Welcome to Stately Homes

This splendid medieval castle, built in the mid 14th century on the site of an earlier fortified manor house by the powerful Nevill family, who owned it until the Rising of the North in 1569, has been the home of Lord Barnard's family since 1626. Magnificently situated in a 200 acre deer park, it was purchased by Lord Barnard's ancestor, Sir Henry Vane, the eminent statesman and politician.

Most of the interior dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, although some of the medieval features remain. It boasts a fine collection of furniture and china, as well as many old masters, especially by Sir Joshua Reynolds. A feature of the house is the Great Kitchen, which has altered little over the last six hundred years, and was in daily use until recently; it contains many magnificent examples of Victorian copper utensils.

In the grounds, visitors can enjoy the extremely large walled gardens, where the yew hedges and 200 year old fig tree blend in well with the newer design. You can view further information on their Website.

Opening Times - 2010:

Castle:
Easter 3rd - 5th April
May, June and September: Sunday - Wednesday
Guided tours only Monday - Wednesday
July and August: daily except Saturdays (open Bank Holiday weekends) 11 am - 5.30 pm

Park and Gardens:
May until the end of September: Daily except Saturdays (open Bank Holiday Weekends including Easter), 11 am to 5.30 pm (5 pm in September)

Last Admissions 4.30 pm.

Admission Prices - 2010:

Castle, Park & Gardens:
Adult - £9.50
Child (5-15yrs) - £4
Senior/Student - £8.50

Pre-booked Groups (12+):
Adult - £7.50
Child (5-15yrs) - £3

Pre-booked VIP Private Guided Tour (including reception, tea/coffee): Monday - Friday mornings
Groups (20+) - £15

Pre-booked Standard Guided Tour: Monday - Friday
Groups (20+) - £8

Park & Gardens:
Adult - £5
Child (5-15yrs) - £3
Senior/Student - £4

Season Ticket available.

Guided Tours:
Minimum group size of 20 (Guided Tours must be pre-booked)

£15 (includes reception, Tea/Coffee in Grand Entrance Hall)
Weekday mornings from Easter to end of September.

Educational Visit:
Available weekday mornings from Easter to end of September - Minimum group size of 20 (Educational visits must be pre-booked) .
£3.50 per pupil (primary and junior)
£4 per pupil (secondary school)

Self-Catering Holiday Cottages:

They have holiday cottages available for let by the week, for Enquiries.

Address For Correspondence: Administration Office, P.O. Box 50, Staindrop, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 3AY

Owner: The Lord Barnard