North England Castles and all castles, in general, are designed to keep the people within secure. It is made up of several components rather than a single structure. The keep, which was surrounded by walls and towers, is the most important structure within the fortress. The Normans erected the first castles, which were known as motte and bailey castles.

Raby Castle

County Durham

Raby is without a doubt one of the most magnificent and well-preserved North England castles. Raby Castle is worth a visit not just for the castle but also for the nearby woods and deer park. The castle, which includes nine towers, was constructed in the 14th century by the powerful Nevill family. It has been Lord and Lady Barnard’s residence since the 17th century.

The Park and Gardens offer plenty of opportunities for exercise, pleasure, and fresh air. Children will enjoy their Woodland Adventure Playground, and there is plenty of wildlife to view throughout the Park. Raby Castle’s quiet environment is ideal for a leisurely stroll or to rest and relax in our fast-paced world. Throughout the year, organised events such as Forest School programmes and paths for children of all ages, group dog walks, and Yoga are held.

For The Love Of Dogs

Put on your walking shoes, grab a leash, and take your four-legged companion to Raby Castle’s Park and Gardens (s). Raby Estates accepts well-behaved dogs at the Stables Café, providing complimentary doggie treats and water bowls, and you may take your dog on a leash through the magnificent 18th century Walled Gardens and 200-acre Park (for the protection of the herds of red and fallow deer). Join one of Raby Estate’s free monthly dog walks at Raby Castle and High Force to meet other dog owners and discover sections of the Estate that are not typically available to tourists.

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland

One of the beauties of North England castles is Bamburgh Castle. For almost 1,400 years, Bamburgh Castle has guarded the magnificent Northumberland coastline. Bamburgh Castle is one of the country’s largest inhabited castles, spanning nine acres of land on its rocky plateau. Bamburgh Castle was purchased in 1894 by visionary inventor, businessman, and philanthropist William George Armstrong. He began the process of converting it into his ideal castle. Armstrong’s unique collection of artwork, pottery, and objets d’art, which he adored and provided him delight, is housed in the castle. In the summer, archaeologists excavate here because there is evidence of habitation on the site dating back far before the existing castle was erected. Bamburgh Castle was formerly the residence of the Kings of Northumbria, about whom you may learn more in the castle’s displays. After your visit, go for a walk on the beach behind the castle or get some fish and chips in the adjacent village of Seahouses.

Myths, Legends, Ghosts, and Dragons

With thousands of years of continuous habitation on the castle’s location, Bamburgh has more than a fair number of ghost stories, folklore, and myths. It’s also where Sir Lancelot’s mythical castle, Joyous Garde, is said to be located.

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland 

The roots of Alnwick Castle stretch back to the Norman period, and the castle has almost 950 years of history to explore. Since 1309, the narrative of the castle has been linked with that of the Percy family, a family whose history rivals that of the castle. Alnwick Castle, the UK’s second biggest inhabited castle, has functioned as a military outpost, a teaching institution, a sanctuary for refugees, a movie location, and, most importantly, a family home. Explore the fascinating history of this living, changing castle by travelling across the years.

Alnwick Castle On Screen

Alnwick Castle was seen in Transformers: The Last Knight and in Downton Abbey’s 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials as the majestic Brancaster Castle. The castle is no stranger to film crews, having appeared as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, as well as Elizabeth and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, among others.

Chillingham Castle

Northumberland

Chillingham Castle is a Grade 1 Star-listed fortress in Northumberland that is known for its activity and conflicts from the 13th century. The castle has an exceptional ownership lineage that dates back to the 1200s, with beautiful halls, gardens, lakes, fountains, and tea rooms.

This charming and vibrant castle, located just twenty minutes from the beach, is ideal for short getaways or family days out! If you’re seeking a more eerie experience, our ‘Torture Chamber’ and nightly Ghost Tours, as one of England’s most haunted castles, are guaranteed to please.

The most haunted historic castle in the United Kingdom castle

With a huge collection of spectres and apparitions observed by tourists throughout the years, Chillingham Castle has some of the greatest levels of paranormal activity in the country. You could get a glimpse of them during the day, but your best bet is to go at night on one of the castle’s renowned guided ghost tours, which explore the haunted sections of the castle and grounds.