- Arbour House Farm Bungalow
- Auckland Cottage
- Aurelian House
- Bilberry Nook Cottage
- Brancepeth
- Briar Barn
- Burnhill Derwent Cottage
- Burnhill Hishope
- Castle keep at Stanhope Castle
- Cosy Cave Stanhope Castle
- Durham Cottage
- Glebe House
- Heartwell Cottage
- High Church Hill
- Knights Corner Stanhope Castle
- Meadow View House
- Oaklea Cottage
- Orchard Cottage
- Orchard House Durham
- Parcel Cottage
- Raby Cottage
- Seraphim House
- Skyline
- Southview Farm Cottage
- Stackyard
- Stackyard House
- The Barn
- The Granary
- The Miners Hall Retreat
- The Old Miners Hall
- Thornfield
- Vale Cottage At Northside Farm
Barnard Castle Cottages with Hot Tubs
1 Cottages Found
- Stunning countryside views
- Private hot tub
- Five en-suite bedrooms
- Two separate lounges
- Ground floor bedroom facilities
Barnard Castle Guide
Barnard Castle's cottages with hot tubs offer a perfect mix of history and comfort in County Durham. The market town sits on the River Tees and is home to the 12th-century castle that gives the town its name. Most cottages are within walking distance of the high street with its independent shops and cafés.
Top attractions include The Bowes Museum (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) with its famous Silver Swan automaton and Egglestone Abbey (4/5 on TripAdvisor). The town gained unexpected fame in 2020 when Dominic Cummings made his controversial visit to "test his eyesight" during lockdown.
Cottage stays here offer far more space than hotels, with fully equipped kitchens and private gardens. Many properties are converted farm buildings with stone walls and exposed beams, while others are traditional terraced cottages in the town centre.
Whether you want a romantic cottage for two with a private hot tub or a larger property for family gatherings, Barnard Castle has options from cosy one-bedroom hideaways to five-bedroom farmhouses that sleep 10+.
Get More From Your Barnard Castle Hot Tub Cottage Break
Sightseeing
Barnard Castle packs loads of history and interesting sights into a small area. The castle itself (DL12 8PR, open 10am-5pm April-October) sits dramatically above the River Tees and costs around £7 for adults. It's worth the climb for the views alone.
The Bowes Museum (DL12 8NP) houses an impressive art collection in a French-style château. Its mechanical Silver Swan from 1773 performs daily at 2pm. The museum scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and opens 10am-5pm daily.
Egglestone Abbey (DL12 9TN) is a free English Heritage site just outside town. These ruins of a small 12th-century monastery make a peaceful walk from your cottage. TripAdvisor users rate it 4/5.
For something different, the Barnard Castle Farmers' Market happens on the first Saturday of each month. I've found it's great for stocking up on local produce to cook back at your cottage. The hot tub will feel even better after a day exploring!
Pet Friendly
Dogs love Barnard Castle! The town has tons of walks along the River Tees where your dog can splash about. Flatts Woods and Percy Beck offer lovely woodland walks right from the town centre.
Many cottages welcome dogs, often with secure gardens and some even provide dog beds and treats. Just check if there are any restrictions about dogs using the hot tub area.
The Bowes Museum allows dogs in its gardens and The Old Well Inn (DL12 8HH) welcomes dogs in its bar area. Blagraves House (DL12 8PT) is a dog-friendly café right in the town centre.
Barnard Castle itself allows dogs on leads, so you can explore the ruins together. We've found most shops in town are happy for well-behaved dogs to come in while you browse.
Top 3 attractions you have to see in Barnard Castle
The Bowes Museum is the town's standout attraction. This French-style château looks completely out of place in a small Durham market town! Inside, you'll find paintings by El Greco, Goya and Canaletto. The mechanical Silver Swan is the star - this 18th-century automaton still works perfectly. "Absolutely stunning building and collections," says one TripAdvisor reviewer. "The café does excellent scones too!"
Barnard Castle itself gives the town its name and shouldn't be missed. These extensive ruins sit on a high rock above the River Tees. The views from the top of the tower are fantastic - you can see for miles across the Durham countryside. The castle has information boards explaining its history, from its Norman origins to Richard III's ownership. "Much bigger than expected with lots to explore," reports a recent visitor.
Egglestone Abbey might be small, but these peaceful ruins make a perfect afternoon walk from town. It's about a mile along the river and the remains of this 12th-century monastery are free to visit. The setting is what makes it special - perched above the River Tees with beautiful views. Take a picnic and make an afternoon of it before heading back to enjoy your hot tub!
Is Barnard Castle worth visiting?
Absolutely! This small market town punches well above its weight with the impressive Bowes Museum, historic castle ruins and lovely independent shops. It's also a great base for exploring Teesdale and the North Pennines.
How long does it take to look around Barnard Castle?
You can see the main sights in a day, but I'd recommend at least 2-3 days. The Bowes Museum alone needs half a day and you'll want time to explore the castle, shops and surrounding countryside.
What is Barnard Castle famous for?
Historically, it's known for its medieval castle and The Bowes Museum. More recently, it gained fame when Dominic Cummings visited during the 2020 COVID lockdown, claiming he drove there to "test his eyesight".
Can you walk around Barnard Castle for free?
The town itself is free to explore, including lovely riverside walks. The castle charges admission (around £7 for adults), but Egglestone Abbey is free. The Bowes Museum has an entrance fee but its grounds are free.
Is Barnard Castle good for shopping?
Yes! The town is known for its antique shops and independent retailers. The main street has bookshops, craft stores, butchers and bakeries. There's a monthly farmers' market too.
What's the best time of year to visit Barnard Castle?
Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring, but autumn brings beautiful colours to the surrounding countryside. A hot tub cottage is great year-round - imagine sitting in the bubbles watching snow fall in winter!