Streathlam Castle

Stone fragments and grassy mounds mark what remains of this 13th-century stronghold, though don't expect towering battlements or complete walls. Streathlam Castle exists mostly in your imagination now - a few foundation stones and earthworks scattered across farmland near Barnard Castle tell the story of what was once a substantial medieval fortress.

History buffs will appreciate the challenge of piecing together the layout from the archaeological remains, but casual visitors might find it underwhelming. The castle belonged to the powerful Bowes family and controlled this stretch of Teesdale for centuries before falling into ruin. Walking the site takes about thirty minutes if you're keen to explore every bump and hollow.

Families staying at nearby parks like Teesdale Barnard Castle Caravan Site or Doe Park might combine this with the much more impressive Barnard Castle itself, just three miles away. That's where you'll find proper medieval walls and towers still standing. Streathlam works better as a brief detour for those already exploring the area rather than a destination in its own right.

Access appears to be across private farmland, so check locally before tramping across fields. The lack of signage or facilities means you're very much on your own here - bring a good map and realistic expectations about what medieval ruins actually look like after 500 years of decay.