Top 5 Castles around Urpeth

The Urpeth area offers a variety of historical structures, from medieval fortresses to grand estates. You can visit sites like Newcastle Castle, a medieval fortress, or the ruins of Old Hollinside Manor. The region also features 18th-century buildings like Urpeth Hall and impressive Georgian estates such as Gibside Estate.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Newcastle Castle is a great option, offering an engaging historical experience. Gibside Estate is also very family-friendly, with 600 acres of landscaped gardens and trails to explore, and it's known for spectacular events like Christmas light shows.

Entry to Newcastle Castle costs £8.50 for adults, £5 for children (under 5s are free), £24 for families, and £7.50 for seniors, students, concessions, and people with a disability (plus one carer). Tickets can be obtained at The Black Gate.

Lumley Castle is a Grade I-listed building dating from the 14th century. While it is an impressive historical site, it currently operates as a 73-bedroom hotel and is not generally accessible to the public for casual visits. It hosts weddings and other special events.

Yes, Old Hollinside Manor Ruins, also known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’, is a 13th-century manor house offering commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park and the surrounding countryside. Newcastle Castle also provides sublime views from its top over the city.

The area around Urpeth offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking, running, and mountain biking trails. For example, there are moderate to difficult running trails like the 'Lumberjack Sculpture – Hedley Hall Woods loop' or hiking routes such as 'Old Wagon Way to Causey Arch'. You can explore more options in the hiking guide, running guide, or MTB guide for Urpeth.

Yes, Gibside Estate features miles of safe and well-maintained trails within its 600-acre landscaped Georgian garden. These trails are popular for walking and running, and you can even extend your run by following the River Derwent trails that connect to Gibside.

Urpeth Hall, located in Urpeth itself, is an 18th-century hall that was significantly altered around 1890. It has a rich history, having belonged to the Joicey coal-owning family, and later housed a 19th-century MP, American sky fighters during World War Two, and Italian prisoners of war. It is a listed building in High Urpeth.

Visitors appreciate the rich history and the stunning views offered by these sites. For instance, the views from the top of Newcastle Castle are described as sublime. The extensive grounds and light shows at Gibside Estate are also highly recommended for their beauty and family appeal.

While Urpeth itself doesn't have ancient castles, the broader County Durham area, where Urpeth is located, features historic structures like Pele Towers. These were small fortified keeps built during the medieval period for defense against border raids, such as the one mentioned on the East Return of Pockerley Farmhouse.

Yes, Gibside Estate is owned and managed by the National Trust. Entry is paid, unless you are a National Trust member.