Barnard Castle tower.
1095 to 1125
Open to Visitors

Barnard Castle is a ruined medieval castle situated on a high rock above the River Tees in County Durham.

A stone castle was initially built on the site of an earlier defended position from around 1095 to 1125 by Guy de Balliol. The castle was extended by his nephew Bernard de Balliol and his son Bernard II between 1125 and 1185. When John Balliol was deposed as King of Scotland in 1296, the castle was passed to the Bishop of Durham, and around 1300 Edward I granted it to the Earl of Warwick. During the War of the Roses, Richard III took possession of the castle, which became one of his favourite residences.

The Nevilles enlarged and improved the estate and created a substantial and impressive castle. Today, it’s in the custody of English Heritage and is open to the public. 

Visit Aydon Castle

Facilities

Dogs on Leads
Giftshop
Level access with ramps in places
Accessible Restroom
Pinic Area
Exhibitions
Snacks and Drinks
Sensory Garden
Carpark in Town (2hs Free)
Plan of Barnard Castle (1897), from "The Castles of England: their story and structure" by Sir James Dixon Mackenzie.
Plan of Barnard Castle (1897), from "The Castles of England: their story and structure" by Sir James Dixon Mackenzie. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Painting of Barnard Castle, by J. M. W. Turner (c. 1825). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Hours

Summer: 10:00 – 18:00

Winter: 10:00 – 16:00

Address

Scar Top, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8PR

Phone

+44 0370 333 1181

Prices

Member – Join nowFree
Adult£7.60
Child (5-17 years)£4.60
Concession£6.90
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£19.80
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£12.20

Location

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Medieval Britain: Newark Castle. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

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Corfe Castle is a ruined castle on the route between Wareham and Swanage.

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Aydon Castle. Image courtesy of Flickr Commons, Author: Mr. Evil Cheese Scientist

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