Barnard Castle

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III.

With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge this fortress sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ so there is plenty to do for families on a day out. Try and spot Richard's boar emblem carved above a window in the inner ward or visit the 'sensory garden' of scented plants and tactile objects.

Don't Miss the stunning views over the Tees Gorge, the sensory garden of scented plants and tactile objects, Richard III's boar emblem carved above the inner ward.

Barnard Castle is the most haunted town in the world with over a hundred ghost stories found by the UK's first ghost census.  Whatever your reason for considering a visit to our beautiful area, whether it be for a few hours, a weekend or longer we want to give you local insight to make you get the most out of what Barnard Castle has to offer…and that is one heck of a lot! For the locals we will be bringing a whole host of really useful local information for you too.