I came across this interesting bridge whilst out on a walk along the river Tees near to Barnard…read moreCastle. It was 1st built in 1829 but unfortunately was washed away twice in that year so in 1831 the current suspension bridge was built. If you stand in the middle whilst cars go across you can feel a ripple as it flexes under the weight & movement of the car crossing. There is a small parking bay on the south side so you can stop & look. On the north side the toll booth (building) still stands with the prices of vehicles that want to cross. Think 1800's for price list.

Have passed this place and seen the chimney lots of times but never bothered to stop and look but…read morethought it would be a nice place to check out whilst walking. It's the site of a lead Mill from the 1800's. All that remains is a 100ft chimney stack which u can go inside & look up & see sky. Situated in a wooded area & the Gaunless river close by. Their are some cottages & larger house near by that also formed part of the mill when in operation. A circular walk of 5 miles from here takes you via some former mines & lynnsack church near Butterknowle. Check out the images to see if you fancy a look. There is a small parking area at the bridge.

I came across this odd landmark a few years ago doing geocaching. Having never seen or heard of one…read morein the UK before I found it rather intriguing. What it is, is a sulphur spring right beside the river tees. The smell of rotten eggs greats you as you approach down a small path but after about 5 minuets the smell no longer seems to be there however if you move away some distance and return it's back like a bad smell. Apparently it has some healing properties according to the Victorians who flocked to taste the waters. Having had a little taste my self it wasn't that inviting. The original fountain was replaced in 2000 but still looks the part (see images). If you are heading up teesdale via Barnard Castle then it's on the way. A small lay-by is provided to park in and then it's just a short 100m walk down a path.

Although it's just a ruin in the main, Its well kept, nice carpark for about 15 cars & it's free…read more The best way to take this abbey in, is to include it on a walk as there is nothing else to do here & there are some nice walks out of Barnard Castle. Exactly what I'm doing today

There's not much to see or do here, but at least it's free! It's basically an old ruined abbey at…read morethe end of an off-beat country road. English Heritage have put some information around the place, but not much: a lot is left to one's imagination. There is quite a bit to explore though, and it's possible to conjure up images of what life might have been like there centuries ago. There's plenty of car-parking and on a pleasant summer's day it's a nice spot for a picnic. It's probably worth a visit but don't go with too many expectations!

This is a castle plus the gardens and deer park. You can pay to see the gardens only (not the…read morecastle opens later at 1pm and at the moment seems to just do guided tours). We were travelling back from a visit to the North East and so visited this on route. We just paid to see the gardens as we were too early for the Castle. The gardens are spectacular. There are hedges which seem like twisted, organic creatures. The plants are a delight. The castle is half surrounded by a flooded moat and you can walk round the castle and spy deer (there were lots of warnings not to touch them at this time of year). The castle is spectacular and the whole experience was well worth the diversion.There is a cafe in the old stables as well as the obligatory gift shop. Personally, I didn't think they made enough of the link to the gardens-there could have been a market shop selling plants and produce from the gardens. They do sell venison but it is frozen until they "start killing" (it was put like this to me) next month. By which time I assume the fridges will be stocked with venison to buy. Well worth a visit.

What a great castle, what ever the weather. I pass the place several times a week & never ceases to…read moreamaze me. It so nice to see large herds of deer roaming in it's vast grounds. Often seen is both long horned cattle & red shaggy highland cattle. Not seen from the road but in the picture is a large lake/moat. It's not regularly open so check before visiting. At Xmas they have a Market with Santa & you are able to buy Xmas trees from the Raby estate. Other events are held here such as vintage car shows & orchid shows. Well worth a visit even just to see it's majesty from the outside.

Legend has it that the Abbey on Inchcolm Island in the Forth, began when King Alexander I was…read moreshipwrecked in 1123, and took shelter in a hermit's hovel. After the hermit saved his life, the King decided to build a priory on the Island. In any case it was definitely a priory by the mid 13th century when in 1235 it became an Abbey and grew from there. Inchcolm Abbey is regarded as one of the best preserved medieval monastic building complexes. It really is impressive. To get here you need to get one of two ferry services from Queensferry (make you sure you choose the option to get off at the Island and don't just pay for the cruise) which takes about thirty minutes. Once there you are free to explore the Abbey (and the rest of the island). It really is a great trip, if you're anything like me and generally like ruined piles of stone. But in all seriousness so much of it is still intact, that you really get a feel for the place. Actually it can become a bit maze like with all its stairs and many floors. One particular nerve racking part involves a steep climb up some very small winding stairs. These monks really were midgets! In fact I'm quite surprised Historic Scotland still lets visitors climb these precarious heights, but I'm glad they do. From the top of the tower you get a fantastic view of the Island and across the Forth. It also makes a great family day out, especially with the cruise to boot. Kids love to run around the Island and if its a nice day it makes a perfect picnic venue.

Just because we live in Edinburgh doesn't mean we can't enjoy the city. The folks who run the city…read morecentre (Waverley Bridge) bus tours also run a boat to Inchcolm Abbey. Go for it - an absolutely brilliant and fascinating day out. Couple of tips, buy coffee on board, if you get off at Inchcolm (do, it's amazing) either take a picnic or have a meal before or after the cruise. They only have very expensive bottled drinks and biscuits and chocolate on the island. Take your camera, wear flat shoes and comfy clothes and go for a paddle if its warm. Look out for the seals, so cute. Fantastic day out for all ages.

This would once have been a beautiful building. Unfortunately, after Henry VIII disbanded monastic…read morecommunities in England, Wales and Scotland in the 1500s, all that remains is the gatehouse. This functioned as a vicarage to the local church and is now in the care of English Heritage and probably dates back to the 1100s. Definetly worth the walk, or the drive.

Capernwray Hall, stately home and residence of the Founder…read moreof Toarch Bearer Community, Major Ian Thomas. After World War II where he served as an army officer in Germany with the British Army of The Rhine, he dedicated his life and his fortune, mainly his residence and whole property, the Lord Lieutenant of the county of Lancaster home Capernwray Hall, to serve as the central unit to all his enormous religious activities, founding lots of bible school places and establishing regional and local sections of his Toarch Bearer Fellowship all over the world. Here it all began, in 1946, when he set out to buy the castle and to converte it into what it is now, the heart of his sacred movement.

I came across this old ruined church whilst out on a walk close to the River Greta & the small…read morehamlet of Brignall. It appears that the original church from this site was dismantled & rebuilt half a mile away on higher ground. The grounds of the ruin are walled with a number of graves still located their, dating around the early 1800's. A small section of the original building with an arched window still remains. Worth a visit if walking from Greta Bridge (A66).

Now I'm writing a review when I haven't actually been around the castle because I'm afraid it was…read moretoo expensive. Saying that we did look around the grounds and went into the lovely cafe. The four stars are for the very pretty cafe which made excellent cakes and tea. They also go to the wild boars which call home not far from the castle. If you're lucky you will get one the animal keepers give you a little talk.

This is a real castle that has not been "modernized" except for the tea room, gift shop and…read morerestrooms. You can wander all through the castle, including many rooms with period furniture, equipment, and arms. We watched the falconry demonstration outside on the grounds and got to see a raven close up. This was a very enjoyable stop on our trip.