"The ruins are amazing. Some of the views from the castle are stunning, too."
"The castle is basically the crumbling fortified outer walls showing the boundary of the castle and allows us to just run wild."
"Gorgeous views of River Tees and Barnard Castle can be shot from every angle around the castle."
"Amazing to see so much has survived despite being used to provide building materials for another castle."
"The castle itself has lovely grounds and some stunning views of the surrounding countryside."
"Really cool ruins. Not much in the way of artifacts or features, but still fascinating to wander around and imagine life in the castle."
"The actual fortress site is huge and you can spot hares around."
Cons:
"But the castle grounds has no parking on site, it's only small in comparison to others, with not a lot to see."
"Majority of castle is no longer there, with some walls marking the areas of where structures been before."
"The castle was expensive as it was mainly ruins with just as much to see from the outside."
"Just another ruined castle. Information sparce."
"Sadly couldn't get in as you need to book online the day before."
"Only scored down because as ruined castles go there are better."
"Quite pricey entry fee for ruins of a castle."
Market Town and Local Amenities
Pros:
"A beautiful historic market town, with some unexpected twists...a world class museum, a castle and only 15 minutes from the crucible of the industrial revolution."
"Very attractive market town with a wide range of facilities, attractions, and shopping outlets."
"Lovely market town good variety of shops & little coffee shops."
"Barnard Castle as a town is a wonderful place to visit. Plenty of shops with a range of gift shops, eateries and antique shops."
"Great place to visit, lots of lovely independent shops, loads of antique shops and plenty of general high Street known shops."
"Right in the heart of the town of Barnard Castle, plenty of shopping nearby, lots to see and do and a great day out."
"Loved this town. Great to wander around, lots of independent shops."
Cons:
"Was way more to the town than I thought! Stunning although crippled by traffic."
"Sensory garden rather neglected and overgrown needs some serious maintenance."
"Doesn't have its own car park and parking in town can be difficult at peak times."
"But that was all because we spent nearly an hour trying to find a parking space! Motorhome friendly it really isn't!"
"Can be hilly with steep climbs up & down between High Street & River with some areas cobbled, which could be difficult for those with disabilities."
"Please note there is no parking at the castle - you will need to park in the town."
"Parking can be at a premium."
Value and Accessibility
Pros:
"A good value visit."
"The Castle is run and protected by English Heritage so members can enjoy free entry. Entrance fees are very reasonable for non members."
"The staff were friendly and the information boards dotted around the site were very informative."
"Reasonable price when booked online which you must do at time of review."
"The castle is looked after by English Heritage so entrance is by Membership or pay on the door about £5.60 / £3.40."
"Free to wander around at leisure and information boards supply all the info about sight you need."
"Dog friendly (on a lead)."
Cons:
"English Heritage run this castle. But charge £9.50 entry."
"Far too expensive! At £9.95 per adult, far too much, nearly £20 for my wife and me to look around a ruin."
"Worth a visit as a member, but £7.50 isn't worth it in my opinion."
"Very expensive to go in and look around a ruin, we decided not to pay, four pensioner adults would have had to pay £50 or under..... Just."
"Unfortunately you have to pre book banard Castle due to covid so we couldn't pay and go in."
"We made our visit as members of EH with friends who were non members but OAP's & i know they weren't happy with the entrance price."
"On visiting castle, we were told only pre booking of tickets were allowed."