Fun things to do in County Durham

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In the Gibside grounds there is a charming orangery. Although now ruined it retains much of its charm. It was formally used to grow exotic plants for the estate and contained a boiler which heated the building to the correct temperature.

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Technically now in Tyne and Wear, Gibside was formally in County Durham until 1974 and is stil most asociated with the county.
The Gibside Estate, overlooking the River Derwent about four miles
west of Gateshead, was created by land owner and coal baron George Bowes
between 1729 and 1760
For whatever reason, the estate was allowed to fall into disrepair.But now, in the hands of The National Trust, is currently in the midst of an extensive renovation programme.
Currently only the delightful chapel is open for viewing to the public, but there are also extensive grounds to explore.
It is the Ancestral estate of the Queen Mother's family, the Bowes-Lyons

In care of the National Trust
Admission Charge-
Adults - £5.00

Unfortunately the castle was closed as we passed, you could not even get in the grounds. It opens selected days in summer only.
The present castle was built by John, 3rd Baron Nevill in about 1360; Sir Henry Vane the Elder, MP, purchased Raby in 1626 and his family still own Raby, now the home of Lord Barnard's family. Raby is one of the finest medieval castles, the grandest medieval kitchen in England which was used 1360-1954, and the magnificent Baron's Hall where 700 knights gathered in 1569; Coach House museum

Admission Charge
Adults £9.00 for grounds and castle

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The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle. Remains include much of the 13th-century church and a range of living quarters, with traces of their ingenious toilet drainage system.

In the care of English Heritage
Admission free

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Bowes castle is in the small village of Bowes, some 8kms west of Barnard Castle.The castle is thought to have been built by Alan, Earl of Richmond, soon after the Norman conquest of 1066 on the site of the old Roman fort, a date of 1087 indicating how strategic the location was to the Normans. It appears to have been involved in considerable conflict over the centuries with reports of it having been besieged as early as 1173 by King William of Scotland. It was apparently so badly damaged as to have required rebuilding in 1187. Around 1216 enemies of King John again besieged the castle, and again in 1322 in a regional feud between Henry Fitzhugh and the then Earl of Richmond. The castle keep we see now stands testimony to the choice of site and the quality of the 1087 construction and 1173 reconstruction.

In care of English Heritage-
Admission Free!

The museum lies just outside the town of Barnard Castle, built in the style of a French chateau, unfortunately we did not have the time to visit this trip.
It has one of the most impressive collections of pictures, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, clocks and costumes in the north of England. The Bowes Museum developed from the collection of John Bowes, Earl of Strathmore, who with his French actress wife Josephine purchased most of the wonderful items displayed in the museum. Sadly both died before the completion of the building in 1892.

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We came into town via the County Bridge, an old bridge, built in its current form in 1569 . It lies at the foot of the castle hill. You can park near here for free and walk up to the castle and main town.

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Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the 12th century, the castle stands on a rocky hill overlooking the River Tees.
Unsuccessfully besieged by the Scots in 1216, it was confiscated when John de Balliol, briefly King of Scotland, was deposed by Edward I. It last saw action during the Northern Rising against Queen Elizabeth in 1569, surrendering to 5000 rebels, and was partly dismantled in 1630 to furnish materials for Sir Henry Vane's new Raby Castle.

In the care of English Heritage
Admission Charge -
Adults £3.40