What to See and Do - Top Attractions
Barnard Castle market town
A historic 'Beacon status' market town full of local character, built
around the 12th century castle from which it took its name. Locally known
as 'Barney', the town boasts beautiful Georgian stone buildings, a cobbled
market place, riverside and woodland walks. The area known as 'the Bank'
is one of the best centres in the region for antique collectors and has
historic associations with Charles Dickens, JMW Turner, Sir Walter Scott
and Oliver Cromwell.
Location: Intersection of A67 and A688.
Coach access and parking: Drop-off point outside Tourist Information
Centre at 'Scar Top' adjacent to Castle and Post Office. Designated coach
parking within main car park (fee payable).
Allow: Full day recommended
Tourist Information Centre: +44 (0)1833 690909
www.flattswoods.co.uk
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Barnard Castle (English Heritage)
Imposing
castle ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the River Tees. Audio guided
tours, small gift shop, sensory gardens and picnic area. The castle dates
back to the 12th century and was once one of the largest in northern England.
Admission fee
Location: In heart of Barnard Castle town
Coach access and parking: Drop-off point outside Tourist information
centre at 'Scar Top' adjacent to Castle and Post Office. Designated coach
parking within main car park (fee payable).
Allow: 1 hour
Group bookings: +44 (0)1833 638212 (site custodian) or +44 (0)191
2691200 (regional head office)
www.english-heritage.org.uk/filestore/visitsevents/asp/visits/Details.asp?Property_Id=116
The Bowes Museum
This
world-class visitor attraction draws around 120,000 visitors a year to
its outstanding permanent collections and exhibition programme. Built
in the style of a French chateau, set in beautiful parkland, the museum
is a perfect day out for all the family. Groups are always welcome and
bespoke packages can be arranged. The Bowes Museum is also a unique setting
for weddings, specila events or corporate functions.
Admission fee
Location: Newgate, Barnard Castle, 0.25 miles from Butter Market
roundabout
Coach access and parking: Designated coach parking to rear of museum
building. Drop off at front of building by prior arrangement.
Allow: 2-3 hours
Group bookings: +44 (0)1833 690606
Email: info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Eggleston Hall Gardens
Four
acres of walled gardens, a nursery, tearooms and gift shop set in the
grounds of a Georgian country house. The Hall is available for hire for
private parties for up to 150 people. Cookery and flower arranging demonstrations
and courses are available. The ornamental gardens are laid out informally.
A walking route takes in the ruined 17th-century parish church and churchyard.
RSPB bird boxes and feeding tables attract unusual birds. Evening visits
and guided tours of the gardens are available by prior arrangement.
Admission fee for gardens
Location: Off B6281 near Eggleston
Coach access and parking: Coaches should park at Hall reached by
road marked 'private', to left of narrow lane to gardens and tearooms.
Cars and mini coaches should use main car park.
Allow: 1-2 hours
Gardens bookings: +44 (0)1833 650115
Tearoom bookings: +44 (0)1833 650432
Hall bookings: +44 (0)1833 650553
E-mail: info@egglestonhall.co.uk
www.egglestonhall.co.uk
High Force waterfall
England's
largest waterfall is reached via a short woodland walk from the car/coach
park, picnic area and gift shop.
Admission fee
Location: B6277, 4.5 miles north west of Middleton in Teesdale
Coach parking: adjacent to High Force
Car parking: fee applies
Gift Shop (free parking if passengers using facilities)
Allow: 45 minutes (to include walk to/from falls)
Group bookings & general enquiries: +44 (0)1833 640209
Email: teesdaleestate@rabycastle.com
www.rabycastle.com/high_force.htm
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Middleton-in-Teesdale
is a 'company town' created by the London Lead Company in the 19th century.
It is the gateway to the upper dale and has a tourist information centre,
gift shops, bakers, tearooms and several pubs.
Location: Intersection of B6276, B6277 and B6282
Coach access and parking: on-street parking is limited and double-parking
restricts access for coaches.
Allow: 2-3 hours
Tourist Information Centre: +44 (0)1833 641001
Email: middletonplus@compuserve.com
North East Oval Motorsport
Barford
Raceway near Streatlam, Barnard Castle is the venue for the 2004 Formula
Two Stockcar World Championships. The Raceway hosts regular monthly fixtures
of stockcar, hot rod and banger racing.
Admission fee
Location: Off A688 opposite Streatlam, 2 miles from Barnard Castle)
Coach access and parking: tbc
Allow: half day (races usually in the afternoon)
Group bookings: tbc
Email: squir@rrils.fsnet.co.uk
www.neoms.co.uk
Raby Castle
This
dramatic 14th century castle, built by the mighty Nevills, has been home
to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. Highlights include an impressive
gateway, teh vast Barons' Hall, a mediaeval kitchen, used until 1954,
and a splendid Victorian octagonal drawing room that has re-emerged as
one of the most striking interiors from the 19th century. Visitors can
also enjoy the deer park, walled gardens, carriage collection, stable
tearooms, gift shop and woodland adventure playground.
Guided tours may be tailored to suit particular interests and should be
pre-booked.
Admission fee
Location: Off A688 near Staindrop
Coach access and parking: free coach and car parking is available
opposite the pay kiosk. Coaches may drop off visitors at the entrance
to the Castle.
Allow: 3 hours
Group bookings: +44 (0)1833 660202
Email: admin@rabycastle.com
www.rabycastle.com/visit_info/tours_groups.htm
Website: www.rabycastle.com
Rokeby Hall and Park
This
palladian style country house on the banks of the River Tees was the setting
for Sir Walter Scott's ballad 'Rokeby'. The house contains a unique collection
of 18th century needlepainting pictures.
Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Admission fee
Location: North side of A66 between A1M and Bowes.
Coach access and parking: car park on site, narrow roads and gateway.
Allow: 1 hour
Group bookings: +44 (0)1609 748612
Website: www.rokebypark.com