About
Barnard Castle takes its name from Bernard de Balliol, who began the stone fortress above the River Tees in the 12th century. Its extensive ruins stretch from a broad outer ward to a stronghold overlooking the gorge, with a round tower and the remains of grand domestic rooms. Look above the great chamber window for the white boar associated with Richard III, then enjoy the view down to the river. Visitors often remark that there is more space to explore than they expected, and praise the elevated views and room for a relaxed outing with a dog. The lawns and orchard area suit a picnic, with benches, a small shop and a toilet available. Park in town and walk to the entrance, allowing extra time to find a space. Most routes use grass or compacted gravel, but stairs lead to the round tower and ditches. Keep dogs on leads.
ClosedPick a day for times and prices
- Until 1 Nov
- Daily 10:00–16:00
- 2 Nov–14 Feb
- Weekends 10:00–16:00
- 15–21 Feb
- Daily 10:00–16:00
Later dates are in the calendar.
Off-peak days are £1.00 cheaper for an adult.
Today, Monday 26 October
Off-peak day- Barnard Castle10:00 – 16:00
Off-peak prices, non-members
| Ticket | On the day | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £9.00 | £7.65 |
| Child | £4.50 | £3.82 |
| Concession | £8.10 | £6.88 |
| Family | £22.70 | £19.29 |
| Family (one adult) | £13.60 | £11.56 |
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October 2026, then 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. From 2 November-20 December 2026, open Saturday, Sunday 10am-4pm. Check the official calendar for holidays, later dates and event exceptions.
Last entry normally 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary admission; check special events separately.
Level access with ramps in places; paths are fairly smooth grass and compacted gravel. Stairs lead to the round tower and ditches, with no lift. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped at the main gate; there is no on-site accessible parking. Accessible unisex toilet behind the shop.
Parking: No on-site car park. Use public town parking and walk to the castle; EH identifies central pay-and-display car parks around 500m away and some two-hour free street spaces. Queen Street is the chosen public arrival car park. Current tariff not confirmed; EH membership does not cover council parking.
Directions: Driving pin: Queen Street, matched to the public/visitor arrival parking described by EH at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/barnard-castle/directions/. Main attraction Google identity is stored separately. Walk from parking to admissions.
Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome, including in the outdoor visitor areas; assistance dogs welcome. Any additional indoor pet restrictions are not confirmed.
Image: Barnard Castle great chamber and round tower. Bob Harvey, CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barnard_Castle,_the_great_chamber_-_geograph.org.uk_-_5568577.jpg
Reviews & Tips
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Passport stamp
Stamp available · Ask the team where to collect it
