Top 7 Castles around Brawby
Best castles around Brawby are found in the scenic North Yorkshire region, offering a rich historical and architectural experience. Brawby village itself is a charming base from which to explore the surrounding landscape, characterized by rolling hills and historical sites. The area provides a glimpse into centuries of history, from Norman fortifications to grand stately homes. Visitors can discover a variety of historical landmarks set within picturesque natural surroundings.
Best castles around Brawby
- The most popular castle is Castle Howard…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Castle Howard Obelisk
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Castle Howard Gatehouse (The Temperance Hotel)
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Pickering Castle
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Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower
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Remains of Cropton Motte-and-Bailey Castle
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English Heritage site No cafe, or undercover seating area. Hot drinks available but not good if it's raining!
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Unmissable and unfortunately not well served by public footpaths or bridleways, however, the main road has sufficiently wide verges to walk safely along. If you are heading north past the Obelisk Ponds, then there is a fantastic track on the east side of the road which is flanked by lime trees forming a wonderful avenue to walk along (see photos).
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Easily accessible as a public footpath runs north/south right past the tower. One of a number of towers that radiate east/west from the Castle Howard Gatehouse (aka Temperance Inn).
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The original Gate House, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect who designed Castle Howard itself. Its flanking wings plus building were built in the 1750s, at which time it was referred to as The New Inn and served people journeying from York to Castle Howard and the Vale of Pickering. By the 1850s, the Gate House had become an inn and an hotel. By the late 19th century, it was developed into The Temperance Hotel, where the ninth Countess of Carlisle would accommodate women and children from the industrial belt of the North to help them to escape "urban drudgery".
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An interesting folly (pretending to be medieval) and a tower within the Castle Howard grounds. These are mock fortifications - fascinating! There are great views from here towards the village of Welburn.
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The Obelisk, raised in 1714-15, carries two sets of inscriptions. The first, in Latin, commemorates the victories of the 1st Duke of Marlborough. The second, on the west side is in English, was composed in 1731 when much of the building and landscaping had been completed. It was written with posterity in mind and is the clearest statement possible of the 3rd Earl's aspirations for his family.
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Now it's looking like just a field in Cropton Bank, but it used to be a castle, erected soon after the Norman invasion in the 11th century. Spot the 5-6m remains of a motte rising up from the surrounding land.
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Castle Howard is enormous! It doesn't conjure up Brideshead but is well worth seeing in its own right. The formal gardens, extensive grounds and house are each worth seeing separately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Brawby are suitable for a family day out?
For families, Castle Howard offers an adventure playground and extensive gardens to explore. Pickering Castle, an English Heritage site, provides a fascinating historical ruin for children to discover.
What kind of historical experiences do the castles near Brawby offer?
Castle Howard is a magnificent Baroque stately home, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life and stunning architecture. Pickering Castle provides insights into Norman defensive structures and medieval royal history. Further afield, Middleham Castle connects visitors to the Wars of the Roses and the life of King Richard III.
Are there any castles near Brawby with impressive gardens or natural surroundings?
Castle Howard is renowned for its extensive gardens and parkland, including a 120-acre arboretum. Old Mulgrave Castle, though a ruin, is set within the picturesque Mulgrave Woods, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Brawby and its castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are several MTB trails around Pickering Castle, and road cycling routes that pass by historical sites like Slingsby Castle. Explore more options on the MTB Trails around Brawby, Gravel biking around Brawby, and Road Cycling Routes around Brawby guide pages.
Which castles offer good viewpoints or scenic vistas?
The Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower, a folly within the Castle Howard grounds, offers great views towards the village of Welburn. The elevated position of Pickering Castle also provides good perspectives of the surrounding area.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles to visit?
While not a grand structure, the Remains of Cropton Motte-and-Bailey Castle offers a glimpse into early Norman fortifications, now appearing as a field with subtle remains. Old Mulgrave Castle, near Whitby, is a picturesque ruin set within Mulgrave Woods, offering a more secluded historical experience.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles near Brawby?
The gardens of Castle Howard are beautiful year-round, but the house itself is open from March until November. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins like Pickering Castle and Middleham Castle, while autumn provides stunning foliage in the surrounding landscapes.
Are any of the castles near Brawby dog-friendly?
The gardens at Castle Howard are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the extensive grounds with your pet. For other castle ruins, it's best to check their specific policies before visiting.
What are the parking options for castles near Brawby?
Castle Howard has dedicated visitor parking. For Pickering Castle, parking is generally available in Pickering town, often within walking distance of the castle. Middleham Castle is situated in the heart of Middleham village, where parking can be found nearby.
Are there cafes or pubs near the castles for refreshments?
Castle Howard has multiple options, including a proper cafe in the courtyard and a small takeaway coffee shop. Pickering Castle does not have a cafe, but hot drinks are available, and the town of Pickering offers various cafes and pubs. Middleham Castle is located within Middleham village, which has local pubs and eateries.
How long should I allocate for visiting these castles?
For a comprehensive visit to Castle Howard, including the house and gardens, you could easily spend half a day or more. Exploring Pickering Castle or Middleham Castle typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the ruins and history.
What is the significance of the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6590206" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Castle Howard Gatehouse</a>?
The Castle Howard Gatehouse, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect of Castle Howard itself. It originally served as an inn for travelers and later became The Temperance Hotel, providing respite for women and children from industrial areas.
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