Please note the following is only information, NOT recommendation.  We do try and keep up to date but please do your own research first - you know how fast things can change / close.  Thank you!

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is a thriving historic market town with an array of fascinating antique shops on The Bank.  It is also well known for its small, independent shops selling local produce, gifts and crafts.  Market Day is on Wednesday and the Farmers Market is the first Saturday of each month.  Morrisons supermarket is also available for groceries and general shopping.

Castles, Museums and other places of interest

Raby Castle

Boasting medieval majesty and Victorian splendour with a history rolling back almost a thousand years. The castle is situated within a delightful 200 acre deer park. Also incorporated on the grounds within the 18th century stables is the coach and carriage museum. www.rabycastle.com

Auckland Castle

Is the home of the Bishop of Durham and has been for the past 800 years. The famous collection by Francisco de Zurbarán of 13 paintings depicting Jacob and sons from the Book of Genesis, that have hung here for over 200 years www.auckland-castle.co.uk

Durham Castle

Dates from 1072 and was the seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham until 1832. www.dur.ac.uk/university.college/tours/

Bolton Castle

Is a medieval fortress and is one of the country’s best preserved castles. www.boltoncastle.co.uk

The Bowes Museum

Is a magnificent French style chateau displaying European paintings, sculpture, furniture, and textiles with acres of parkland. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Green Howards Regimental Museum

With a collection of artefacts spanning three centuries of travel, campaigning and war. www.greenhowards.org.uk

Beamish Museum

Is an open air living working experience of life in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s. www.beamish.org.uk

Darlington Railway Centre and Museum

Covers the railways of North–East England, with emphasis on the Darlington area. Of greatest significance is Stephenson’s Locomotion (1825). www.drcm.org.uk

Dales Countryside Museum and National Park Centre

An award winning museum housed in Hawes railway station. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

Eggleston Hall 

With its walled gardens, specialist plant centre, historic churchyard, restaurant, tea rooms and gift shop. www.egglestonhall.co.uk

Walks and the Great Outdoors

• Brignall Banks – Brignall Mill – Greta Bridge – Bricknall, 7 miles
• Eggleston Abbey – Greta Bridge – Brignall, 6.4 miles
• Barnard Castle, Green Lane and Mount Eff Lane, 4 miles
• Barnard Castle – Deepdale – Lartington – Barnard Castle, 6 miles

All walks can be found on the Walking World website.

Also Bike Hire only 35 minutes drive away in Hamsterley Forest: www.woodnwheels.org.uk 

High Force Waterfall in the Durham Dales is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country, located in beautiful countryside on heather covered fells at Forest-in-Teesdale. http://www.highforcewaterfall.com/ 

Theatre & Cinemas

Georgian Theatre Royal

Is Britain’s most complete Georgian Playhouse. It was built by the actor-manager Samuel Butler in 1788. www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

Odeon Cinema

At Northgate, Darlington with a choice of three screens. Tel. 01325 486376/484994

Darlington Civic Theatre

Parkgate Darlington DL1 1RR Tel. 01325 486555 www.darlingtonarts.co.uk

Dining/Public Houses

The Morritt Arms Hotel

Greta Bridge. Telephone: 01833 627232 www.themorritt.co.uk

Il Palazzo

105 Galgate, Barnard Castle, Durham DL12 8ES. Telephone: 01833 638870 http://www.ilpalazzoitalian.co.uk/ 

Charles Bathurst Inn

Arkengarthdale. Telephone: 01748 884567 www.cbinn.co.uk

Blagraves House Restaurant Barnard Castle

Telephone: 01833 637668 (Oliver Cromwell once stayed here) www.blagraves.com

Travellers Rest

Dalton. Telephone: 01833 621225

Fox & Hounds

Cotherstone. Telephone: 01833 650241 www.cotherstonefox.co.uk

Rose and Crown

Romaldkirk. Telephone: 01833 650213 www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

Tan Hill Inn

(Highest Pub in Britain!) Reeth, Richmond. Telephone: 01833 533007 www.tanhillinn.com

Birds & Wildlife

Low Barns Nature Reserve

one of Durham Wildlife Trust’s premier reserves. www.durhamwt.co.uk

Golf

Barnard Castle Golf Club

Is happy to welcome all visitors as long as they are a member of a recognised Golf Club or Golf Society and have a current handicap. www.barnardcastlegolfclub.org