Top 8 Castles around Rokeby

The Rokeby area offers a diverse range of historical sites, including medieval castle ruins, fortified manor houses, and historic abbeys. You can find examples like the crumbling remains of Egglestone Abbey Ruins, the impressive keep of Bowes Castle Ruins, and the well-preserved Raby Castle. Beyond these, the region also features significant historic country houses like Mortham Tower, a Grade I listed fortified manor house, and Rokeby Park, an 18th-century Palladian country house.

Among the most popular sites are Egglestone Abbey Ruins, known for its picturesque setting above the River Tees, and Bowes Castle Ruins, a 12th-century keep built on Roman foundations. Raby Castle, an 11th-century structure modernized in the 14th century, is also highly regarded as one of the most complete castles in the country.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins are both free to enter and offer open spaces for exploration, allowing children to imagine themselves back in time. Raby Castle also welcomes families, though entry to the castle and parkland is paid. Many of these sites are set within scenic landscapes, providing opportunities for walks and picnics.

Absolutely. The area around Rokeby and its castles is excellent for hiking. For example, you can find easy hikes like the 'Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop' or the 'Eggleston Abbey – Egglestone Abbey Ruins loop from Barnard Castle'. Many trails offer views of the River Tees and connect various historical landmarks. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Rokeby guide.

Besides exploring the castles, the region offers various outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with numerous trails ranging from easy to moderate, often incorporating historical sites and scenic river views. There are also mountain biking opportunities, with routes like the 'Bowes Castle Ruins – Tan Hill Inn loop from Barnard Castle'. For more information on routes, check out the Hiking around Rokeby and MTB Trails around Rokeby guides.

For stunning views, consider visiting the Deepdale Footbridge and View of Barnard Castle. From here, you get a great perspective of Barnard Castle, especially beautiful during sunrise. The area around Egglestone Abbey Ruins also offers picturesque views above the River Tees.

The best time to visit is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. This period also allows for better enjoyment of the surrounding natural landscapes and walking trails. Some sites, like Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins, are open year-round during daylight hours.

While some larger towns like Barnard Castle have bus services, direct public transport to all individual castle sites can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes for specific destinations like Barnard Castle, Raby Castle, or Bowes Castle. For more remote ruins, a car or a combination of public transport and walking might be necessary.

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around the castles are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead, especially in areas with livestock. Specific policies for entry into the castles themselves vary; for example, Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins, being open-air ruins, are generally more accommodating than properties like Raby Castle, which may have specific rules for dogs in the castle grounds or interiors. Always check individual site policies before visiting.

Mortham Tower is a Grade I listed fortified manor house near Rokeby, recognized as one of the best-preserved medieval fortified manor houses in Northern England. It features a 14th-century pele tower, built to defend against raids, and evolved into a courtyard house with additions from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the family home of the Rokebys and was admired by Sir Walter Scott, who reputedly wrote his epic poem 'Rokeby' nearby. It showcases the architectural transition from a pure castle to a fortified manor.

Rokeby Park is an 18th-century Palladian country house, distinct from a traditional castle. It is known for its architectural significance, fine plasterwork, and historically housed Velázquez's painting 'The Toilet of Venus' (The Rokeby Venus), a copy of which is still displayed. The house and its landscaped parkland were also a setting for Sir Walter Scott's narrative poem 'Rokeby', highlighting its literary connections. It is open to the public on selected days.

For a quieter experience, consider exploring the less frequented ruins such as Ravensworth Castle Ruins. While not as grand as some other sites, these Grade II listed ruins offer a glimpse into history without the larger crowds. Similarly, the open-air nature of Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins often allows for a more peaceful visit, especially during off-peak hours.