Did you know that Northumberland boasts 80 castles?! We are in the Borderlands, lands historically riven by attacks from the North giving rise to a lot of fortifications from castles to bastles. Here we look at the 10 castles closest to Wooler.
April 2021: Please check for Covid related opening times and guidelines before visiting. We give links to the official websites below.
Bamburgh Castle
30 minute drive
‘A castle like no other’, this spectacular residential castle is set on a majestic coastline. Bamburgh gives you drama, history and epic landscape all in one extraordinary spot. Visit the website here.
Dunstanburgh Castle
35 minute drive
With a chequered past and having long since fallen into decay, this castle is nevertheless hugely impressive, sitting right on the coast with views of passing dolphins, jagged outcrops and pretty rockpools. Craster, with its smoked kippers is right next door too. Find out more.
Chillingham Castle
12 minute drive
Chillingham is our nearest castle and home to the famous Chillingham cattle. It’s an impressive 12th Century stronghold and has fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms. But beware, it’s also known as one of the most haunted castles in England! Please find details here.
Mitford Castle
40 minute drive
Mitford village was once home to the Mitford family. The castle dates back to the late 11th Century and has a Norman motte. Mitford sits on the river Wansbeck and there are several lovely walks starting from the village. You’ll find more information here.
Warkworth Castle
40 minute drive
This castle sits right in the middle of the pretty village of Warkworth. Surrounded by daffodils in spring, it is an impressive local landmark because it can be seen from all around the area. Both King John and Edward I stayed here, although they probably wouldn’t want to these days! Warkworth has several shops and restaurants and is less than a mile from a magnificent beach.
Lindisfarne Castle
30 minute drive
You have to plan your trip to Lindisfarne because it sits across a tidal causeway on Holy Island (a trip in itself). The castle dates back to the 16th Century and was renovated by Edward Lutyens while its garden was designed by Gertrude Jeckyll. Find out more here
Berwick Castle
25 minute drive
The remains of the medieval castle and ramparts really give you a flavour of life defending the borders in the 14th Century. Interestingly, the castle was superceded by the impressive town defences that were built in Elizabethan times and surround the historic town of Berwick. More about Berwick here.
Alnwick Castle
35 minute drive
Alnwick Castle is the Seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. He and his family live there, but you can visit the Castle, its beautiful grounds and the spectacular garden – please find details here. For Harry Potter fans, Alnwick Castle was used to portray Hogwarts in the films “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
Etal Castle
15 minute drive
Right on our doorstep is the charming village of Etal. Its castle is next to a ford across the River Till, an idyllic spot, but this castle was at the heart of defence against the Scots raiders in the 14th Century and fell to James IV’s army in 1513 shortly before their terrible defeat at Flodden a few miles South. Find out more here.
Edlingham Castle
25 minute drive
Originally a manor house in the 13th Century, Edlingham Castle has its own impressive leaning tower, built to house the family who must have enjoyed spectacular views! Started in more peaceful times, Edlingham was gradually fortified as raids from North of the border became more and more of a problem. Find out more here.
