Is Barnard Castle dog friendly?

Yes. Barnard Castle has plenty of riverside paths and quiet walks where dogs are welcome, along with a good choice of dog friendly cafes and pubs. Some attractions such as the castle grounds may allow dogs on leads, but it is always best to double check the latest rules before you visit.

Where can I park in Barnard Castle?

Most of the town centre has two hours free parking, and there are also main car parks at Galgate and Queen Street which are only a short walk from the shops, the Butter Market and the riverside. On busy days the Cobbles can fill up quickly, so the main car parks are useful backup options.

How long do you need to visit Barnard Castle?

You can enjoy a good visit to Barnard Castle in half a day by exploring the castle, wandering round the independent shops and walking down to the river. If you also want to visit the Bowes Museum or Egglestone Abbey, it is easy to turn it into a relaxed full day out.

What are the main things to do in Barnard Castle?

The main things to do in Barnard Castle include visiting the medieval castle, exploring the Bowes Museum, seeing the historic Butter Market, enjoying riverside walks, browsing independent shops and visiting nearby Egglestone Abbey and other Teesdale attractions.

Barnard Castle Town Guide

Part of Discover Teesdale – our guide to the walks, waterfalls, history and peaceful places that make Teesdale special.

Welcome to Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is a historic market town sitting on the River Tees at the gateway to Teesdale. It is the perfect mix of old stone buildings, friendly independent shops, riverside walks and two of the most famous attractions in the North East, the medieval castle and the Bowes Museum.

This guide is here to help you plan your day. Whether you are looking for things to do in Barnard Castle, places to eat, where to park or ideas for a family day out, everything is gathered here in one simple place.

If you are visiting Teesdale for the first time, Barnard Castle is one of the best places to start.

Quick Facts

Location: Barnard Castle, Teesdale, County Durham
Best for: Castle ruins, riverside walks, museums, independent shops, cafes and history
Perfect for families: Everything is close together
Dog friendly: Riverside paths and lots of places welcome dogs
Nearby: High Force, Low Force, Bowlees, Egglestone Abbey and Flatts Wood

Things To Do in Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle has something for everyone. You can explore history, enjoy the river, visit a museum, wander round the shops or go for a quiet walk all in the same afternoon.

Below are the main highlights that visitors love.

Barnard Castle

The castle sits high above the River Tees and gives amazing views across the water. Built by the Balliol family and named after Bernard de Balliol, it once controlled the crossing into Teesdale. You can wander through the ruins at your own pace and explore the tower, walls and open grassy areas. It is a great mix of history and fresh air.

For opening times and ticket information please visit the official
English Heritage Barnard Castle page.

The Bowes Museum

Just a short walk from the town centre, the Bowes Museum looks like a French chateau set in peaceful setting. Inside you will find changing exhibitions, art, fashion, local history and the famous Silver Swan. The grounds are lovely for a gentle stroll and make a calm break from the town. You can read more on our Bowes Museum page.

The Butter Market

The Butter Market also sometimes called the Market Cross stands proudly in the centre of town. It has watched over markets, fairs and everyday life for hundreds of years. Today it is surrounded by independent shops, bakeries, antique centres and little cafes. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Barnard Castle and a great place to start exploring.

If you would like to learn more about its stories, bullet holes and the different roles it played over the centuries, you can read our full Market Cross history page.

Market Cross in Barnard Castle with its octagonal stone-pillared ground floor and cupola on top

Egglestone Abbey

A few minutes drive or a gentle walk from town, Egglestone Abbey sits on a quiet bend of the River Tees. Its medieval ruins are peaceful and full of character, with views of the river and open fields. It is one of the calmest places to visit near Barnard Castle. You can visit our full Egglestone Abbey guide here.

The County Bridge

The County Bridge crosses the River Tees below the castle and is one of the town’s most historic features. It once marked the boundary between County Durham and the North Riding of Yorkshire. If you look closely at the stone, you can still see the old county initials carved into the refuges. Today it gives one of the best views of the castle and river.

Historic County Bridge in Barnard Castle crossing the River Tees with stone arches and flowing water below

The Witham

The Witham is one of Barnard Castle’s cultural highlights. It is a friendly community arts centre offering a mix of exhibitions, live music, theatre performances, film screenings, creative workshops and local events. The building has a lovely welcoming feel, and the café inside is a perfect place to rest your feet after exploring the town.

They run everything from children’s activities to talks, comedy nights, craft fairs and seasonal events, making it a real gathering place for the community. If you want to see what’s on during your visit, you can check their latest programme here:
👉 https://thewitham.org.uk

Nature On Your Doorstep

One of the nicest things about Barnard Castle is how quickly you can step out of the town and into nature. The Bank sits at the bottom of the town and from there you are only a few minutes away from riverside paths and quiet woodland.

For example, within around five minutes you can reach this peaceful riverside spot:

It is a perfect reminder that Barnard Castle is not just a town to visit, it is a gateway to the outdoors.

Small waterfall on the River Tees near Barnard Castle with flowing water and riverside cottages behind

Riverside weir and stone houses at Barnard Castle

Find your way around Barnard Castle
Use the map below to zoom in on the castle, riverside walks, parking and places to explore before you visit.

Places to Eat in Barnard Castle

You will not go hungry in Barnard Castle. The town is full of artisan bakeries, cosy cafes, traditional tearooms and pubs serving home cooked meals. There is also an Italian restaurant if you fancy something a bit different.

Everything is close together so it is easy to wander around and choose whatever suits your day.

Takeaways in Barnard Castle

If you want something quick, you will find a good choice of takeaways including pizza, Indian food, fish and chips and a Chinese. Ideal for a relaxed evening after exploring Teesdale.

Barnard Castle Parking

Parking in Barnard Castle is simple and one of its biggest advantages.

Most of the town centre has two hours free parking.

There are also two main car parks:

Galgate Car Park – DL12 8EJ

Perfect for shops, the Butter Market and a short walk to the castle.

Queen Street / Hole in the Wall Car Park – DL12 8GB

A great option for the Bowes Museum end of town and the Riverside.

You can also park right in the centre on the beautiful main street known as The Cobbles.

Places to Stay in Barnard Castle

If you are planning a longer visit, Barnard Castle has a lovely range of independently run B&Bs, small hotels and holiday cottages. Many are dog friendly and all make a great base for exploring Teesdale, the waterfalls, the reservoirs and the surrounding countryside.

A Little History of Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle grew around its Norman fortress, built by the Balliol family and named after Bernard de Balliol. The castle controlled the river crossing and the town quickly formed around it. Over the centuries it passed through powerful hands including the Balliols, the Earl of Warwick and Richard the Third.

The oldest surviving house in the town is Blagraves, dating from before fourteen eighty two. It was once owned by Richard the Third and is said to have hosted Oliver Cromwell. The mix of medieval stonework, narrow lanes and the curve of the river still gives Barnard Castle a strong sense of history today.

Accessibility

Most of the town centre is flat and easy to walk.
The castle has uneven ground and a few steps, but plenty of open areas.
The Bowes Museum is fully accessible with lifts inside.
Riverside paths vary, but many are gentle and suitable for most visitors.

Best Time to Visit Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is beautiful all year round.
Spring and summer are ideal for riverside walks and museum visits.
Autumn brings colourful trees along the river.
Winter is quieter and has a cosy feel, especially around the cafes and shops.

Barnard Castle Weather

Nearby Places to Explore in Teesdale

If you want to turn your visit into a full day out, Barnard Castle is close to:

Everything is only a short walk or drive away.

Explore More in Teesdale

Discover Teesdale

Local tips from us

We visit Barnard Castle often and a few little things always make our days easier.

The castle is usually quietest early in the morning, especially outside school holidays. It is a lovely time to walk the walls and look over the river in peace.

If you need a break from the town, the riverside paths and Flatts Wood feel like a different world. You can be among trees and nature within a few minutes of leaving the Cobbles.

Parking on the Cobbles can fill up quickly on busy weekends and in summer. The nearby car parks at Galgate and Queen Street are good backup options and still only a short walk from the centre.

If you visit the Bowes Museum, do not rush the grounds. The gardens are calm, easy to wander and feel like their own little escape even if you do not go into the galleries.

On cooler days, a loop that includes the castle, the riverside and a stop in a small cafe works really well. It keeps the day relaxed and means there is always somewhere warm to head back to if the weather changes.