Northumberland Inland - Castles

Aydon

Dating back to the 13th century, Aydon is a fortified manor house not far from Corbridge. In the 17th century it was converted into a farm house, and was used as such until the 1960's. It's a lovely building to explore, set in the countryside, with walled gardens and a river below. Parts of the recent film "Elizabeth" was filmed here.

Belsay

The buildings and land at Belsay have been owned almost continuously for 600 years by the Middleton family.

Wander past the classically inspired Belsay Hall through the landscaped formal and quarry gardens until you find the castle which preceded the Hall.

Originally built in the 14th century with additions in the 17th and finally abandoned in 1817 when the new Hall was built.

Much of the castle is still there to be explored and you can climb up onto the roof for excellent views over the countryside.

Edlingham

Edlingham Castle can be found set at the bottom of a beautiful valley.

This complex ruin has defensive features spanning the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries.

Etal

The village of Etal, in which the castle stands is one of those picture postcard villages and has the only thatched pub in Northumberland. It was originally a manor house owned by Sir Robert de Manners.

In 1341 he was granted permission to fortify because of the raids and feuding in the border country. By 1564 Etal, having suffered several attacks over the years, including two by the Scottish James IV, the castle was in ruins.

When we visited Etal there was a falconry display taking place. There was a lovely, serene atmosphere, and the birds were wonderful to watch. The Falconer concluded his exhibition by flying two falcons in tandem, they were so quiet, and so fast and absolutely stunning. I've seen several such displays, but this was the most memorable.

Also of interest at Etal is the little steam railway that runs from just below the castle to Heatherslaw Mill and back. The mill is a water driven corn mill and you can buy freshly milled flour there.

Ford

Just up the road from Etal and it's castle, lies the pretty little village of Ford.

The fourteenth century Ford Castle looks magnificent, though unfortunately is not open to the public, but it is visible from the road and church grounds.

Prudhoe

The remains of this 12th century castle stand above the River Tyne. The keep is one of the smallest Norman keeps in England but it's wall are 10ft thick and at their highest point reach 65ft.

The gatehouse is the oldest surviving part of the castle and contains a converted 13th century chapel.

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