Barnard Castle

The historic market town of Barnard Castle was built in the imposing shadow of Bernard Balliol’s castle which is not to be confused with Bowes Castle, a Norman Keep situated in nearby Bowes and dating from 1087. Other town attractions include the picturesque ruins of Egglestone Abbey, the dramatic nearby spectacle of High Force Waterfall and the extraordinary Bowes Museum. Housed in a replica 18th century French chateau, the museum has a magnificent collection of European art, design artefacts, and even a two-headed calf. It also has the country’s finest collection of Sevres porcelain. The highlight though must be the beautiful silver swan automaton, which performs twice daily - check with the museum for exact times. And if this isn’t enough you could visit Barnard Castle on a Wednesday and catch the market itself.