Location: Bowes village
Nearest town: Barnard Castle - 4 miles
The village of Bowes is situated in unspoilt countryside and has a
long history dating back to the Romans. Its most famous landmark is Bowes Castle. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,
was patron of Bowes Museum for more than 40 years, until her death in 2002. Her own family, the Bowes-Lyons,
had strong historical links with the area. Bowes also has a
significant connection with Charles Dickens as the village is believed to have been the inspiration
for Nicholas Nickleby.
A few minutes away is the lovely market town of Barnard Castle, with medieval
ruins towering over the river. Nearby are the Pennine and Teesdale Ways, beautiful Swaledale,
the Yorkshire Dales, the River Tees and the magnificent waterfalls at High Force.
The east coast of Yorkshire, the North York moors and the Cumbrian Lakes are within easy reach.
Places to Visit:
- Barnard Castle (4 miles) - market town, Bowes Museum, Flatts Woods - market day Wednesday. Farmers' market 1st Saturday of each month.
- Rokeby Park (5 miles) - Country House and Gardens
- Egglestone Abbey (5 miles) - English National Heritage Site - free entry
- Eggleston Hall (7 miles) - nursery gardens, Coach House Bistro, Gift Centre
- Mainsgill Farm (10 miles) - farm shop, gift shop, animals, cafe
- Raby Castle (11 miles) - 14th century medieval castle
- Tan Hill Inn (14 miles) - Great Britain's highest inn
- Reeth, Muker, Gunnerside (14 miles) - lovely villages, country pubs in the heart of Swaledale
- Kirkby Stephen (17 miles) - A traditional market town of historic buildings, cobbled yards and interesting shops. Market day Monday.
- Richmond (17 miles) - historic Yorkshire Dales market town with Norman Castle
- Hamsterley Forest (17 miles) - walking, cycling, forest trails, activities
- High Force (4 miles) - England's highest drop of water
- Leyburn (30 miles) - traditional Yorkshire Dales market town - market day Friday. Forbidden Corner.
- Hawes (30 miles) - traditional Yorkshire Dales market town - market day Tuesday. Wensleydayle Cheese Factory and tasting!
- Durham (30 miles) - historic city, quaint cobbled streets, renowned cathedral
- Beamish(40 miles) - a world famous museum telling the story of the people of North East England during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods.
- Lake District (40 miles) - nearest lake Ullswater
- Staithes (60 miles) - delightful east coast fishing village
- Whitby (70 miles) - quaint, bustling fishing port with famous abbey and links to Captain Cook
and Dracula!
