Castles & Stately Homes Near Newcastle

In the North East region of England lies the city Newcastle upon Tyne. In this area you will find many castles and stately homes that you can visit. Newcastle is the largest city in the north east of Engand.

Newcastle is developed around a Roman settlement called Pons Aelius. This settlement took the name of the castle built by  William the Conqueror’s eldest son, Robert Curthose. in 1080.

In the area surrounding Newcastle you will find many castles and stately homes that you can visit. The area also houses several castle hotels & country house hotels. All of which you will find in this blog post.

Castles near Newcastle

The Castle, Newcastle

In the center of Newcastle stands The Castle of Newcastle. This Medieval fortification is built on the foundations of the 11th century castle after which the city is named. What remains of this fortification is the Castle Keep (the main stone tower) and the Black Gate (the gatehouse).

The gap between the Keep and the Gatehouse is filled by the railway viaduct that carries the East Coast Main Line from Newcastle to Scotland.

Newcastle Castle visitor information: The castle is open Thursday-Monday.

Address: Newcastle Castle, The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ

Alnwick Castle

Where: Alnwick – Built: 11th century – Style: Gothic

Alnwick Castle is a Norman castle and country house. It is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland and one of the most visited castles in England.

In the 950 year the castle has existed, it has a rich history. And today it is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. But next to it being a family home of the Percy family, it has also been a military outpost, a refuge of evacuees and a film set.

Alnwick Castle as film location: The castle has often been used as film location. The first two Harry Potter films were filmed here. As well as Downton Abbey, Elizabeth, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and more.

Alnwick Castle visitor information: The castle is open to visitors Spring-Autumn. They offer guided tours of the castle as well as other activities (including Harry Potter inspired events). Visit the website

Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ, United Kingdom

See also: 34 Historic Norman Castles in England

Lindisfarne Castle

Where; Holy Island – Built: 16th century – Style: Refurbished in Arts & Crafts style

On the border of Scotland and England stands Lindisfarne Castle. On the site of Lindisfarne Priory a castle was built between 1570-1572, using the stones of the abadoned priory.

In 1901 the owner of Country Life, Edward Hudson, bought the castle. He refurbished the property in Arts & Crafts style with architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The walled garden is design by Gertrude Jekyll.

Lindisfarne Castle visitor information: The castle is open to visitors March-October. The grounds are open all year round. Visit the website.

Address: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SH

Bamburgh Castle

Where: Bamburgh – Built: 11th century – Style: Norman

During the Norman period a castle was built on this site, which is the core of the current castle. The castle became property of the reigning English monarchy in the 12th century. It was the first castle in the world to fall to gunpowder in the War of the Roses.

In 1894 inventor, industrialist and philanthropist William George Armstrong bought Bamburgh Castle. He transformed it into his vision of the archetypal castle. The castle houses his unique collection of artwork, ceramics and objets d’art that Armstrong loved and brought him joy.

Bamburgh Castle visitor information: The castle is open on weekends 10am-4pm. The castle also offeres accomondations and you can rent it as wedding venue. Visit the website.

Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF, United Kingdom

Raby Castle

The castle was originally built as a Viking settlement of King Cnut (known as Rabi) in the 11th century. The current castle was built in the 14th century fort he Nevill family. Cicily Nevill – who was the mother of two Kings of England – lived at Raby Castle. The castle was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and it was a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

Today Lord and Lady Barnard and the Vane family live in the castle. The castle includes a large collection of art, textiles and furniture from England and Europe, dating from the 17th tot he 20th century.

Surrounding the castle is an 18th century landscapes parkland with a bath house, ice house, folly, temple and model farm.

Raby Castle visitor information: The deer park surrounding the castle is open all year round. The castle is open Spring-Autumn. Visit the website.

Address: Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH

Auckland Castle

Where: Bishop Auckland – Built:17th and 18th century – Style: Neo-Gothic

Auckland Castle is the official residence of the Bishops of Durham since 1832. Today it is still used as their official residence but the castle is also a tourist attraction. The castle was used for medieval celebrations and hunting parties. It also entertained royalty of other influential guests.

 A manor house has stood on this place since the 12th century. After the Restoration of the Monarchy did Bishop John Cosin rebuilt the castle. In 1790 architect James Wyatt transformed the castle in Neo-Gothic style. The castle is also home to Jacob and his Twelve Sons; a series of paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbarán.

Auckland Castle visitor information: The castle is open March-December

Address: Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NJ

Durham Castle

Where: Durham – Built: 11th century – Style: Norman

Durham Castle is a norman castle in the city of Durham. The castle was te residence of the Bishops of Durham. But in 1837 the castle became one of the locations of University College, Durham.

The castle is a cultural World Heritage Site and even though it’s a university location it is only open to visitors. You can see the collections, exhibitions and they also offer family activities.

Durham Castle visitor information: Durham Castle is open for guided tours throughout the year in the afternoons during academic term and mornings and afternoons during university holidays.

Address: Durham DH1 3RW, United Kingdom

Bolton Castle

Where: Wensleydale – Built: 14th century – Style: Medieval

Bolton Castle is a “courtyard castle” built in the 14th century by Richard, 1st Baron Scrope of Bolton. Until todat the castle is still owned by the Bolton family. Mary, Queen of Scots was held prisoner at Bolton Castle for six months. Though she was allowed to wander the land and go hunting.

Bolton Castle as film location: The castle has been used as a location for Elizabeth (1998), Ivanhoe, and the tv series All Creatures Great and Small.

Bolton Castle visitor information: The castle and gardens are open for visitors from March-October. Visit the website for more information.

Address: Bolton Castle, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4ET

Chillingham Castle

Where: Chillingham – Built: 13th century

Chilingham Castle is a Medieval castle just 20 minutes from the seaside. The castle was the seat of the Grey & Bennett families from the 15th century until the 1980s.

The castle is reportedly one of the most haunted castles in Britain. And the castle offers evening Ghost Tours and you can visit a torture chamber.Chillingham Castle also offers multipe rooms you can rent as holiday accomondation.

Chillingham Castle visitor information: The castle is open to visitors April-October. The Ghost Tours and holiday accomondations are available all year round. Visit the website.

Address; Chillingham Castle, Chillingham,Alnwick, Northumberland, UK, NE66 5NJ

Aydon Castle

Where: Aydon – Built: 13th century – Style: Medieval

Aydon Castle is one of the finest unaltered 13th century manor houses. The fortified caste is set in a secluded woodland. Though it was built as an undefended residence it was captured many times by the Scots and English.

The castle became a farmhouse in the 17th century and stayed that way until 1966. It is now part of English Heritage. It has original medieval casrved fireplaces and a walled orchard.

Aydon Castle visitor information: The castle is open to visitors Spring-Autumn.

Address: Off Aydon Road, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5PJ

Brancepeth Castle

Brancepeth Castle is a medieval castle in County Durham. The first castle on site was a Norman castle which was rebuilt by the Neville family in the 14th century.

The castle has been owned by many families over the years. And today it is still a family home. Though the origins of the castle are Medieval, many of the interiors are built in the 19th century.

Brancepeth Castle visitor information: The castle is open on selected days thoughout the year. You can see all opening dates on the website (booking is neccessary). Visit the website.

Address: Brancepeth, Durham DH7 8DF, United Kingdom

Stately Homes near Newcastle

Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum

Where: Howick – Built: 1782 (rebuilt: 1928) – Style: Neoclassical

Howick Hall is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey.The most famous family member was the Prime Minister Charles Grey (the 2nd Earl). Howick has been in the Grey family since 1319, but the current house dates 1782. In the early 19th century the house was enlarged. In 1926 a fire destroyed the interiors, but it was rebuilt to designs by Sir Herbert Baker.

The estate includes beautiful gardens and an arboretum.

Fun fact: Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey.

Howick Hall visitor information: The hall and gardens are open February-November (starting at snowdrop season). Visit the website.

Address: Howick Estate Office, Alnwick NE66 3LB, United Kingdom

Cragside

Where: Rothbury – Built: 1869-1895 – Style: Arts & Crafts

Cragside is a Victorian mansion house built in Arts & Crafts style in the late 19th century. It was the home of enigeneer and industrialist William Armstrong. And Cragside is considered one of the first “smart homes” in Britain.

This pioneering manor house is filled with the latest (Victorian) gadgets and inventions.Surrounding the house is a 1000-acre fantasy mountain lanscape. Including children acitivities.

Fun fact: The house is inspired by the Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle.

Cragside visitor information: The house is part of the National Trust. The grounds are open all year round. And the house is open Spring-Autumn.

Address: Cragside, Rothbury, NE65 7PX

Gibside

Where: Gatehead – Built: 1603-1620 (and 18th+19th century additions)

Gibside is a large country estate that used to belong to the Bowes-Lyon family. Gibside Hall was hardly used by the family and fell into disrepair. The interiors were stripped and many of the interiors were transferred to Glamis Castle (the Bowes-Lyon’s other property).

However on thee state you will find buildings that are in good condition. These are the Gibside Chapel and a Gothic Banqueting House. These buildings stand in an 18th century landscaped garden.

Gibside visitor information: The estate is open al year round (you cannot enter the main house). The chapel is only opened on the weekends. Visit the website.

Address: near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG

Seaton Delaval Hall

Where: Seaton Sluice – Built: 1718 – Style: Baroque

Seaton Delaval Hall is a Baroque country house in Northumberland. The house was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718 for Admiral George Delaval. It was the last country house that John Vanbrugh designed and he never saw the finished home.

In 1822 the house was gutted by fire. In the mid 19th century it was partly restored by architect John Dobson when the central block was re-rofer. The interiors however remained a shell.

In the mid 20th century more restorations were completed and after 160 years of unoccopation the 22nd Baron Hastings moved into Seaton Delaval Hall. After his death the Baroque house transferred to the National Trust.

Seaton Delaval Hall visitor information: The Cental Hall, gardens, and stables are open Wednesday-Sunday. The West Wing is currently closed.

Address: The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay NE26 4QR, United Kingdom

See also: Baroque Country Houses Which You Can Visit in England.

Wallington Hall

Where: Cambo – Built: 1688 (rebuilt: 1735-1745) – Style: Rococo interiors

Wallngton Hall is a 17th century mansion that was built around the core of a Medieval house. In 1777 the house passed to the Trevelyan family who created the walled garden. Lady Pauline Trevlyan turned Wallington into an artistic center in the late Victorian period. It’s thanks to her that the manor house owns many pre-Raphaelite paintings which can be seen in the magnificent central hall.

Surrounding the house is a landscape made of lawns, lakes, woodland and parkland, that includes hiking and cycling trails. The estate also offers the largest farm shop from any National Trust estates.

Wallington Hall visitor information: The grounds and shop is open all year round. The house is open Spring-Autumn. Visit the website.

Address: Wallington, Cambo, NE61 4AR

Ormesby Hall

Where: Ormesby – Built: 1764 – Style: Palladian

Ormesby Hall is a Palladian-style mansion house in the north east of England. The manor house is home of the Pennyman family who lived at the estate since 1599. Over the years they have redesigned their family home into this classic Georgian family house.

The house has impressive plasterwork, and the decor, paintings and furniture tell the stories of the Pennyman family.

Ormesby Hall visitor information: The house is part of the National Trust and open to visitors. The parkland is open the entire year. The house and garden is open February-October. Visit the website.

Address: Church Ln, Ormesby, Middlesbrough TS7 9AS, United Kingdom

Kiplin Hall

Where: Kiplin – Built: 1622-1625 – Style: Jacobean

Kiplin Hall is a Jacobean country estate which was originally built as a hunting lodge. Only four families have lived at Kiplin Hall until the last owner Bridget Talbot died in 1971. Bridget was a remarkable woman who worked for the Red Cross during the First World War and she invented a waterproof torch for lifebelts, which saved many lives in the Second World War.

Bridget Talbot set up the Kiplin Hall Trust to preserve this unique historic home for future generations.

Kiplin Hall visitor information: The hall is open Spring-Autumn (the gardens open in February for snowdrop season). The house gives insight into four centuries of North Yorkshire living.

Address: Kiplin Hall, Richmond DL10 6AT

Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Where: Belsay – Built: 1810-1817 – Style: Greek Revival

Belsay Hall is the first British country house built in the Greek Revival Style. On the same estate stands Belsay Castle which is a 14th century Medieval castle, which became a folly in the 19th century.

Belsay Hall is unfurnished and maintained in a condition of benign decay. Surrounding the Hall & Castle are 30 acre of gardens, with one the biggest collection of rhododendrons in England

Belsay Hall & Castle visitor information: The Hall, Castle and Gardens are open to visitors.

Address: Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX, United Kingdom

Washington Old Hall

Washington Old Hall is a historic manor house in the small Washington village. The manor is the ancestral home of the ancestors of George Washington (the first President of the United States).

The Medieval home has been remodeled over the years, but you can still see parts of the original house in which George Washington’s ancestors lived.

Washington Old Hall visitor information: The manor is open to visitors Spring-Autumn. The Great Hall and kitchen showcase a contemporary art installation.

Address: The Avenue, Washington Village, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7LE

Castle Hotels near Newcastle

Walworth Castle

Where: Walworth – Built: 1570 – Style: Tudor

Wallworth Castle’s origins date back to the 12th century. But the current castle was built in the late 16th century in Tudor style. In 1603 King James VI of Scotland stayed at the castle while travelng to his coronation as King of England. During the Second World War the castle was a prisoners-of-war camp.

Today Wallworth Castle is a hotel and wedding venue. Book your stay at Walworth Castle.

Address: Walworth Castle Hotel,.Walworth, Darlington, DL2 2LY

Lumley Castle

Lumley Castle is a 14th century castle near the city of Durham. The castle is named after its creator: Sir Ralph Lumley, who transformed the manor house into a castle in 1389.

In the Georgian period the castle was altered by Sir John Vanbrugh. Today the castle is a 4-star luxury hotel.

Book your stay at Lumley Castle

Matfen Hall

Where: Matfen – Built: 1832 – Style: Jacobean

Matfen Hall is a Jacobean-style country house in Matfen, Northumberland. The country house is the seat of the Blackett baronets. Though Matfel Hall is now converted into a country house hotel with a spa and golf club.

The Blackett family now lives in nearby Halton Castle which is not open to the public.

Book your stay at Matfen Hall.

Beamish Hall

Where: Stanley – Built: mid 18th century

Beamish Hall is an 18th century country house in County Durham. Through the years the house has been extended and remodeled several times.

Today the Beamish Hall is a family owned country house hotel with 43 rooms and an apartment. Book your stay at Beamish Hall.

Address: Beamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0YB