Barnard Castle,
County Durham
This imposing castle overlooking the River Tees was probably begun by Guy de Baliol about 1095. De Baliol's fortress consisted of a ring work, which is now the inner ward. The Baliol family owned the castle for two centuries and founded the town of the same name that surrounds the castle. In the early Middle Ages Barnard Castle was one of the astrongest and most imposing fortresses in the north of England.
Barnard Castle,
County Durham,
England,
DL12 8PR Location: In the centre of Barnard Castle town. Well signposted. Lots of nearby parking.
Website:Barnard Castle Phone: 01833 638212
English Heritage
Bowes Castle
Bowes,
County Durham
The ruins of a 12th century keep within the foundations of a Roman fort. The castle was built for the same reason the Romans built their fort here; to guard the strategically important Stainmore Pass that runs east-west across the Pennines between present-day County Durham and Cumbria.
Bowes,
County Durham,
England,
Location: At the west end of Bowes village, off the A66. Parking along the roadside. Open access site located opposite the church. Signposted.
Website:Bowes Castle English Heritage
Durham,
County Durham
Built by William the Conqueror n 1072 during his ferocious "Harrying of the North" (i.e. putting down rebellions among the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the North). Begun as a part of William's plan to pacify the north of his new realm, the castle is an excellent early example of the Norman "motte and bailey" style of fortification.
Palace Green,
Durham City,
Durham,
County Durham,
England,
DH1 3RW Website:Durham Castle Phone: 0191 374 3800
Fax: 0191 334 3801
University College, Durham University
Staindrop,
County Durham
One of the great castles of northern England, Raby is a huge 14th century fortress built by the powerful Neville family on an estate once owned by King Cnut. Raby has been inhabited by the Vane family - and a few ghosts! - for almost 400 years. Lovely gardens and a deer park surround the castle.
Darlington,
Staindrop,
County Durham,
England,
DL2 3AH Location: off the A688, 2 miles north of Staindrop
Website:Raby Castle Email:admin@rabycastle.com Phone: 01833 660 202
Fax: 01833 660 169
This charming 19th Century stone terrace cottage is ideally situated only a few minutes walk from The Dales village of Stanhope, nestling in the heart … more >> Sleeps 6
This stone built, semi detached cottage, adjoining the owner's home is situated three miles from the village of Lanchester and eleven miles from the city … more >> Sleeps 5
Originally a 17th century coaching inn, this hotel has retained both its character and charm. It boasts a superb leisure club with heated indoor swimming pool, fitness room, spa bath, sauna and plunge pool and beauty room. The hotel offers Binchesters, the newly refurbished Restaurant serving delicious food and fine … more >>
Blackwell Grange is steeped in history and character. Unwind in this elegant 17th century mansion set in 15 acres of wooded parkland and surrounded by an 18 hole golf course. This non-smoking hotel's superb leisure and gym facilities are a great place to workout or relax and include an indoor … more >>