Egglestone Abbey
Wander through the captivating ruins of Egglestone Abbey with The Durham Dales Man
There are 16 parking spaces close to the Abbey
Parking costs £2 for non English Heritage members- pay by text.
Free parking spaces in Barnard Castle and approx 30-40 mins walk to the Abbey.
Post Code is DL12 9TN
Buses: Hodgsons 79 & 79x and then approx half mile walk.
Approx 1 mile drive from Barnard Castle on the B6277- NO TOILET FACILITIES.
INTERESTING TO KNOW
01
Founded in poverty, Egglestone Abbey faced financial woes & near closure.
02
Unlike most, Egglestone Abbey's church sits on the south side of the cloister. Why?
03
After the Dissolution, Egglestone Abbey found new life as a converted residence.
04
Sir Ralph Bowes, a powerful figure, found his final resting place within the abbey walls.
Immerse Yourself in Egglestone’s Picturesque Charm.
One sunny Sunday my wife and I decided to visit Barnard Castle. We parked in Morrisons car park ( good to use the loo first!) , paid the £3.80 for 4 hours and headed off for the centre of Barnard Castle or Barney as it’s known to the locals…
We arrived at the main street ( The Bank I think) and after visiting a few shops decided to continue walking down the hill, past the Market Cross Circular Building down towards Thorngate .
I remembered there was a very large building at the bottom selling lots of books quite cheaply. That , I remember now, was over 35 years ago!
We arrived at the large building I remember at the bottom of Thorngate but it is now a posh block of flats. So we walked past and discovered a metal bridge spanning over the River Tees.
We met a couple with a local guide and questioned the guide as to the best way to walk, ( left or right!).
After a short discussion it was decided we would head left as we were told there was a ruined abbey worthy of a visit and a 45 mins to one hour walk.
We crossed the bridge, headed left, keeping the Tees to our left and a row of beautiful houses with decorative, ornate gardens on our right. I believe that street is called The Lendings.
After a slowish walk of 10-15 mins , as we were peeking through the trees on our left to catch glimpses of the Tees, we came upon a beautiful weir but couldn’t get a clear enough shot that was artistic enough.
We continued and came across a caravan park. Continue through the caravan park and bear right up the hill. There is a gate to your left at the top. Go through the gate and continue straight on over a couple of reasonably level fields ( easy going underfoot) for about half a mile until you come to another gate which leads on to a road named the B6277.
You can either follow the road for another 25 mins to get to Egglestone Abbey ( very little traffic) where it it signposted to the abbey and you walk up a short hill to the car park , or you can cross that road, continuing to walk over the fields until you see the abbey in the distance.
We tried both, coming and going, there is not much difference in it really, maybe the road is easier as it flatter.
I can say with all sincerity that the walk is really worth it.
You can get a good feel for the abbey looking at my photographs below, the one’s you have views with the directions are just screen shots from my GoPro.
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These aren’t your typical, crumbling piles of stone.
Egglestone Abbey, nestled amidst the picturesque Dales scenery, possesses a charm that transcends its age. It’s like a weathered old book, its pages whispering tales of a bygone era, waiting to be unraveled.
Join us on a journey to explore this captivating piece of history, where families can embark on an adventure that’s both educational and engaging, and couples can find a tranquil escape steeped in romance and a touch of mystery.
“The morning mist clings low, a spectral shroud, Engulfing Egglestone, where shadows brood,
These weathered stones, once vibrant, strong and proud, Now stand as silent sentinels, subdued,
No chanting monks disturb the tranquil air, No bells proclaim the passing of the hour,
Just whispers carried on the gentle prayer Of wind through leaves, a melancholy power.
Here, hand in hand with love, we softly tread, Across the hallowed ground where faith once bloomed.
Imagination paints the scenes long dead, As ghosts of piety in these ruins loomed.
I see the cloistered lives, the austere grace, The flickering candlelight on faces worn.
A dedication etched upon each face, A life for God, a world forever sworn.
And yet, a human touch, a lover’s sigh, Escapes the weight of centuries that bind
A stolen glance, a tear in a downcast eye, Betrays the yearning of the mortal kind.
Though empires rise and fall, and kingdoms fade, Love’s ember flickers, defying time’s decree.
In Egglestone’s embrace, a vow is made, A whispered promise, meant for you and me.
So let the ruins stand, a testament, To faith and love, in this eternal dance.
In weathered stones, a silent monument, Where history whispers, given a second chance.”
I’ve always been fascinated by ancient ruins. What stories do you think these walls could tell?“
The picturesque remains of Egglestone Abbey, nestled near the River Tees in County Durham, hold centuries of whispers within their weathered walls.
Today, we embark on a journey to explore this architectural gem, piecing together its history from the stones themselves.
Our adventure begins around 1190 AD, where we find a cruciform building taking shape.
This early iteration consisted of a nave, transepts, and a chancel. Fast forward to 1240, and the chancel undergoes a significant expansion southward, reflecting the changing needs of the abbey.
Over the next few decades, the transepts are enlarged, with the north transept facing some limitations due to surrounding buildings. Arcades are added for extra space, but sadly, no traces of them remain today.
I’ve always been fascinated by ancient ruins. What stories do you think these walls could tell?“
The picturesque remains of Egglestone Abbey, nestled near the River Tees in County Durham, hold centuries of whispers within their weathered walls.
Today, we embark on a journey to explore this architectural gem, piecing together its history from the stones themselves.
Our adventure begins around 1190 AD, where we find a cruciform building taking shape.
This early iteration consisted of a nave, transepts, and a chancel. Fast forward to 1240, and the chancel undergoes a significant expansion southward, reflecting the changing needs of the abbey.
Over the next few decades, the transepts are enlarged, with the north transept facing some limitations due to surrounding buildings. Arcades are added for extra space, but sadly, no traces of them remain today.
Around 1300, the nave itself is widened by a substantial 6 feet to the south. Interestingly, the west window, now slightly off-center, is left untouched.
A small chamber is built and then demolished shortly after, replaced by a more permanent stair turret.
Throughout the 15th century, the abbey undergoes further alterations. The steep roofs are replaced, and the walls are heightened to accommodate a flatter roof design
Sadly, the dissolution of monasteries spelled doom for Egglestone Abbey. By the mid-16th century, the buildings were in ruins, their stones repurposed for other structures.
A heartbreaking letter from 1565 describes the abbey as utterly desolate, with gravestones exposed and weathered.
Despite the ravages of time, some parts of the abbey have survived, allowing us to glimpse its former glory.
The east window stands tall, a magnificent five-light masterpiece with intricate details.
Two bays on the north wall showcase pointed lancet windows, while the remaining south wall boasts similar windows and a piscina – a basin used for ritual washing.
Inside the walls, we find remnants of an aumbry, a small recess for storing sacred items.
As we explore further, we encounter corbels, decorative stone brackets that once supported the roof.
These architectural elements hint at the abbey’s former grandeur.
While the domestic buildings associated with the abbey have largely been lost, fragments remain.
We can still see parts of the dorter wing, where monks slept, and the frater, the dining hall.
These remnants offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who inhabited this sacred space.
Egglestone Abbey, a place of worship for the Premonstratensian order, was founded between 1195 and 1198.
Yes, dogs are allowed at Egglestone Abbey!
English Heritage state that it is not permissible to camp or park overnight. If you decide to do so you will have cows chatting to you all night !
You can walk alongside the River Tees, it’s a lovely walk. Alternatively you can walk to Barnard Castle- that will take about 45 mins, or drive to Barnard Castle- takes about 10 mins with plenty of free parking.
There is a car park adjacent to the Abbey. It is unmanned and payment is made on a “honesty box” type basis. See the photo above which details how to pay for your parking- it’s £2 for non-English Heritage members.
Yes, they most certainly are. There is little risk of theft but you can secure your bike to the railings for peace of mind.
There are no toilets at Egglestone Abbey, the nearest being at Barnard Castle, a 10 mins drive away.
It’s pretty level to be honest. Yes, you will need to be careful how you walk as it’s basically a field. If you have walking difficulties, don’t let it stop you just proceed with care.
Egglestone Abbey postcode for your Sat Nav is DL12 8TN
Yes, th What3words to get you there are: Denser.Strict.Electrode.
According to English Heritage the opening hours from May 2024 are: Mon-Sun ( 7 days per week) 10am-6pm.
I have visited later and the gate was not locked.
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