English Heritage has confirmed that Barnard Castle in County Durham will stay open every weekend throughout February and March 2026. The site will welcome visitors from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays to help local families plan their trips and to provide reliable weekend access.
According to English Heritage, the castle’s last admission is at 3:30 pm. Visitors can explore features such as the Round Tower and enjoy views over the Tees Gorge; the weekend hours also align with the town’s antiques district shopping hours, helping visitors combine a castle visit with town-centre shops and cafés. Barnard Castle Town Council says regular castle opening should help bring more people into local cafés and businesses in the town centre.
The weekend opening is part of the Destination North East England initiative, which aims to double the size of the region’s visitor economy over the next decade. By providing reliable weekend hours, English Heritage and regional partners hope to make the ruins a regular destination for local people as well as tourists. English Heritage members receive free entry; other visitors can book online in advance to receive a discount or buy tickets on arrival at full price.
The castle has a long history: it was founded by Bernard de Balliol in the 12th century and later came into the hands of Richard, Duke of Gloucester (the future King Richard III), whose white boar emblem is carved on the lintel above the oriel window in the inner ward. Parts of the curtain walls overlooking the River Tees have previously been flagged for stabilisation; recent archaeological work and maintenance — including community digs led by DigVentures with support from Historic England and partners — have helped make more areas safe to reopen. Visitors are advised to check weather conditions before travel, as the ruined castle sits on a high cliff above the River Tees and upper ramparts may be closed in high winds.
