The English Garden at Barnard Castle is a hidden gem in the North East of England.
It is the perfect destination for anyone who loves history, architecture, and beautiful landscapes. The town has been around since Norman times and it’s rich in culture from all over the world.
You can wander through winding paths surrounded by flowers, trees, waterfalls, and more! There are even hidden gems like an Italian terrace with views of the castle or a romantic rose arbor where you can sit down together with your loved ones and enjoy each other’s company without distractions from technology or anything else that might pull you away from each other. This is truly one of those places where time stands still so that you can just be yourself again – no stress, no worries…just pure happiness!
What is Barnard Castle Garden
Barnard Castle Garden is a historic garden in Barnard Castle, County Durham, England. It is located about 1 mile (2 km) to the south of the town center. The garden is owned and managed by Teesdale Community College as a horticultural training center. It also contains the only Grade I listed building in Teesdale.
The History of Barnard Castle Garden
The Barnard Castle estate on which the garden is situated was owned by Bernard de Balliol who gave it to Hugh de Moreville in about 1157. The garden has been transformed from a landscape of farmland and forestry, known as Deer Park Plantation, into today’s formal gardens. Over time, many additions and changes were made including the construction of a wall and gateway, the laying out of a parterre and serpentine canal, the planting of an ornamental plantation, the erection of a hermitage, and grotto, and the provision of statues and vases.
In 1839 the estate was sold to Charles Douglas, 8th Marquess of Queensberry who made further changes to the garden, including the addition of a new gateway and lodge, and the installation of an iron fence around the perimeter. The estate was later sold to John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham who employed landscape gardener James Clegg to make further changes, including the planting of a yew hedge and the construction of a summerhouse.
The garden passed to the National Trust in 1948 and has been open to the public since then. The trust manages the garden by employing a head gardener and several assistants who are responsible for the maintenance of the gardens and the production of flowers that are used in the display beds and borders.
The Grounds at Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle has been an important crossroads for people and traffic. The Grounds at Barnard Castle are open to the public and offer a variety of features, including gardens, a playground, a duck pond, a pavilion, and more.
The Gardens here are especially lovely and well worth a visit. There are several different gardens to explore, including the Rose Garden, the Walled Garden, the Japanese Garden, and more. The Rose Garden is my personal favorite – it’s so beautiful and romantic! The Walled Garden is also quite charming, with its ivy-covered walls and stone benches. Japanese garden would be great also if you want that Asian type kind of vibe.
How to get to Barnard Castle
Bishop Auckland, the nearest station to Barnard Castle, is served by trains to and from Darlington and Middlesbrough. Take the X1 service to the town hall and then change to the X75 or X76 Arriva service, which travels straight to the site, once you’ve exited the station.
Opening times at Barnard Castle
The Bernard Castle is now open from 10 am to 4 pm., although this may alter depending on the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.
Entry Prices for Barnard Castle Gardens
- member is free,
- adult is £7.60 (£6.90 without donation),
- child (5-17 years old) is £4.60 (£4.10 without donation) ,
- concession is £6.90 (£6.20 without donation),
- Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) is £19.80 (£17.90 without donation),
- Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) is £12.20 (£11.00 without donation)
What to See and Do at Barnard Castle Garden
Barnard Castle Garden is a popular attraction that features an interesting mix of gardens, woodland walks, and historic buildings. It is set in the tranquil Teesdale countryside. The focal point of the garden is the Victorian Walled Garden with its pond and orchard, which was restored according to historic records in 1983. The gently sloping banks on either side of the valley give way to natural woodland walks and abundant wildlife such as roe deer.
There is a walled kitchen garden in the center of the main garden, then around it visitors will find animal paddocks and a rare breeds farm with many different kinds of sheep. In these pastures, you can see several different kinds of sheep such as Lleyn, Black Welsh Mountain, and Swaledale.
In one corner of the walled garden is the yew maze, which is a popular challenge for visitors. The maze was planted in the early 1990s and is made up of over 1,000 yews.
Near the main entrance to the garden is a restored watermill, which has been turned into a museum. It contains exhibits on local history and traditional crafts such as a spinning wheel, a grinding stone, and a blacksmith’s forge. The museum is open from May to September on weekends only from 2 pm until 5 pm.
In addition to the miles of nature trails, other popular attractions within the garden include an arboretum boasting over 300 species of tree and shrub. There are also many beautiful flower gardens, including a wildflower meadow, herb garden, and rose garden.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Barnard Castle Garden
1. Wear comfortable shoes
2. Bring a camera or phone to take pictures of the beautiful scenery
3. Pack food and drinks for lunch, if desired
4. Use your time wisely – plan ahead so you don’t spend too much time in one area
5. Take your time exploring the garden’s paths and admire all the flowers along the way
6. Enjoy yourself! Barnard Castle Garden is an excellent place for relaxation and contemplation
Other Places Nearby
Beamish Open-Air Museum
Just a short drive away from Barnard Castle Garden, Beamish Open-Air Museum is an award-winning historic living museum that preserves the story of life in County Durham and Northumberland at the start of the 20th century. The museum features buildings from across three centuries and visitors can wander through houses, shops, and public buildings to discover what life was like for ordinary people in the 1900s.
Bowes Museum
Once you have traveled back in time at Beamish, take a short drive to Barnard Castle to visit the beautiful Bowes Museum. The museum displays some of Europe’s best-loved artwork and visitors can wander through opulent galleries containing works by Constable, Gainsborough, and El Greco. There is also a spectacular vintage car collection and an impressive doll’s house collection on display too.
Beamish Wild Boar Park
Step back in time with the Beamish Wild Boar Park and find out more about life in County Durham during the Iron Age. The park features over 100 wild boars and other animals including red deer, Scottish wildcats, and European pine martens. There is also a reconstructed Iron Age village on-site, where visitors can learn about ancient Britain’s most significant period.
Durham Cathedral
One of the most iconic buildings in County Durham, the Durham Cathedral is a beautiful piece of architecture that dominates the skyline of the city. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England and is home to some stunning stained glass windows.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
If you’re looking for a fun family day out, why not check out the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway? The railway is a 15-mile heritage steam train that runs from Ravenglass along the coast to Dalegarth Station, near Boot. There are four trains a day and tickets can be pre-booked online so you don’t have to queue when you arrive.
The Lune Millennium Bridge
This bridge is a new addition to the landscape of County Durham and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. The bridge, which was designed by architect David Mackenzie, spans the Lune Valley and is made up of two curving steel arches that are illuminated at night. It’s definitely worth a walk across to get some great photos of the bridge in all its glory.
The Sands Centre and Central Car Park
The car park is one of the largest multi-story car parks in Europe and offers a brilliant vantage point to take photos of Durham Cathedral and other local landmarks. Locals also love bowling down the huge slide that runs from the first floor to ground level for a laugh!
Metrocentre
The Metrocentre is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe and is a great place to spend a day if the weather is bad. With over 300 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there is something for everyone at the Metrocentre.
Hadrian’s Wall
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous to do, why not visit Hadrian’s Wall? The wall, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD and stretches for 73 miles from coast to coast. There are plenty of places to stop along the wall for a picnic or to explore the history and archaeology of this iconic site.
Conclusion
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