Egglestone Abbey
Barnard Castle, County Durham
About Egglestone Abbey
Egglestone Abbey
The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons' (a Roman Catholic religious order), picturesquely set above a scenic bend in the River Tees. Remains include much of the 13th century church and a range of living quarters, with traces of their ingenious toilet drainage system! Plenty of historical atmosphere to get the smalls' imaginations going but to be honest not so much in the way of deeper educational elements, so not so good if you're hoping for secret schooling, which is one of the reasons it's free!
Great for exploring with small ones though, or for older kids who draw or are into photography. There's a tea room at the Abbey, dogs on leads are allowed so long as you've all stocked up with baggies and there are people loos provided in the tea room.
Barnard Castle is only about a mile away too, so if you've got both the legs and the weather to make it an option why not hike between the 2 and have an even castlier day out (alright that's not a word, we made it up, but admit it: you know what we mean!). Give pushchairs serious consideration before taking however as apparently it's quite bumpy and uneven the entire way over, slings or baby backpacks probably better for this one.
Opening Times
Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm
Pricing & Tickets
Free admission!
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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