I came across this odd landmark a few years ago doing geocaching. Having never seen or heard of one…read morein the UK before I found it rather intriguing. What it is, is a sulphur spring right beside the river tees. The smell of rotten eggs greats you as you approach down a small path but after about 5 minuets the smell no longer seems to be there however if you move away some distance and return it's back like a bad smell. Apparently it has some healing properties according to the Victorians who flocked to taste the waters. Having had a little taste my self it wasn't that inviting. The original fountain was replaced in 2000 but still looks the part (see images). If you are heading up teesdale via Barnard Castle then it's on the way. A small lay-by is provided to park in and then it's just a short 100m walk down a path.

Legend has it that the Abbey on Inchcolm Island in the Forth, began when King Alexander I was…read moreshipwrecked in 1123, and took shelter in a hermit's hovel. After the hermit saved his life, the King decided to build a priory on the Island. In any case it was definitely a priory by the mid 13th century when in 1235 it became an Abbey and grew from there. Inchcolm Abbey is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval monastic building complexes. It really is impressive. To get here you need to get one of two ferry services from Queensferry (make you sure you choose the option to get off at the Island and don't just pay for the cruise) which takes about thirty minutes. Once there you are free to explore the Abbey (and the rest of the island). It really is a great trip, if you're anything like me and generally like ruined piles of stone. But in all seriousness so much of it is still intact, that you really get a feel for the place. Actually it can become a bit maze like with all its stairs and many floors. One particular nerve racking part involves a steep climb up some very small winding stairs. These monks really were midgets! In fact I'm quite surprised Historic Scotland still lets visitors climb these precarious heights, but I'm glad they do. From the top of the tower you get a fantastic view of the Island and across the Forth. It also makes a great family day out, especially with the cruise to boot. Kids love to run around the Island and if its a nice day it makes a perfect picnic venue.

Just because we live in Edinburgh doesn't mean we can't enjoy the city. The folks who run the city…read morecentre (Waverley Bridge) bus tours also run a boat to Inchcolm Abbey. Go for it - an absolutely brilliant and fascinating day out. Couple of tips, buy coffee on board, if you get off at Inchcolm (do, it's amazing) either take a picnic or have a meal before or after the cruise. They only have very expensive bottled drinks and biscuits and chocolate on the island. Take your camera, wear flat shoes and comfy clothes and go for a paddle if its warm. Look out for the seals, so cute. Fantastic day out for all ages.

I came across this interesting bridge whilst out on a walk along the river Tees near to Barnard…read moreCastle. It was 1st built in 1829 but unfortunately was washed away twice in that year so in 1831 the current suspension bridge was built. If you stand in the middle whilst cars go across you can feel a ripple as it flexes under the weight & movement of the car crossing. There is a small parking bay on the south side so you can stop & look. On the north side the toll booth (building) still stands with the prices of vehicles that want to cross. Think 1800's for price list.

This would once have been a beautiful building. Unfortunately, after Henry VIII disbanded monastic…read morecommunities in England, Wales and Scotland in the 1500s, all that remains is the gatehouse. This functioned as a vicarage to the local church and is now in the care of English Heritage and probably dates back to the 1100s. Definetly worth the walk, or the drive.

As suggested below it's just a ruin but worth a look around the outside at least. As it's part of…read morethe English heritage sites you are admitted with a discount. There isn't any parking but plenty in and around the town. The castle itself is just off the Market place. If you walk down the hill past the entrance you can get a good perspective of this once mighty fortress & some good views of the river Tees & medieval bridge that is still used today. There are some nice walks on the other side of the river in either direction with foot bridges not more the half a mile to return you back to the castle. Probably not the best looking castle in SW Durham but it is up against Raby, Witton, Walworth, Brancpeth, Auckland & Durham itself. Worth a visit though if you are in Barnard Castle for day out.

Not much left of this place but still a good place to see, We looked outside and did not pay to…read morelook inside as its not worth it as not much of it left and you can see all you need to see outside. Its a hill you have to walk up to get to it but it is worth it, a nice piece of history

Capernwray Hall, stately home and residence of the Founder…read moreof Toarch Bearer Community, Major Ian Thomas. After World War II where he served as an army officer in Germany with the British Army of The Rhine, he dedicated his life and his fortune, mainly his residence and whole property, the Lord Lieutenant of the county of Lancaster home Capernwray Hall, to serve as the central unit to all his enormous religious activities, founding lots of bible school places and establishing regional and local sections of his Toarch Bearer Fellowship all over the world. Here it all began, in 1946, when he set out to buy the castle and to converte it into what it is now, the heart of his sacred movement.

This is a castle plus the gardens and deer park. You can pay to see the gardens only (not the…read morecastle opens later at 1pm and at the moment seems to just do guided tours). We were travelling back from a visit to the North East and so visited this on route. We just paid to see the gardens as we were too early for the Castle. The gardens are spectacular. There are hedges which seem like twisted, organic creatures. The plants are a delight. The castle is half surrounded by a flooded moat and you can walk round the castle and spy deer (there were lots of warnings not to touch them at this time of year). The castle is spectacular and the whole experience was well worth the diversion.There is a cafe in the old stables as well as the obligatory gift shop. Personally, I didn't think they made enough of the link to the gardens-there could have been a market shop selling plants and produce from the gardens. They do sell venison but it is frozen until they "start killing" (it was put like this to me) next month. By which time I assume the fridges will be stocked with venison to buy. Well worth a visit.

What a great castle, what ever the weather. I pass the place several times a week & never ceases to…read moreamaze me. It so nice to see large herds of deer roaming in it's vast grounds. Often seen is both long horned cattle & red shaggy highland cattle. Not seen from the road but in the picture is a large lake/moat. It's not regularly open so check before visiting. At Xmas they have a Market with Santa & you are able to buy Xmas trees from the Raby estate. Other events are held here such as vintage car shows & orchid shows. Well worth a visit even just to see it's majesty from the outside.

Although it's just a ruin in the main, Its well kept, nice carpark for about 15 cars & it's free…read more The best way to take this abbey in, is to include it on a walk as there is nothing else to do here & there are some nice walks out of Barnard Castle. Exactly what I'm doing today

There's not much to see or do here, but at least it's free! It's basically an old ruined abbey at…read morethe end of an off-beat country road. English Heritage have put some information around the place, but not much: a lot is left to one's imagination. There is quite a bit to explore though, and it's possible to conjure up images of what life might have been like there centuries ago. There's plenty of car-parking and on a pleasant summer's day it's a nice spot for a picnic. It's probably worth a visit but don't go with too many expectations!

Good because Eleanor's narration left us wanting more. Inside was out of bounds so we were left…read morewith a half hour outside tour and the mini museum of the witches. We were thirsty for much more history than was given but what was given was great. Eleanor was a born story teller and there is so much more to this history than was given. For 2 pound 50 it was a bargain. What stories this castle could tell.

You'd be silly to come all the way to Lancaster without seeing the castle!…read more The castle is still a working court and prison, but you can take tours there seven days a week if you head around back (near the requisite gift shop.) The keep dates to the 12th century and the history of the castle is very interesting. The guides are well informed and fun to listen to, and there are events here throughout the year. When you finish, it's worth heading out front, putting the castle at your back and taking a walk down the street towards town. On the right, you'll see a sign for the Nice Cafe, and inside that building is the tourism office, which always has more info on things to see locally. If you go a few feet further and look left, you will find the Merchant's Pub, one of the oldest and coolest pubs in town. Grab a burger and a pint and enjoy their patio!

A great place to visit the owner is really friendly and great value for money , see my full review…read moreand photos at http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=2303