Middleham Castle
Middleham Castle
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
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
Full view
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- Chemyn RGrapevine, Texas333 contributionsOutstanding experienceWe really enjoyed exploring these ruins. There is so much history here, including quite a bit related to Richard III. The lady running the gift shop (I wish I had gotten her name!) was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and was able to recommend some books for me as well. Well worth a visit and we will be back!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2024
- Fiona MHuntly, United Kingdom228 contributionsEnjoyed the visitWe really enjoyed our visit here. The information going around the Castle was very well done and informative. The guide book is better than your average guide book for a ruined castle. It has a good map and historical information. The staff are knowledgeable and very approachable. There is a small gift shop which has a range of books, toys, food and drink. Just be a ware that there are no toilet facilities at the castle, but there are public toilets not far from the castle - have some 20p pieces ready.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 2, 2024
- tony r104 contributionsAnother visit to Middleham CastleWe were in the area so we visited the castle again. Parking just at the side of the castle like last time, I don't know where else you would park if it's busy. Value for money really not as good. Didn't spend the full day here and there's not much else apart from the ruins of the castle. A prefab is the English heritage shop. Not sure what else they can do to improve the attraction but I felt it was quite expensive for what they were offering unless you're a English heritage memberVisited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 18, 2024
- Elizabeth HFaversham, United Kingdom19 contributionsAn absolute mustSecond visit to this iconic castle. The history is amazing. Of course the castle is ruined like so many others but it has a majesty and a feel of times gone by. We were lucky enough to have the guidance of a lovely lady in the ticket booth who was happy to share her knowledge and help, such as where were the best photo opportunities and what was available to those who were less able. Stuff for children to engage in as well. Unfortunately, I couldn't see her name badge being poorly sighted but she was just brilliant, helpful and a lot of funVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
646 reviews
Excellent
337
Very good
243
Average
60
Poor
3
Terrible
3
stephenhillbradwell
Bradwell on Sea, UK13 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Very professional and friendly lady at the entrance. The £7.50 entrance fee is in my opinion expensive, considering you also need to purchase a guide book due to their being little information around the castle.
The previous day we visited Bolton castle for the same ticket price, which included a basic information sheet with endless interesting information boards at every section of the visit, plus a falconry and archery display, beautiful gardens included in the price and a great little cafe.
Middleham castle is fine for what it is, but a £4.00 max entrance fee would be more appropriate.
The previous day we visited Bolton castle for the same ticket price, which included a basic information sheet with endless interesting information boards at every section of the visit, plus a falconry and archery display, beautiful gardens included in the price and a great little cafe.
Middleham castle is fine for what it is, but a £4.00 max entrance fee would be more appropriate.
Written August 14, 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.
Roash
Beaconsfield, UK32 contributions
Oct 2020
The visit could have been so much better. There was a distinct lack of maintenance - rotting wooden handrails, walkways etc.. It would also benefit from some more signs designating the different areas of the castle.
At present it can only be visited by appointment. We had booked for 11a.m. and were the only people there for most of the time. It appeared that even if someone else turned up without a booking they would not have been allowed in. This contrasts with the policy at Castle Bolton.
It is expensive for what it is - much more could have been made of the history e.g. family tree diagrams..
At present it can only be visited by appointment. We had booked for 11a.m. and were the only people there for most of the time. It appeared that even if someone else turned up without a booking they would not have been allowed in. This contrasts with the policy at Castle Bolton.
It is expensive for what it is - much more could have been made of the history e.g. family tree diagrams..
Written October 6, 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.
Andrew H
Leamington Spa, UK1,436 contributions
Sep 2021
With such an important place in history, Middleham Castle is somewhere I'd long wished to visit & was not disappointed. The ruins are substantial & most impressive. What is strange is how low key it all is considering its status. There is no English Heritage parking: you park in the picturesque town square which must be potentially a problem in peak seasons. There are also no lavatories which is strange for such a large site. Bizarrely there was only a single member of staff: most strange, though she was extremely helpful and pleasant. There is a small exhibition & good information signage throughout, telling Middleham's story. Generally the effect is more tasteful than some of English Heritage's more over commercialised properties, but it was still surprising to see such a light touch. The climb to the top of the keep gives a great view over the horse training town of Middleham & beyond. Well worth a visit.
Written September 11, 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.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,687 contributions
Mar 2022
As always we were impressed by how friendly and helpful the English Heritage staff always are. We probably would have thought the £7 entrance each to be a bit too pricey, but our entrance was included with our English Heritage Membership - which we have already got our money's worth out of 4 times over!
In March the castle is only open on weekends but from April it is open to the public every day.
Parking is in the nearby village centre, we were lucky and managed to get a space just a short 2 minute walk from the castle entrance. The only negative about visiting this castle is that there are no toilets (and also potentially the lack of parking on a busy day too I guess). Public toilets are located a short 5 minute walk away, according to the sign but we did not visit. Cost to use these is 20p.
There are only a couple of information boards but we enjoyed exploring amongst the ruins. Parts of the castle are very well preserved and you can walk up the spiral staircase to look down at the castle and out to the views, then walk back down via another wooden staircase.
There are activities/castle related toys for children to play with and a few picnic tables about the ruins. We managed to find a sheltered spot for a picnic in the sun on the outside of the castle wall, farthest from entrance. For some reason these grounds were very very windy! A fun way to spend an hour or so and to break up our journey home.
In March the castle is only open on weekends but from April it is open to the public every day.
Parking is in the nearby village centre, we were lucky and managed to get a space just a short 2 minute walk from the castle entrance. The only negative about visiting this castle is that there are no toilets (and also potentially the lack of parking on a busy day too I guess). Public toilets are located a short 5 minute walk away, according to the sign but we did not visit. Cost to use these is 20p.
There are only a couple of information boards but we enjoyed exploring amongst the ruins. Parts of the castle are very well preserved and you can walk up the spiral staircase to look down at the castle and out to the views, then walk back down via another wooden staircase.
There are activities/castle related toys for children to play with and a few picnic tables about the ruins. We managed to find a sheltered spot for a picnic in the sun on the outside of the castle wall, farthest from entrance. For some reason these grounds were very very windy! A fun way to spend an hour or so and to break up our journey home.
Written March 21, 2022
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.
Claire S
Stockton-on-Tees, UK105 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
As new English heritage members (we joined 2 weeks before lockdown) we were keen to use our memberships as soon as places reopened and this was the 2nd site we visited. We found staff to be very friendly and helpful. All measures put in place were clear to follow and staff had a good understanding of these. Sites are using a mandatory time slot booking system which is easy to follow. The site was not overcrowded at all and there was no queue to enter.
Written July 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.
Linda F
9 contributions
May 2022
This wasn't a castle that was on my radar to visit, but I'm glad we discovered it. It feels quite imposing when in the grounds because the buildings are close together, unlike that of Richmond castle, which I had always wanted to visit (and did so later in the week). Great views from the top of the castle too.
There is no cafe (at the castle or in Middleham), toilets or parking on site. However, there are public toilets (20p) and a car park nearby (free), although I imagine on a busy day it might be hard to find parking. We visited through the week so it was quiet. The on-site shop does have a coffee machine so we were able to get a hot drink and there are pubs in the village.
The staff on site, Gill, was super friendly and helpful. She took time to explain things to us about the castle and local facilities. I would rate her as excellent. I have rated this as very good on the basis of lack of on-site facilities, but given there were some nearby, it didn't detract from our enjoyment.
It would have been helpful to have had more info boards about each room of the castle, but I guess that's why the guidebook is available to buy. There was a room inside the shop that gave some history, which was helpful. If you like castles, this is worth a visit.
There is no cafe (at the castle or in Middleham), toilets or parking on site. However, there are public toilets (20p) and a car park nearby (free), although I imagine on a busy day it might be hard to find parking. We visited through the week so it was quiet. The on-site shop does have a coffee machine so we were able to get a hot drink and there are pubs in the village.
The staff on site, Gill, was super friendly and helpful. She took time to explain things to us about the castle and local facilities. I would rate her as excellent. I have rated this as very good on the basis of lack of on-site facilities, but given there were some nearby, it didn't detract from our enjoyment.
It would have been helpful to have had more info boards about each room of the castle, but I guess that's why the guidebook is available to buy. There was a room inside the shop that gave some history, which was helpful. If you like castles, this is worth a visit.
Written May 15, 2022
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.
Liz Riley
29 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
There are quite a few good ruins in the area (eg Bolton Castle, Jervaulx Abbey, Richmond Castle, Fountains Abbey) - but this is the best! Not so ruined as some and very atmospheric...you can imagine Richard III here (and there is a scarily realistic statue if him!)
Great views from the tower as well. Well worth a visit.
Great views from the tower as well. Well worth a visit.
Written May 26, 2022
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.
Gavin
Skipton, UK18 contributions
Aug 2020
I went to visit Middleham castle, but unfortunatley due to covid 19, pre booking is essential. No walk ins. However, individuals can walk almost round the outside of the entire castle where many of the internal features can be viewed. Several other visitors did the same as me and we agreed it wasn't bad for a freebie.
Written August 3, 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.
aferry
New Orleans, LA234 contributions
May 2022
Middleham Castle which is fewer than five minutes on foot from downtown Middleham. At the castle I bought an admission (maybe for a year) and a cup of coffee for £1.50.. I spent the next two or three hours climbing the walls and walking around the castle.
There are some ladders to help tourists climb the walls, but the castle is still a ruined castle.
Middleham was no castle of care for Richard. Here he was happy with his wife Anne and their very young son Edward who had his own apartment in the castle. For ten years this family lived there in peace after Bárnet and Tewkesbury.
There are some ladders to help tourists climb the walls, but the castle is still a ruined castle.
Middleham was no castle of care for Richard. Here he was happy with his wife Anne and their very young son Edward who had his own apartment in the castle. For ten years this family lived there in peace after Bárnet and Tewkesbury.
Written June 27, 2022
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.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain22,459 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Middleham Castle is located in the small town called Middleham and located in the center of England. I came to this region the last winter (the first days in December). Pitifully the castle was closed when I arrived there and only I could see it from outside. It is nice, so I hope come again and visit the castle.
Written July 12, 2023
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.
Not that I saw. Just the guide book, with maps and diagrams.
Written November 20, 2018
What is the recommended time to spend in the castle?
Written October 9, 2018
Do they sell the Middle ham castle guidebook, which has a red spine, at the castle itself?
Written July 1, 2018
ava712
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Middleham Castle is open each weekend (10 am to 4 pm) until the end of march 2017.
After which it is open seven days a week (10am to 6pm) until early October.
Early October to early November it is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Then back to weekends only again until March 2018
Written January 17, 2017
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