Prudhoe Castle
Prudhoe Castle
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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See what travelers are saying
- FlorianFYBispham, United Kingdom760 contributionsCompact castle with some stunning viewsA lovely little castle with some stunning views. Tucked away down a side lane this castle has an impressive approach through its barbican. But first you’ll past the lovely mill Pond with lilies, reeds, dragonflies and on a sunny late August afternoon it’s a lovely place to pass the time. Through the barbican you enter quite a compact inner area with a much later, Georgian (?) manor house attached. There’s an informative presentation in the house with some nice archeological finds. Walking round the castle won’t take a huge amount of times but the grounds will give you opportunity to linger. It’s a nice attractive place to visit and English Heritage is well worth supporting. House aVisited August 2020Written August 30, 2020
- Glen&Isobel236 contributionsNot big but worth a visit.Not the biggest castle but it is worth a visit. Easy to argue about the cost but that goes towards upkeep and ensuring they are there for the future. Despite the small size it is still an interesting site and the construction is worth just sitting for a while and taking in the peace and quiet. Staff were very pleasant, helpful and informative.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2023
- freeadventurer100Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom5 contributionsMy Visit to Prudhoe CastleAlthough a lot smaller than what I thought, still a great place to visit, especially as I was using my annual English Heritage membership for the first time. Travelled on the train from Newcastle to Prudhoe which took all of 20 minutes or so. On arrival the member of staff on reception was very polite and helpful and the place was also Covid safe. While I was there, there were plenty of kids running around and enjoying themselves. The grounds inside are ideal for picnics and there were plenty of these going on. There's also a very big grass area outside the castle where you can have a good wander.Visited June 2021Written June 6, 2021
- Darren WChelmsford, United Kingdom485 contributionsDon't BotherThere was nobody there when we arrived. No sign up saying back in 5 or any such thing Ironically 5 minutes and you are done at this site Toilets locked and everyone had to use a single disabled adapted toilet. So everyone using one single toilet when others were available. NOT a covid friendly decision Not worth the money We wouldn't recommend if it was freeVisited July 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2021
- David R153 contributionsDisappointedYes is it is quiet and historical but, it can only provide a brief visit and it is not worth making a journey of any distance to visit. Not too easy to find and with limited parking, we found the visit disappointing and, had we not been members of English Heritage, expensive. The site can be visited in short order, perhaps 30 minutes. there is a detailed guide book but a little prior knowledge of the context of the property and the broader regional history is all that is needed. Overall it was a disappointing visit.Visited September 2020Written September 23, 2020
- rosemarycopDoncaster, United Kingdom243 contributionsAncient monumentFascinating visit to a place I’d never heard of til last year, despite having been brought up nearby ( Blaydon and Winlaton). Very small and a bit pricey if you dont have English Heritage membership as we do. I managed to have a good look around but sadly it wasn’t very accessible for my husband in his electric wheelchair.Visited August 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2021
- Andrew KNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom60 contributionsNice castleIt's a nice castle but not big. Will be good to kill an hour. Not much history to read up on but it only cost a few pounds to get in. I wouldn't go back but was worth visiting as I'm from the local area and didn't Knoe it existed.Visited September 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten September 26, 2020
- rebeljennRuislip, United Kingdom896 contributionsA quiet little placeThis castle has a lot of history. It is mainly ruins with a small museum with information. The keep was shut due to covid19. I enjoyed a walk around the castle. There are some picnic benches to sit outside.Visited August 2020Written September 22, 2020
- maldivesNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom763 contributionsLots of historyFirst visit to Prudhoe castle. The car park is a few minutes walk away but a beautiful view of the castle and millpond on approach. Reception were very welcoming there is a small gift shop and toilet in the same area. The grounds are pretty and interesting lots of information about the history. There are tables available for picnics. Although quite small still lots of interest.Visited July 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten August 19, 2021
- sarahcK781SRWeston super Mare, United Kingdom440 contributionsGreat Castle.Lovely solid castle to see inside and walk around the outside. Friendly staff and Covid safe. Lovely lake.Visited September 2020Written September 27, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
120 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
46
Average
29
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Darren W
Chelmsford, UK485 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
There was nobody there when we arrived. No sign up saying back in 5 or any such thing
Ironically 5 minutes and you are done at this site
Toilets locked and everyone had to use a single disabled adapted toilet. So everyone using one single toilet when others were available. NOT a covid friendly decision
Not worth the money
We wouldn't recommend if it was free
Ironically 5 minutes and you are done at this site
Toilets locked and everyone had to use a single disabled adapted toilet. So everyone using one single toilet when others were available. NOT a covid friendly decision
Not worth the money
We wouldn't recommend if it was free
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
Cheshire UK153 contributions
Sep 2020
Yes is it is quiet and historical but, it can only provide a brief visit and it is not worth making a journey of any distance to visit.
Not too easy to find and with limited parking, we found the visit disappointing and, had we not been members of English Heritage, expensive. The site can be visited in short order, perhaps 30 minutes. there is a detailed guide book but a little prior knowledge of the context of the property and the broader regional history is all that is needed.
Overall it was a disappointing visit.
Not too easy to find and with limited parking, we found the visit disappointing and, had we not been members of English Heritage, expensive. The site can be visited in short order, perhaps 30 minutes. there is a detailed guide book but a little prior knowledge of the context of the property and the broader regional history is all that is needed.
Overall it was a disappointing visit.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosemarycop
Doncaster, UK243 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Fascinating visit to a place I’d never heard of til last year, despite having been brought up nearby ( Blaydon and Winlaton). Very small and a bit pricey if you dont have English Heritage membership as we do. I managed to have a good look around but sadly it wasn’t very accessible for my husband in his electric wheelchair.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew K
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK60 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
It's a nice castle but not big. Will be good to kill an hour.
Not much history to read up on but it only cost a few pounds to get in.
I wouldn't go back but was worth visiting as I'm from the local area and didn't Knoe it existed.
Not much history to read up on but it only cost a few pounds to get in.
I wouldn't go back but was worth visiting as I'm from the local area and didn't Knoe it existed.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rebeljenn
Ruislip, UK896 contributions
Aug 2020
This castle has a lot of history. It is mainly ruins with a small museum with information. The keep was shut due to covid19. I enjoyed a walk around the castle. There are some picnic benches to sit outside.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maldives
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK763 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
First visit to Prudhoe castle. The car park is a few minutes walk away but a beautiful view of the castle and millpond on approach. Reception were very welcoming there is a small gift shop and toilet in the same area.
The grounds are pretty and interesting lots of information about the history. There are tables available for picnics.
Although quite small still lots of interest.
The grounds are pretty and interesting lots of information about the history. There are tables available for picnics.
Although quite small still lots of interest.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahcK781SR
Weston super Mare, UK440 contributions
Sep 2020
Lovely solid castle to see inside and walk around the outside. Friendly staff and Covid safe. Lovely lake.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne & Pippa A
Crewe, UK74 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is a lovely castle on the approach, very romantic with its pool. Inside is worth looking at , very interesting history. A walk around the edge of the curtain walls is a must as well.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsey L
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK28 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Visited today for the first time, having previously googled to check opening times.
Parked in the car park and walked up to the castle, gate was closed but assumed that was to stop people from attempting to drive right up to the castle.
Go to get our ticket only to be told the castle is closed. Member of staff was rather abrupt, clearly her customer service skills were having a day off.
We weren’t the only people to be caught out - two more families were turned away as we left.
Parked in the car park and walked up to the castle, gate was closed but assumed that was to stop people from attempting to drive right up to the castle.
Go to get our ticket only to be told the castle is closed. Member of staff was rather abrupt, clearly her customer service skills were having a day off.
We weren’t the only people to be caught out - two more families were turned away as we left.
Written April 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol B
Birmingham, UK6,004 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Wednesday 22 August 18, my husband and I drove to Prudhoe to visit Prudhoe Castle under the care of The English Heritage.
Prudhoe castle stands on a ridge about 150 feet on the south bank of the River Tyne. It is partly enclosed by a deep moat. The ground to the north falls away steeply to the river. The castle entrance is on the south side and is flanked by a mill pond on the left and a ruined water mill on the right.
The castle is entered by a barbican dating from the first half of the 14th century. The gatehouse, dating from the early 12th century, leads into the outer ward, which contains the remains of several buildings.
At the north side, against the curtain wall, are the remains of the Great Hall, measuring 60 ft by 46 ft, built by the Percy’s when they took over the castle. At the end of the 15th century a new hall was built to the west to replace the existing one.
On the west side of the outer ward is the manor house, built in the early 19th century, and containing a visitor’s shop and exhibition rooms. At the south end of the manor house is a gateway leading into the inner ward. The main feature of the inner ward is the keep, dating from the 12th century. The keep has walls 10 feet thick and its internal dimensions are 20 ft by 24 ft. It originally consisted of two stories beneath a double-pitched roof
The first castle on the site was a Norman motte and bailey, built sometime in the mid 11th century. Following the Norman Conquest, the Umfraville family took over control of the castle. Robert d’Umfraville was formally granted the barony of Prudhoe by Henry 1 but it is likely that the Umfraville’s had already been granted Prudhoe in the closing years of the 11th century. The Umfravilles initially replaced the wooden palisade with a massive rampart of clay and stones and subsequently constructed a stone curtain wall and gatehouse.
In 1173 William the Lion of Scotland invaded the North East to claim the earldom of Northumberland. The head of the Umfraville family, Odinel II, refused to support him and as a result the Scottish army tried to take Prudhoe Castle. The attempt failed as the Scots were not prepared to undertake a lengthy siege. The following year William attacked the castle again but found that Odinel had strengthened the garrison, and after a siege of just three days the Scottish army left. Following the siege, Odinel further improved the defences of the castle by adding a stone keep and a great hall.
Odinel died in 1182 and was succeeded by his son Richard. Richard became one of the barons who stood against King John, and as a result forfeited his estates to the crown. They remained forfeited until 1217, the year after King John’s death. Richard died in 1226 and was succeeded by his son, Gilbert, who was himself succeeded in 1245 by his son Gilbert.
Through his mother, Gilbert II inherited the title of Earl of Angus, with vast estates in Scotland, but he continued to spend some of his time at Prudhoe. He carried out further improvements to the castle. Gilbert took part in the fighting between Henry 111 of England and his barons, and in the Scottish expeditions of Edward 1. He died in 1308 and was succeeded by his son, Robert D’Umfraville IV.
In 1314, Robert was taken prisoner by the Scots at Bannockburn, but was soon released, though he was deprived of the earldom of Angus and of his Scottish estates. In 1316 King Edward granted Robert 700 marks to maintain a garrison of 40 men-at-arms and 80 light horsemen at Prudhoe Castle.
In 1381 the last of the line, Gilbert III, died without issue and his widow married Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland. On her death in 1398, the castle passed to the Percy family.
The Percy’s added a new great hall to the castle shortly after they took possession of it. Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland fought against Henry 1V and took part in the Battle of Shrewsbury, for which act he was attainted and his estates, including Prudhoe, were forfeited to the Crown in 1405.
In that same year it was granted to the future Duke of Bedford, (a son of Henry IV) and stayed in his hands until his death in 1435, whereupon it reverted to the Crown.
The Percy’s regained ownership of the Prudhoe estates in 1440, after a prolonged legal battle. However, Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland fought on the Lancastrian side in the Wars of the Roses and was killed at the Battle of Towton in 1461. In 1462 Edward 1V granted Prudhoe Castle to his younger brother George, Duke of Clarence. The latter only possessed the castle briefly before the king granted it to Lord Montague.
The castle was restored to the 4th Earl in 1470. The principal seat of the Percy’s was Alnwick Castle and Prudhoe was for the most part let out to tenants. In 1528 however Henry Percy 6th Earl was resident at the castle as later was his brother Sir Thomas Percy. Both the Earl and Sir Thomas were heavily involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and both were convicted of treason and executed. Following forfeiture of the estates the castle was reported in August 1537 to have habitable houses and towers within its walls, although they were said to be somewhat decayed and in need of repairs estimated at £20.
The castle was once again restored to Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl in about 1557. He was convicted of taking part in the Rising of the North in 1569. He escaped, but was recaptured and was executed in 1572.
The castle was thereafter let out to many and various tenants and was not used as a residence after the 1660s. In 1776 it was reported to be ruinous.
Between 1808 and 1817, Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland carried out substantial repairs to the ancient fabric and replaced the old dwellings within the walls with a Georgian mansion adjoining the keep.
In 1966 the castle was given over to the Crown and is now under the care of the English Heritage.
My husband and I spent nearly three hours wandering round this wonderful and historic castle with its wonderful views over the countryside, we took loads of photographs and once again I found inspiration here and I wrote a poem called ‘Fallen Petals’. We left here as the castle closed at 6.00 pm.
If you like history and you like castles, then this is one definitely for your bucket list.
Prudhoe castle stands on a ridge about 150 feet on the south bank of the River Tyne. It is partly enclosed by a deep moat. The ground to the north falls away steeply to the river. The castle entrance is on the south side and is flanked by a mill pond on the left and a ruined water mill on the right.
The castle is entered by a barbican dating from the first half of the 14th century. The gatehouse, dating from the early 12th century, leads into the outer ward, which contains the remains of several buildings.
At the north side, against the curtain wall, are the remains of the Great Hall, measuring 60 ft by 46 ft, built by the Percy’s when they took over the castle. At the end of the 15th century a new hall was built to the west to replace the existing one.
On the west side of the outer ward is the manor house, built in the early 19th century, and containing a visitor’s shop and exhibition rooms. At the south end of the manor house is a gateway leading into the inner ward. The main feature of the inner ward is the keep, dating from the 12th century. The keep has walls 10 feet thick and its internal dimensions are 20 ft by 24 ft. It originally consisted of two stories beneath a double-pitched roof
The first castle on the site was a Norman motte and bailey, built sometime in the mid 11th century. Following the Norman Conquest, the Umfraville family took over control of the castle. Robert d’Umfraville was formally granted the barony of Prudhoe by Henry 1 but it is likely that the Umfraville’s had already been granted Prudhoe in the closing years of the 11th century. The Umfravilles initially replaced the wooden palisade with a massive rampart of clay and stones and subsequently constructed a stone curtain wall and gatehouse.
In 1173 William the Lion of Scotland invaded the North East to claim the earldom of Northumberland. The head of the Umfraville family, Odinel II, refused to support him and as a result the Scottish army tried to take Prudhoe Castle. The attempt failed as the Scots were not prepared to undertake a lengthy siege. The following year William attacked the castle again but found that Odinel had strengthened the garrison, and after a siege of just three days the Scottish army left. Following the siege, Odinel further improved the defences of the castle by adding a stone keep and a great hall.
Odinel died in 1182 and was succeeded by his son Richard. Richard became one of the barons who stood against King John, and as a result forfeited his estates to the crown. They remained forfeited until 1217, the year after King John’s death. Richard died in 1226 and was succeeded by his son, Gilbert, who was himself succeeded in 1245 by his son Gilbert.
Through his mother, Gilbert II inherited the title of Earl of Angus, with vast estates in Scotland, but he continued to spend some of his time at Prudhoe. He carried out further improvements to the castle. Gilbert took part in the fighting between Henry 111 of England and his barons, and in the Scottish expeditions of Edward 1. He died in 1308 and was succeeded by his son, Robert D’Umfraville IV.
In 1314, Robert was taken prisoner by the Scots at Bannockburn, but was soon released, though he was deprived of the earldom of Angus and of his Scottish estates. In 1316 King Edward granted Robert 700 marks to maintain a garrison of 40 men-at-arms and 80 light horsemen at Prudhoe Castle.
In 1381 the last of the line, Gilbert III, died without issue and his widow married Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland. On her death in 1398, the castle passed to the Percy family.
The Percy’s added a new great hall to the castle shortly after they took possession of it. Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland fought against Henry 1V and took part in the Battle of Shrewsbury, for which act he was attainted and his estates, including Prudhoe, were forfeited to the Crown in 1405.
In that same year it was granted to the future Duke of Bedford, (a son of Henry IV) and stayed in his hands until his death in 1435, whereupon it reverted to the Crown.
The Percy’s regained ownership of the Prudhoe estates in 1440, after a prolonged legal battle. However, Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland fought on the Lancastrian side in the Wars of the Roses and was killed at the Battle of Towton in 1461. In 1462 Edward 1V granted Prudhoe Castle to his younger brother George, Duke of Clarence. The latter only possessed the castle briefly before the king granted it to Lord Montague.
The castle was restored to the 4th Earl in 1470. The principal seat of the Percy’s was Alnwick Castle and Prudhoe was for the most part let out to tenants. In 1528 however Henry Percy 6th Earl was resident at the castle as later was his brother Sir Thomas Percy. Both the Earl and Sir Thomas were heavily involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and both were convicted of treason and executed. Following forfeiture of the estates the castle was reported in August 1537 to have habitable houses and towers within its walls, although they were said to be somewhat decayed and in need of repairs estimated at £20.
The castle was once again restored to Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl in about 1557. He was convicted of taking part in the Rising of the North in 1569. He escaped, but was recaptured and was executed in 1572.
The castle was thereafter let out to many and various tenants and was not used as a residence after the 1660s. In 1776 it was reported to be ruinous.
Between 1808 and 1817, Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland carried out substantial repairs to the ancient fabric and replaced the old dwellings within the walls with a Georgian mansion adjoining the keep.
In 1966 the castle was given over to the Crown and is now under the care of the English Heritage.
My husband and I spent nearly three hours wandering round this wonderful and historic castle with its wonderful views over the countryside, we took loads of photographs and once again I found inspiration here and I wrote a poem called ‘Fallen Petals’. We left here as the castle closed at 6.00 pm.
If you like history and you like castles, then this is one definitely for your bucket list.
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think my great grandfather worked at prudhoe castle round about 1910...was the castle inhabited then ?
enjoy99
North Yorkshire, UK96 contributions
Where physically is the ticket office at the castle?
Can you go around the grounds without a ticket but need a ticket just for inside the buildings? Thank you very much for any answers
Sarah Jayne Leam
Derbyshire, UK490 contributions
You can walk around the perimeter of the castle but to buy tickets you walk up through the gateway and there is a building on the left. Enter the building and the shop/admissions desk is the door on the right. It is worth buying a ticket though not just walking around the edge.
Lisa M
Prudhoe, UK16 contributions
hi, when does the castle re open? as the website says its closed for the next couple of months?
Carol B
Birmingham, UK6,004 contributions
According to The English Heritage Book The Castle Will re-open on 31 March 19 and will be open Wed-Sun & Bank Holidays From 10.00-6.00pm. I hope this is of help to you. Please check their website in March 19, for any further updates.
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Claim your listingPrudhoe Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Prudhoe Castle
- Prudhoe Castle is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Prudhoe Castle:
- (1.36 mi) Wormald House
- (4.57 mi) Vindomora Country Lodges
- (8.90 mi) Deneview Bed & Breakfast
- (8.69 mi) Park Farm Hotel
- (2.78 mi) Houghton North Farm
- Restaurants near Prudhoe Castle:
- (0.11 mi) Spice Delight Indian Takeaway
- (0.11 mi) West Wylam Tandoori
- (0.13 mi) Five Star Takeaway
- (0.34 mi) The Falcon
- (0.25 mi) Balls of Prudhoe
- Attractions near Prudhoe Castle:
- (0.11 mi) Prudhoe Waterworld
- (0.45 mi) Prudhoe Golf Club
- (0.48 mi) Fuse Community Cinema
- (4.44 mi) Riverside Falconry
- (8.84 mi) The Escape Key
Prudhoe Castle Information
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