Barnard Castle... It's On Your Doorstep

Barnard Castle (or Barney as the locals call it!) is right on the doorstep of Thorpe Farm. From our park to parking in the town centre it will take you no longer than a 10-minute drive. The town is rich in history and takes its name from the Norman stronghold around which it was built. Many are familiar with the town as it can be seen as a maze of cobbled streets and winding lanes, but all with classic architecture.

Barnard Castle is known as a peaceful place to take a stroll through or pop into a welcoming, independent café. With a range of different eateries to choose from, they are perfectly paired with a number of independent and also well-known shops. From the very first time that you set foot in this town, you will notice the remarkable heritage!

What’s In Town?

The idyllic town boasts an array of independent shops and cafés, art galleries and also free parking in certain areas. Like anywhere that you visit, the busyness depends on the day of the week. During the week it’s relaxing to ponder the shops and enjoy a delightful lunch and on weekends, there is a lovely buzz about the town with markets taking place, families gathering and people visiting.

From antique shops such as Mission Hall and The The Collector, house and home shops like Noon to Fatface and more. Whether you are staying on site at Thorpe Farm or live here, we know that you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer.

Friday and Saturday evenings you find that the town comes alive. There is a fantastic atmosphere as locals and also those who have travelled a bit further enjoy the nightlife. With restaurants such as award-winning Babul’s, The Three Horseshoes and Capri you are spoilt for choice!

You’ll notice a very prominent feature of the town which is better known as the Butter Market which may look like a roundabout in the town centre. During its lifetime, it has been a dairy market, court room, lock-up cells and fire station.

Immersing In History

The Green Howards Museum just has the ultimate wow-factor! From looking in on the roadside to exploring the art galleries, learning about local history and more. The museum itself to look at has been built in the style of a French Chateau and has been named as one of the best places to visit in England! There’s lots for families, school and young people to discover when visiting The Bowes Museum.

You can learn all about the English Heritage and educate younger ones too. You really will be fascinated. Exhibitions take place right throughout the year, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the different events that are coming up.

Despite the historic town feeling, you know that you are in the beautiful countryside. Just on the outskirts of Barnard Castle on the route back to Thorpe Farm is the stunning Eggleston Abbey. Here are the ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian ‘white canons’. The whole abbey is located above the river giving it a tranquil feel.

Within the grounds of Eggleston Abbey, there is the 13th century church, living quarters and traces of the drainage system.

This is a place we would recommend you take a visit to!

A Picnic for Your Travels

Why not take a picnic from the Farm Shop at Thorpe Farm and explore the ruins and refuel before you carry on with your day of exploring?

If you are a holiday home owner or you are thinking of booking a camping or touring pitch at Thorpe Farm Holiday Park, you are in a gateway to some of the most serene places in the North East.

For those looking to book a site visit and talk about purchasing a holiday home, please click here.

If you are looking for your seasonal pitch or touring pitch, we would love to hear from you. Click here!

Barnard Castle... It's On Your Doorstep

What’s In Town?

Immersing In History

A Picnic for Your Travels

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