Top 6 Castles around Scargill

The Scargill area offers a rich variety of historical sites, including medieval castle ruins, fortified manor houses, and abbey ruins. You can explore structures like the 12th-century keep of Bowes Castle Ruins, the picturesque Egglestone Abbey Ruins, and the 14th-century Ravensworth Castle Ruins. Scargill Castle itself, originally from the 12th century, was rebuilt as a fortified manor house in the 16th century.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Both Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins are listed as family-friendly and are free to enter, allowing children to explore the historical grounds. The Deepdale Footbridge and View of Barnard Castle also offers a pleasant, family-friendly viewpoint.

The region around Scargill's castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, mountain biking, and running trails. For example, there are moderate hiking routes like the 'Greta River – God's Bridge loop from Bowes' and easy mountain biking loops around Bowes Castle Ruins. You can explore more options on the hiking, MTB, and running guide pages for Scargill.

Many of the historical sites, such as Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins, are open during 'reasonable daylight hours' or specific times like 10 am-6 pm, and are free to enter. The surrounding landscape, including Teesdale and the North Pennines, is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

Yes, Scargill Castle itself has been extensively restored and now functions as a luxurious romantic retreat. It offers unique accommodation within a historic 16th-century fortified manor house, blending historical charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy an authentic Tudor dining experience and explore Tudor gardens.

The castles are set within the spectacular Teesdale landscape, close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District National Park. You can enjoy picturesque views above the River Tees near Egglestone Abbey Ruins and scenic vistas of Barnard Castle from the Deepdale Footbridge. The area provides access to beautiful natural surroundings and walking opportunities.

Yes, both Bowes Castle Ruins and Egglestone Abbey Ruins are owned by English Heritage and are free to enter. You can visit them during their respective opening hours without a fee.

Scargill Castle has a rich history dating back to a potential Viking farm in the 10th century. It was originally constructed in the late 12th century by Warren de Scargill and later rebuilt around 1550 as a fortified manor house for Mary Scargill. King Edward II is even reputed to have stayed there in 1323. The surviving Grade II* listed gatehouse is a significant example of a fortified manor house.

Yes, the area offers various circular walking routes that incorporate historical sites. For instance, there's an 'easy' 3.5 km 'Bowes Castle Ruins – Greta River loop from Bowes' and a 'moderate' 10.7 km 'Bowes Castle Ruins – Bowes Castle Ruins loop from Bowes'. These routes allow you to explore the castles and the surrounding natural beauty. More details can be found on the hiking guide page.

Visitors appreciate the historical immersion offered by sites like Bowes Castle Ruins, where they can imagine themselves back in time. The picturesque setting of Egglestone Abbey Ruins above the River Tees is also highly valued. The komoot community has shared 17 photos and given 32 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical interest of these locations.

While staying in Scargill, you are well-placed to explore other significant historical sites. Nearby attractions include Barnard Castle, Bowes Castle (which has ruins mentioned in the guide), and Raby Castle. The Bowes Museum is also a short distance away, offering further cultural exploration.