These free ancient ruins in County Durham are ‘hidden gem’

Egglestone Abbey is free to enter, managed by English Heritage, open every day until 6pm, and dog friendly.

It is also, for reasons that are difficult to explain, one of the most peaceful and overlooked heritage sites in the whole of the North East.

What you will find there

The ruins that survive today are substantial enough to give a real sense of what the abbey once was. Much of the 13th-century church remains standing, including a large lancet window that frames a view of the Tees valley beyond.

The east range of the living quarters is also partially intact, and English Heritage notes that traces of the monks’ ingenious toilet drainage system are still visible if you know where to look.

The site is an official Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building. Inside the ruins, the tomb of Sir Ralph Bowes of Streatlam, who died in 1482, was removed from the abbey during the 19th century and later returned — it now stands in the church crossing where it originally belonged.

The abbey was never especially powerful or wealthy.

Founded around 1195 by the de Multon family for a community of Premonstratensian canons — the White Canons, named for their distinctive white habits — Egglestone was always a modest house, frequently in financial difficulty, shaped by prayer and the rhythms of Teesdale farming rather than political influence.

What visitors say

Egglestone Abbey has a 4.3 rating on TripAdvisor from more than 310 reviews.

One visitor from Surbiton wrote: “We did not know this was here and discovered it through the English Heritage app. It is a magnificent ruin with loads of access allowing you to explore. It stands on a good plot in a good position. Our experience was made the better by a rainbow that created a form of hallow across it.”

A visitor from Yorkshire described it as “a wealth of history and free to visit”, adding: “Set next to a river where we took a picnic, sitting on the pebble beach it is in beautiful countryside. Well worth a visit.”

A couple visiting in February 2025 called it “a hidden gem”, writing: “The architecture is amazing and you can imagine the scale of the Abbey and its history if it was complete. It’s well worth a visit.”

The walk from Barnard Castle

Egglestone Abbey is connected to Barnard Castle by a riverside walk that takes around 40 minutes and partly follows the Tees.

The full circular route from Barnard Castle to Abbey Bridge and back covers approximately 3.75 miles and passes through woodland and riverside meadows as well as the abbey itself. It is suitable for families and dogs, though the terrain around the ruins includes uneven paths and historic stone surfaces.

For those arriving by car, there is a small car park directly beside the abbey on Abbey Lane, DL12 9TN.

Parking costs £2 for non-members, payable by text, and is free for English Heritage members.

There are no facilities at the site, but Barnard Castle town centre is a short drive away.

Practical information

Egglestone Abbey is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Entry is free.

Dogs are welcome on leads.

Have you visited Egglestone Abbey? Let us know in the comments