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.

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

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!

Shap Abbey is 1 mile out of the village of Shap, in the valley of the river Lowther. It was mainly…read morebuilt in the 12th century, except the last building which remains intact. The west tower was built in the 15th century. the canons who started the Abbey were Premonstatensian. this was a group who looked for remote locations to 'commune with God'. Boy, did they find one here. Before the modern ease of transport they would have been very isolated in this beautiful place. Dates apart this is a fascinating place. you can see the remains of the loos and the bakery, and a good deal of the floor plan of the Abbey.

Gibbon's Cave is a waterfall you can stand behind. Well worth a visit if you going to High Force &…read morerealise it's a bit pricey to park and see the waterfall. This is free to view & park. Public toilets that are reasonable are also free. So all in all it's a free day. Bowlees visitor centre is a short walk from the car park, also free. This an ideal place to visit with young kids but would suggest they are supervised.

Excellent for kids…read more Came during Minecraft exhibit, some activities are fee based and may require pre-registration The layout is very interesting ongoing schedule of fairs, exhibitions and cinema multiple cafes and eateries wife thought is only "ok" couldn't get more info out of her than that

Great place to stop whilst travelling along M6 or A66. Has several cafes, we had sunday lunch here…read morea fortnight ago, was a great plateful and for under a tenner! Would recommend. Plenty of space for kids to run around, has indoor softpay and an outdoor play area too. There are several shops inside, food, toys, arty things and a sweet shop. Can happily spend a few hours here. They have functions, such as a beer festival and also do film screenings and have a 3D screen, although not been to a screening yet.

I came across this viaduct on my way to Hawes from Sedburgh. You often see pictures of these…read morelandmarks of a bygone age, fortunately this one is still in use & is part of the Settle Railway. There is a small lay-by on a very narrow road from where the picture was taken, but take care as it's a main road to Hawes & gets busy with motorcycles at weekends in the bike season.

Have passed this place and seen the chimney lots of times but never bothered to stop and look but…read morethought it would be a nice place to check out whilst walking. It's the site of a lead Mill from the 1800's. All that remains is a 100ft chimney stack which u can go inside & look up & see sky. Situated in a wooded area & the Gaunless river close by. Their are some cottages & larger house near by that also formed part of the mill when in operation. A circular walk of 5 miles from here takes you via some former mines & lynnsack church near Butterknowle. Check out the images to see if you fancy a look. There is a small parking area at the bridge.