October 16, 2026
Opening gateway to Barnard Castle’s castle and its future
Durham County Council and Raby Estates are hosting a community event to share their ideas for regenerating and safeguarding the future of the castle at Barnard Castle as an important local heritage site.
Taking place on Wednesday, October 21, local residents and businesses are invited to attend the event to learn more about the proposal for the Barnard Castle gateway project.
Two drop-in sessions are available on the day, 1-3pm and 5-7pm, and the event is being held at 28 Market Place, formerly the old NatWest Bank building, which was acquired by Raby three years ago with the view to creating a link between the Market Place and the castle itself.
If funding is secured, the project aims to conserve and enhance the historic fabric, introduce access and bring into use the outer ward of the castle.
It also seeks to enhance the castle’s profile and contribution to the economic and cultural life of the town.
The concept has been created in a partnership between Raby Estates and Durham County Council, with support from the wider Barnard Castle stakeholder group, including Cultura Trust, English Heritage, Historic England and Barnard Castle Town Council.
Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Durham County Council and the stakeholder group to explore ways of regenerating and opening up the wider Barnard Castle heritage site.
“The plans are at a very early stage, but if we are successful in securing funding and the necessary consents, our thoughts are to create a new visitor attraction and a place in which we can all take pride in, with the wider aim of removing the castle from the Historic England Heritage at Risk register.
“This will need to be a community-led project if it is to be successful and we’re looking forward to hearing the thoughts and suggestions from local residents.”
Attendees at the event can view early designs and visuals of the gateway project and speak with representatives from Raby Estates and Durham County Council.
Complimentary tickets to visit Barnard Castle during the October half-term will also be distributed at the event by English Heritage.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “In collaboration with Raby Estates, we are pleased to be exploring ways that we can safeguard the future of the castle (pictured right).
“This event is the perfect opportunity for people to hear about our ideas, as well as providing their own thoughts and suggestions on the future of the landmark.”
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