

 

Opening

Hours of operation vary throughout the season. From April to October, Barnard Castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From November to March, the site is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ticket booth issues last admission no later than 30 minutes before the posted closing time.

For a quieter, less crowded visit, try visiting Barnard Castle before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m. on a weekday during the spring, summer, or early autumn. The castle is busiest on weekends and bank holidays.

Location and Access

The physical address of Barnard Castle is:

 

Flatts Rd

Scar Top

Barnard Castle

DL12 8PR

United Kingdom

Barnard Castle is located in the town of the same name.

To access the site by vehicle:

  • From the northeast (near Staindrop), use A688.
  • From the southwest (near Bowes), use the A67.
  • From the northwest (near Eggleston), use B6287.
  • From the southeast (near Greta Bridge), use the A66 to B6277.

Visitors using satellite navigation should refer to the following coordinates:

  • Latitude: 54.543513
  • Longitude: -1.918758

Bus access to Barnard Castle is available via several service routes, including those listed below:

  • Arriva: 75, 76
  • Classic: 352
  • Hodgson: 70, 71, 72, 73, 79, 79X
  • Cumbria Classic: 572
  • Scarlet Band: 83, 84, 95, 96

Know Before You Go

 

  • There are no restaurants or cafés on site. However, the gift shop (located within the ticket booth) has cold beverages, light snacks, and ice cream available for purchase.


  • Picnics are permitted at Barnard Castle. The vast, grassy bailey provides plenty of space for picnicking with spectacular views of the wooded Tees Gorge. Bring a blanket or feel free to use one of the picnic tables located throughout the castle grounds and in the garden.

  • Visitors have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. In addition to drinks and snacks, the gift shop also includes a selection of products, including English Heritage gifts and themed items, like books and toys.


  • A toilet is located on the castle grounds. There is a single toilet located behind the gift shop/ticket booth. It is an accessible unisex unit.


  • Feel free to bring Fido. Well-behaved canines are welcome at Barnard Castle, including service dogs. Dogs must remain leashed. There are dog bowls available for use just outside of the gift shop.

 

  • There is plenty of space for children to roam and explore. The open Inner Bailey provides enough space for kids to wander and explore, while remaining within eyesight of their guardian(s). English Heritage also permits ball games and kites on site, though visitors should be courteous of other guests.


  • Some areas are wheelchair accessible. The Inner Bailey is accessible for wheelchair users, though visitors must travel across smooth grass and gravel paths. A cobbled path leads to the castle gardens. The Round Tower and the ditches require walking up and down stairs. Unfortunately, there is no lift access available.


  • Be mindful of on-site hazards. Hazards include rabbit holes, slippery-when-wet surfaces (including both grass and stone), deep ditches, and the historic, narrow spiral staircase in the Round Tower.

 

Barnard Castle Events

In the past, Barnard Castle has been the site of several events, including a teddy bear picnic, mead tasting, and live siege reenactments with childrens’ drill sessions.For information on events happening now and future affairs, take a moment to view the Barnard Castle events page or check out the Barnard Castle Facebook page.

Places To Stay Nearby

Premier Inn Bishop Auckland

20.4 km (12.7 mi) northeast

This Premier Inn lodging facility offers affordable rooms with multiple amenities, including free parking, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioned units, and access to the on-site restaurant. Each room includes a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, and a vanity space. The site is conveniently located about a 19-minute drive from Barnard Castle.

Book

Travelodge Scotch Corner Skeeby

61.6 km (38.3 mi) northeast

Travelodge is a budget hotel offering comfort at a reasonable cost. This particular accommodation is conveniently located near various shopping opportunities, multiple cafés and pubs, and is a 51-minute drive from Barnard Castle. Rooms include a TV, desk, chair, en-suite bathroom with a shower, tea and coffee facilities, and free parking (first come, first served).

Book

The Three Horseshoes Hotel

39 metres (128 feet) east

The Three Horseshoes Hotel is a 17th-century accommodation situated in Barnard Castle (town). It’s only a hop, skip, and jump away from the castle (about a one-minute drive or five-minute walk) and the River Tees. Rooms include a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a television, a hairdryer, and a desk. The on-site restaurant serves a full breakfast buffet each morning.

Book

History of Barnard Castle 

Barnard Castle is a mediaeval fortress built in 1093 by Guy de Balliol. The castle stayed in the hands of the Balliol’s for over a century before passing to the Beauchamps, who held it for 164 years. In 1569, the castle underwent a fierce siege, which ultimately led to its decline.

Time Line

- 1093 (The First Castle)

The first castle on the site was a timber ring-work built by Guy de Balliol. After fighting on the side of King William II during the rebellion, he received multiple properties from the Crown, showcasing the king’s gratitude.

- 1133 (Castle Rebuilt)

Upon Guy de Balliol’s passing, his nephew, Bernard, inherited the site. Bernard would rebuild the wooden castle in stone, and expand the grounds. The town surrounding the castle was also founded by Bernard during this period.

- 1154-1159 (The Wards)

When Bernard de Balliol II inherited the site, the castle was expanded further with the addition of the North Gate, Brackenbury Tower, and Constable Tower. The Town Ward and Middle Ward were also created during this time. It’s believed that Bernard II was extravagant in his spending on the site, as it would pass into the hands of Bishop Antony Bek of Durham as a debt security, though this was a temporary ownership.

- 1205 (Round Tower Built)

Hugh de Balliol received the castle in succession, and continued enhancing the site. It is he who rebuilt the Great Hall in the Inner Ward, constructed the Great Chamber, and erected the Round Tower.

- 1306-1307 (Castle Seized)

King Edward I took over Barnard Castle and granted it to Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. The Beauchamp descendants would hold the castle for well over a century. 

- 1315 (Lady Matilda Clifford Assault)

The next in succession to the Warwick earldom was an infant, so King Edward II temporarily granted Barnard Castle to John le Irreys. This proved to be a mistake, as le Irreys would raid the nearby Bowes Castle, abducting Lady Matilda Clifford, and dragging her back to Barnard Castle. She was assaulted during her kidnapping, and when King Edward II caught wind of the situation, he had her rescued and subsequently removed John le Irreys from his position.

- 1329 (Castle Renovations)

Thomas de Beauchamp inherited Barnard Castle and renovated the Great Hall, kitchens, and other service buildings within the Inner Ward.

- 1446-1485 (Richard III)

Due to no male heirs in the Beauchamp lineage, the castle passed to Anne Beauchamp and, due to law, became the property of her husband, Richard Neville. In 1471, Neville died at the Battle of Barnet and his daughter received the castle. Her husband, Richard Plantagenet, became Duke of Gloucester and later, in 1483, King Richard III. He maintained the castle until 1485, completing numerous repairs and alterations as Castle Lord.

- 1485-1536 (The Bowes Family)

When King Richard III died, his mother-in-law passed the castle to King Henry VII who granted it to keepers, who consisted of the Bowes family. Sir Robert Bowes was the keeper in 1536, and surrendered the castle to the rebels before restoring royal control in the area.

- 1569 (Castle Siege)

During the Rising of the North, Barnard Castle was besieged by rebel forces. The fierce siege continued for 11 days. The Outer Ward was taken over after only six days, followed shortly by the Town Ward. This forced the garrison to retreat into the Inner Ward. When rebels destroyed the water pipes, the castle was surrendered. It experienced a steep decline from this point forward and never again saw military action.

- 1603 (Castle Derelict)

When Sir Henry Vane came into possession of Barnard Castle, he used the materials in the castle to build his new site in Raby. As such, the castle became even more ruinous. At this point, Barnard Castle was all-but-abandoned.

- 18th Century (Tourist Attraction)

Interest in the castle as a historic attraction increased.

- 1841-1845 (The Castle Hermit)

Frank Shields took up residence in Barnard Castle’s Round Tower, regaling tourists with stories and history of the site and caring for it during his downtime. He became somewhat of a local celebrity, but was later evicted from the site before moving to Egglestone Abbey.

- 1896 (Castle Repairs)

Strong winds left the castle in a further dilapidated state. Minor repairs were ordered at this time.

- 1952 (Ministry of Works)

The castle ruins were transferred to the care of the Ministry of Works.

- 1984 (English Heritage)

English Heritage began managing the site.

Barnard Castle Occupants

 

    • 1093: Guy de Balliol was granted several estates, including the future site Barnard Castle, where he erected a timber ring-work defence.
    • 1133: Bernard de Balliol inherited the site after Guy de Balliol’s death, and rebuilt the wooden castle in stone and completed other renovations.
    • 1154: Bernard de Balliol II continued working on and enlarging the castle.
    • 1205: Hugh de Balliol took ownership of Barnard Castle and built the Round Tower.
    • 1307: Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, was granted the castle. It would remain under ownership of the Beauchamps for 164 years.
    • 1315: John le Irreys temporarily became Castle Lord, as the next Beauchamp heir was in infancy. However, after he assaulted Lady Matilda Clifford, le Irreys was removed from his command by the king.
    • 1329: Thomas de Beauchamp inherited the castle upon coming of age.
    • 1446: Anne Beauchamp was next in line to receive the castle, so it passed to her husband, Richard Neville.
    • 1471: Anne Neville received the castle upon her father’s death. It subsequently passed to her husband, Richard Plantagenet, who later became King Richard III.
    • 1485-1536: King Henry VII granted Barnard Castle to the Bowes family to act as keepers of the site.
    • 1603: Sir Henry Vane inherited the castle, and used the site for building materials.
    • 1841: Frank Shields, a local hermit, took up residence in the castle before being evicted in 1845.

Barnard Castle Architecture

https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/results/?searchType=HE+Archive&search=Parent%3A111199071&facetValues=facet_hid_dateFrom%3A2018%3AyearFrom%7C 

General Layout

Like most castles throughout England, Barnard Castle sits in a strategic location. The plateau upon which it stands towers above the River Tees, making it easy to control the river crossing, which has remained a vital route for thousands of years. The castle contained four wards, including the Town Ward, Inner Ward, Middle Ward, and Outer Ward.

Original Layout

The first castle, erected during the 11th century, was a ring-work fort made of timber with a stone gatehouse. It included ditches and earthworks on its south and east sides, with its north and west sides being defended by natural cliffs. Later, this timber castle was rebuilt in stone and the castle expanded to include a Great Hall, Great Chamber, Bakehouse, several towers, kitchens, and even a drawbridge.

North Gate and Town Ward

The Town Ward was adjacent to the town of Barnard Castle. It provided townspeople access via the North Gate to the castle, so they could seek refuge in times of hostility.

Within the Town Ward is the Dovecot Tower, a nesting place for pigeons, as they served as an important food source during the castle’s heyday.

Inner Ward, Round Tower, and Great Hall

The Inner Ward is the original location of the first wooden ring-work castle erected on the site during the 11th century. Later, Bernard Balliol constructed the 12th-century Headlam Tower within the Inner Ward, which served as the castle’s gatehouse.

The Inner Ward is surrounded by deep ditches that separate it from the Town and Middle Wards.

Within the Inner Ward stood a Great Hall (complete with a Great Chamber), kitchens, and the Round Tower. Below is more information about each of these areas:

 

  • The Great Hall was the heart of castle life. A 15th-century oriel window is located in the Great Chamber, which is where the Castle Lord slept. It’s believed this window was added by Richard III, as his armorial symbol of a boar is carved above it.

  • The kitchen block sat near Mortham Tower (not part of the castle — it’s a 14th-century structure that served as a residential space). The castle kitchens served the residential spaces.

  • The Round Tower was constructed around 1200, and remains the most imposing structure on the site.

Middle Ward

The son of Bernard de Balliol, Bernard II, constructed a curtain wall to separate the Middle, Outer, and Town Wards. The Middle Ward was also separated by a moat.

Within the Middle Ward is the Constable Tower. This tower once overlooked the castle’s original entrance.

Outer Ward

Barnard Castle’s Outer Ward originally boasted a manorial farm and chapel, where the Balliol family were laid to rest. This ward was abandoned around the 14th-century, making the castle easier to defend from attackers.

Modern Layout

Today, Barnard Castle is a shell of its former self, with ruins dotted throughout its grounds. Though not the most well-preserved fort, there is still much to see, and visitors can expect to spend about an hour or two exploring the site.

The Inner Ward primarily consists of a large, grassy space with foundational ruins and the Round Tower. Visitors can climb the Round Tower for spectacular views of the castle grounds and the River Tees below.

In the Town Ward, the Dovecot Tower still stands, complete with nesting areas. An herb garden also sits in this ward, growing many popular plants from the mediaeval era.

There isn’t much to see in the Outer Ward, aside from nice views of the town.

Images of Barnard Castle

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Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package

What Can I See During Visit to Barnard Castle?

 

  • Look for some of the castle’s original features. Although Barnard Castle is primarily a ruinous structure, there are still hidden clues and remnants of the castle’s old buildings and decorations. Visitors can walk among the foundational remains of several towers, the kitchen block, and the Great Hall, and still see Richard III’s boar emblem in the Inner Ward.

 

  • Take in spectacular views of the River Tees and Tees Gorge. One of the most exciting parts of Barnard Castle is the ascent to the top of the Round Tower. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the natural landscape, castle layout, and town below. While in the Round Tower, don’t forget to stop in to see Frank’s Cell, the living quarters of the famous hermit who lived here in the 19th century.

 

  • Explore the sensory garden. There is an herb garden located in the Town Ward that features numerous plants commonly used during the Middle Ages. Visitors can handle various tactile objects and tickle their olfactory senses with the many aromatic plants. This is an excellent activity for the vision-impaired.

 

  • Play a garden game. Weather-permitting, English Heritage staff often set out various garden games for visitors to enjoy while exploring the site. Try your hand at Giant Jenga, challenge a friend to a game of boules, and practise your skills at dominoes.

Barnard Castle Facts

 

  1. A hermit took up residence in the Round Tower during the 19th century. Frank Shields moved into the castle in the 1840s. He entertained tourists with his eccentric personality and knowledge of the site. Later, he moved to Egglestone Abbey where his mental health declined and he became obsessed with ghosts. He was committed to an asylum and died in 1881. You can still see his cell by the cellar in the Round Tower.
  2. People say that a woman haunts the castle. Not much is known about Lady Ann Day, but it’s rumoured that her spirits still lingers at Barnard Castle, reliving her final moments. As the story goes, Lady Ann Day’s beau was executed and afterward, she either jumped or was pushed from the Round Tower and perished in the River Tees. Some visitors claim to see a woman toppling over the tower, screaming as she falls to her death.

  3. Legend has it that numerous men jumped to their deaths during the Great Siege. According to some sources, several defenders of Barnard Castle refused to surrender or be captured by enemy forces. Instead, they chose to take their future into their own hands, jumping to their deaths. 

Barnard Castle Q&A

What is Barnard Castle Famous For?

Barnard Castle is most famous for the siege of 1569 during the Rising of the North when Catholic nobles attempted, unsuccessfully, to remove Queen Elizabeth I from the throne to be replaced with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Many men died at Barnard Castle during the siege.

Is Barnard Castle Worth a Visit?

Barnard Castle is worth a visit if you’re interested in historical sites or seeing the remains of a mediaeval fortress. The site is not as large as other castles in the area, but there is still plenty to see. Additionally, you might enjoy one of the site’s many stories, including that of The Hermit or the resident ghost, Lady Ann Day.

Who Lived in the Castle at Barnard Castle?

Numerous residents occupied Barnard Castle throughout its over-900-year history. Past occupants include the Balliols, the Beauchamps, and King Richard III. Perhaps the site’s most famous resident is Frank Shields, known as The Hermit, who occupied the Round Tower from 1841 to 1845.

Who is the Owner of Barnard Castle?

Barnard Castle is currently owned by English Heritage. In 1952, the castle was transferred to the Ministry of Works, and in 1984, it was placed under the care of its current owners, English Heritage.

Location of Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is a town that shares its name with the castle. It is located in Durham, England, and was founded by Bernard de Balliol when he owned the fort. The small town gradually grew around the castle on the northeast bank of the River Tees.

The town is home to the Bowes Museum and includes numerous historic Georgian buildings, including its town hall. Charles Dickens once stayed in the town in 1838. He lodged at the King’s Head Inn at 14 Market Place. It was here that he composed his novel, “Nicholas Nickleby.”

Today, Barnard Castle is notable for its castle of the same name. It boasted a population of just under 5,500 residents as of 2011.

Other Places To Visit Near Barnard Castle

Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is an art gallery boasting an extensive collection of painting, sculptures, fashion, and design. While the museum is famous for its artwork, its location is quite spectacular, featuring a French style and surrounded by gardens. It was originally built to house the collection of John Bowes, part of the Bowes family that acted as keepers for Barnard Castle.

Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications

Dating back to the first century are the remains of an Iron Age hillfort in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire. Parts of the fortification were excavated in 1950, and the ramparts, ditches, and other stone and earthworks stretch over 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) and encircle over 300 hectares (741 acres) of land.

Egglestone Abbey

Although Egglestone Abbey is in a state of disrepair, there’s something peaceful, picturesque, and charming about its ruins. This small Premonstratensian monastery boasted a 13th-century church and cosy residential quarters, complete with an innovative and resourceful sanitary system. The site is beautiful in its own right, surrounded by countryside and overlooking the River Tees.

Sources