Top 7 Castles around Felton

Several castles around Felton offer great experiences for families. Warkworth Castle is family-friendly, and its impressive walls and tower are fun to explore. Bamburgh Castle is also very family-friendly, with accessible grounds and a shuttle service for those with reduced mobility. Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens features a 'Wild Man' play area for younger visitors, alongside its historic castle and extensive gardens.

Absolutely. Alnwick Castle offers a deep dive into 950 years of history, with guided tours and museums showcasing its medieval architecture and opulent State Rooms. Warkworth Castle, a residence of the powerful Percy family, played a key role in Anglo-Scottish wars, and its 14th-century Great Tower is a masterpiece of medieval English architecture. Tynemouth Priory and Castle has a 2000-year history, evolving from an Anglo-Saxon settlement to a royal castle and coastal defense.

Many castles in the region offer stunning natural surroundings. Bamburgh Castle is perched dramatically on a volcanic outcrop overlooking the North Sea, providing sweeping views towards the Farne Islands and Holy Island. Dunstanburgh Castle, a spectacular ruin, stands on a remote headland on the rugged Northumberland coast, ideal for scenic coastal walks. You can also enjoy attractive wooded river valley views up to Warkworth Castle from the River Coquet.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their grounds. For example, the mount on which Warkworth Castle stands is covered in daffodils in the spring, making for a beautiful visit. However, some castles like Lindisfarne Castle are accessible only at low tide, so checking tide times is crucial regardless of the season.

Yes, the area offers many opportunities for walks and hikes. Dunstanburgh Castle is typically reached by a scenic 1.3-mile coastal walk from Craster village. Near Warkworth Castle, you can enjoy a riverside walk to the unique Hermitage. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking routes around Felton, including easy and moderate trails, by visiting the Hiking around Felton guide.

Chillingham Castle is a remarkable and very private 13th-century fortress, renowned as one of Britain's most haunted castles, offering ghost tours for those seeking a unique experience. Lindisfarne Castle, located on Holy Island, offers a distinctive visit due to its tidal island location and dramatic approach, accessible only at low tide.

While specific public transport routes vary, many castles are accessible via local bus services or can be reached by taxi from nearby towns with train stations. For Lindisfarne Castle, remember that access to Holy Island is tide-dependent, so planning your journey carefully is essential. It's always best to check local transport schedules and accessibility information for each specific castle before your visit.

Bamburgh Castle, perched dramatically on a volcanic outcrop, is described as England's finest coastal fortress, offering stunning views of the North Sea. Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland on the rugged Northumberland coast, providing an ideal spot for a scenic coastal walk. Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island, accessible only at low tide, offering a unique coastal and island experience.

Alnwick Castle, famous for its role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, offers broomstick training lessons, falconry displays, and interactive exhibitions like the Knight's Quest. You can also take guided tours of its magnificent medieval architecture and opulent Italianate State Rooms, and explore its extensive grounds, including the famous Poison Garden.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens uniquely combines a Greek Revival mansion, a medieval castle, and Grade I listed gardens, offering a blend of architectural styles and historical periods. Tynemouth Priory and Castle also showcases a 2000-year history, from an Anglo-Saxon settlement to a royal castle and coastal defense, with remains from various eras including a 13th-century chapel and a refurbished World War battery gun.

Warkworth Castle is an impressive fortress with towered walls that remain largely intact, and its 14th-century Great Tower is considered a masterpiece of medieval English architecture. Chillingham Castle is a very private 13th-century Grade I listed fortress with grand state rooms and historic interiors that have been continuously owned by one family line since the 1200s.

Beyond hiking, you can find various outdoor activities. The region offers mountain biking (MTB) trails, with options ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Gravel Path – Druridge Bay loop'. For more details on cycling and MTB routes, you can check the MTB Trails around Felton guide.