Scar Top, Barnard Castle
Scar Top is one of those places that quietly brings together everything people love about Barnard Castle.
Just a few steps from the town centre, the busy streets give way to open green space, castle views and fresh air. Families come here for the play park and mini golf, others stop to admire the castle, and plenty of people simply take a seat on one of the benches to enjoy a few peaceful minutes overlooking the River Tees with views across to Startforth.
Whether you're visiting Barnard Castle for the day or staying a little longer, Scar Top is the sort of place that encourages you to slow down, take in the surroundings and enjoy what makes this corner of Teesdale so special.
What You'll Find at Scar Top
Barnard Castle
The impressive ruins of Barnard Castle sit directly beside Scar Top and are one of the town's most recognisable landmarks. Managed by English Heritage, the castle has stood above the River Tees for more than 850 years and remains one of the most popular attractions in Teesdale. Visitors can explore the historic ruins, enjoy views across the surrounding countryside and discover the story of the fortress that gave the town its name.
The castle is managed by English Heritage, with seasonal opening times and admission charges applying for visitors who wish to explore inside the ruins.
Open Space and Views
One of the best things about Scar Top is the amount of open space right beside the town centre. The large grassed area provides plenty of room to sit, relax or enjoy a picnic while taking in views across the River Tees towards Startforth. With benches scattered around the edge of the green, it is an easy place to slow down and spend a few peaceful minutes.
It is one of the few places in Barnard Castle where you can step away from the shops and enjoy such a wide open view within a couple of minutes of the town centre.
Barnard Castle Mini Golf
Scar Top is home to Barnard Castle's unique nine hole mini golf course. The course follows a "Journey Through Teesdale" theme, with carved stone features representing local landmarks including Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum, County Bridge and Egglestone Abbey. The course usually operates seasonally and provides a fun activity for families visiting the town.
The course usually operates between spring and autumn, with seasonal opening times and a small admission charge.
Barnard Castle Play Park
The children's play area makes Scar Top a popular destination for families. With climbing equipment, swings and plenty of space nearby to run around, it is often one of the busiest parts of the site during school holidays and weekends. Combined with the mini golf and castle, it helps make Scar Top one of the most family friendly places in Barnard Castle.
The play area sits directly beside the open green space, making it easy for families to combine the park, mini golf and castle into a relaxed visit to Scar Top.
Where is Scar Top in Barnard Castle?
Scar Top sits beside Barnard Castle itself, just a few steps from the town centre. One of the easiest ways to reach it is by following the path beside Barnard Castle Methodist Church, close to the Post Office.
From there, the path leads you towards the open green space, the castle entrance and the views across the River Tees towards Startforth. Within moments, the shops and cafés are behind you and Scar Top opens out into one of the most recognisable spaces in Barnard Castle.
Older maps show this approach to Scar Top marked as Scar Road, running beside Barnard Castle Methodist Church towards the castle. Today it is still one of the easiest ways to reach Scar Top from the town centre, passing close to the Post Office before the green space opens out beside the castle.
A Place for Everyone
Whether you're visiting Barnard Castle for the history, spending time with family or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to sit, Scar Top offers a little bit of everything. Within a few minutes you can explore a medieval castle, enjoy views across the River Tees, play a round of mini golf or simply relax on one of the benches and watch the world go by.
Explore More in Barnard Castle
If you're planning to spend longer in Barnard Castle, our town guide and interactive map can help you discover more of what the area has to offer. You'll find information on local attractions, public toilets, parking, family friendly places to visit and some of the best walks in and around the town.