AttractionEnglish Heritage

Egglestone Abbey

Barnard Castle, County Durham

Quiet ruins above a bend in the River Tees, free and usually empty, with a riverside path back into Barnard Castle for you and your dog.

Quiet, free and consistently overlooked, which is exactly its appeal. Egglestone was a small monastery of Premonstratensian canons, known as white canons from the colour of their habit, and the remains include much of the 13th century church along with living quarters. Look for the traces of their drainage system, an ingenious piece of medieval plumbing carrying water from the river through the latrine block.

As you read the plan out of the standing walls, your dog gets the setting, which is what lifts it: the ruins stand above a bend in the River Tees a mile or so from Barnard Castle, with grass all round and the river below. Open, level going with water close by, and it links neatly with the riverside path back into Barnard Castle past the Meeting of the Waters.

Free and open during reasonable daylight hours. There is no official guidance on dogs here, so keep your dog on a lead near the ruins and the river bank, and under close control on the grass. There are no facilities on site, but Barnard Castle is a short drive or a good walk away.

At a Glance

Site Type: Abbey & Church
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00
Friday: 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Egglestone Abbey dog friendly?
Egglestone Abbey is a great spot to bring your dog — the ruins stand above a bend in the River Tees with open grass all around and water nearby, giving dogs a lovely setting to enjoy while you explore. There's no official guidance on dogs at the site, so keep your dog on a lead near the ruins and the river bank, and under close control on the grass.
Are dogs allowed at Egglestone Abbey year round?
The site is free and open during reasonable daylight hours, so you can visit with your dog throughout the year. Just be mindful of the light, particularly in winter, if you're planning to combine it with the riverside walk back into Barnard Castle.
What should I know before visiting Egglestone Abbey with my dog?
There are no facilities on site, so come prepared — Barnard Castle is a short drive or a pleasant walk away if you need anything. The going is open and level, which makes it easy for most dogs, and the site links neatly with a riverside path back into Barnard Castle past the Meeting of the Waters, making for a satisfying longer outing.