Barnard Castle pairs a Norman fortress with a French chateau — two very different buildings, built seven centuries apart, that both still define the town.
The fortress that gave the town its name
Barnard Castle was built by Bernard Balliol between 1112 and 1132, after his father Guy de Baliol was given the land by William Rufus around 1093. In 1569, during the Rising of the North, Sir George Bowes held the castle for eleven days against supporters of Mary Queen of Scots before being forced to surrender it.
A French chateau built for a museum
The Bowes Museum was built between 1869 and 1885 for John and Josephine Bowes in the style of a French chateau, designed by Jules Pellechet, and opened to the public on 10 June 1892. Among its collection is the Silver Swan, a working silver automaton bought by the Bowes in 1872 and still operated daily.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Barnard Castle's history is built on a Norman fortress and a Victorian museum, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of County Durham and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Barnard Castle and the rest of County Durham included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Barnard Castle?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What makes the Bowes Museum notable?
It's a French-chateau-style museum that opened in 1892, home to a working 1872 silver swan automaton.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Barnard Castle?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Barnard Castle addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.