Top 8 Castles around East Bedlington
Best castles around East Bedlington are found in Northumberland, a region characterized by its historical significance and varied landscapes. While East Bedlington itself highlights industrial heritage, the surrounding area is home to numerous historic castles. These range from well-preserved fortresses to dramatic ruins, offering insights into centuries of regional history. The area provides a blend of historical exploration and natural scenery.
Best castles around East Bedlington
- The most popular castles is Bothal Castle, a viewpoint that offers fantastic views from the village of Bothal. This impressive building has a rich history, originally built in the 12th century and transformed in 1343.
- Another must-see spot is Stairlight Castle Ruins, a castle ruin. Visitors can take a short scramble amongst the trees to see the small ruin, which is hidden from the main path.
- Visitors also love Mitford Castle Ruins, a historical site with a motte and bailey. The castle dates back to the late 12th century and includes remnants of a central tower and a 12th-century chapel.
- East Bedlington is known for its variety of castles, including private residences, historical ruins, and sites managed by organizations like English Heritage. The region offers a diverse range of historical fortifications to explore.
- The castles around East Bedlington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 19 upvotes and 23 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Bothal Castle
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St Mary Magdalene Church
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The parish church dates back to the late 12th century and was remodeled in the 13th century, likely after the village was burned by King John in 1216. The 14th century saw the addition of transepts. Major restoration and the addition of a south aisle, west tower, clerestory, and porch were carried out by R.J. Johnson of Newcastle in 1874-5.
Exterior:
The church features a mix of medieval squared stone and 19th-century ashlar with red tile roofs. Key elements include a west tower with an octagonal southwest stair turret, a south aisle with stepped angle buttresses and lancet windows, and a projecting southwest porch. The north nave wall has 13th-century masonry and a blocked door. The chancel’s south wall includes a 12th-century priest’s door and lancet windows, while the transepts have trefoiled ogee lights.
Interior:
Inside, the 12th-century south arcade features round moulded arches on round piers with scalloped capitals. The north transept and south transept have foliage-carved capitals and a small piscina, respectively. The chancel arch and tower arch are 19th-century, and the chancel includes triple sedilia and eastern lancets with 12th-century outer shafts. Fittings include a 1622 Revely monument, a Romanesque wall monument, a medieval bell, and various 19th-century items like the font, pulpit, and reredos with figures of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert.
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Seaton Delaval Hall
Highlight • Historical Site
Since then, the house has remained empty. Today, it's managed by the National Trust. There's a lovely cafe and gardens. Entrance costs £8 per adult. You can visit 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.
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Mitford Castle Ruins
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Stairlight Castle Ruins
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Tips from the Community
worth a visit but do check as restoration is taking place so not everything is open
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Fantastic views of the Bothal Castle ruin from the village of Bothal (old English for dwelling). Well worth a stop to take in the magnificent castle, though be warned, you're in a bit of a dip, so it's a climb out from both sides.
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Seaton Delaval Hall is a Baroque style building designed by Sir John Vanbrugh. It was built in 1728, but was severely damaged during a fire in 1822. The Hall was opened to the public in 1950 after Lord Hastings oversaw extensive restoration works. Today you can visit the Hall and grounds, offering a fascinating insight into the Delaval family's life.
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Bothal Castle is an impressive building with a rich history. It was originally built in the12th century, but transformed into its current form in 1343. It's a private residence, and therefore not accessible to the public.
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History: Mitford Castle dates back to the late 12th century, initially documented in 1138. It served various strategic roles, including being seized by King John in 1215 and later occupied by the Scots. By 1323, it was abandoned due to extensive damage. The site includes a motte and bailey, with the motte later converted into a shell keep—a rare type of Norman fortification with only about 60 known examples in Britain. Exterior: Situated on a hillock above the River Wansbeck, the castle's remains include a substantial earthen motte and a surrounding ditch. An oval bailey, defended by a series of outworks and ditches, occupies the summit of the hill. The southern half of the bailey features remnants of a curtain wall, enclosing an outer ward, while the northern half retains an earthen bank. Interior: Within the shell keep are the remains of a central tower from the early 13th century, divided into two barrel-vaulted chambers likely used for water storage. Foundations of earlier structures are also present. Adjacent to the shell keep are the ruins of a 12th-century chapel and associated graveyard, adding to the site's historical significance. The well-preserved earthworks and stone structures provide valuable insights into medieval defensive architecture.
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History of the Church: The parish church dates back to the late 12th century and was remodeled in the 13th century, likely after the village was burned by King John in 1216. The 14th century saw the addition of transepts. Major restoration and the addition of a south aisle, west tower, clerestory, and porch were carried out by R.J. Johnson of Newcastle in 1874-5. Exterior: The church features a mix of medieval squared stone and 19th-century ashlar with red tile roofs. Key elements include a west tower with an octagonal southwest stair turret, a south aisle with stepped angle buttresses and lancet windows, and a projecting southwest porch. The north nave wall has 13th-century masonry and a blocked door. The chancel’s south wall includes a 12th-century priest’s door and lancet windows, while the transepts have trefoiled ogee lights. Interior: Inside, the 12th-century south arcade features round moulded arches on round piers with scalloped capitals. The north transept and south transept have foliage-carved capitals and a small piscina, respectively. The chancel arch and tower arch are 19th-century, and the chancel includes triple sedilia and eastern lancets with 12th-century outer shafts. Fittings include a 1622 Revely monument, a Romanesque wall monument, a medieval bell, and various 19th-century items like the font, pulpit, and reredos with figures of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert.
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Seaton Delaval Hall is a large country mansion, it is a building with immense architecture built many years ago. The grounds are always well kept and they are not small grassed areas.
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Beautiful view of the stately home, followed by a nice down hill into Seaton Sluice
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular castles to visit near East Bedlington?
While East Bedlington itself doesn't have traditional castles, the surrounding Northumberland region is rich with them. Popular choices include Bothal Castle, which offers fantastic views from the village, and the dramatic Stairlight Castle Ruins. Further afield, Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle are also highly regarded attractions in the wider area.
Are there any family-friendly castles to explore near East Bedlington?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Mitford Castle Ruins is noted for being a short, brilliant walk for families. Seaton Delaval Hall, managed by the National Trust, also offers gardens and a cafe, making it a pleasant family outing. Alnwick Castle, a bit further away, is famously family-friendly with activities like broomstick training.
What kind of historical features can I expect to see at these castles?
The castles near East Bedlington offer a range of historical insights. Mitford Castle Ruins features a motte and bailey, with remnants of a central tower and a 12th-century chapel. Bothal Castle, originally built in the 12th century, was transformed in 1343. Other sites like Dunstanburgh Castle are magnificent ruins, while Alnwick Castle is a well-preserved, inhabited fortress with centuries of history.
Are there castles with significant natural viewpoints or scenic surroundings?
Absolutely. Bothal Castle provides fantastic views from the village. Bamburgh Castle is renowned for its stunning views from the beach, and Warkworth Castle offers sea views from its elevated position overlooking the River Coquet. Dunstanburgh Castle is dramatically situated on a remote headland, offering a scenic walk to reach it.
Can I find walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, many castles are situated in areas with excellent walking opportunities. For example, the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster is a popular activity. You can also find various hiking routes in the wider East Bedlington area, such as the 'Wansbeck Estuary Beach loop' or the 'Janus Sculpture by Peter Burke – Horton Burn Stepping Stones loop'. Explore more options on the Hiking around East Bedlington guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around East Bedlington?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their outdoor grounds. This period also sees more events and longer opening hours. However, visiting in the shoulder seasons (early spring, late autumn) can mean fewer crowds and dramatic scenery, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check specific castle opening times before your visit.
How can I get to the castles from East Bedlington using public transport?
While East Bedlington itself has public transport links, reaching some of the more remote castles like Dunstanburgh or Warkworth by public transport can involve multiple connections and longer journey times. Larger castles like Alnwick and Bamburgh are generally more accessible by bus from major towns in Northumberland. It's advisable to plan your journey in advance using local bus timetables or journey planners for specific routes.
Are there options for parking at the castles?
Most major castles and historical sites in Northumberland, such as Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and Seaton Delaval Hall, provide dedicated parking facilities, often for a fee. For more remote ruins like Stairlight Castle Ruins or Mitford Castle Ruins, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated lay-bys, requiring a short walk to the site.
Are any of the castles dog-friendly?
Many castle grounds and outdoor areas, especially for ruins like Dunstanburgh Castle or Stairlight Castle Ruins, are often dog-friendly, usually requiring dogs to be on a lead. However, access to indoor areas of castles like Alnwick or Seaton Delaval Hall is typically restricted to assistance dogs only. It's always best to check the specific castle's website for their most up-to-date dog policy before visiting.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
Beyond exploring the castles, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Blyth Links parkrun loop', or gravel biking routes like the 'St Mary's Lighthouse – Tynemouth Castle and Priory loop'. For more ideas, check out the Running Trails around East Bedlington and Gravel biking around East Bedlington guides.
Are there any castles that are wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies significantly between castles. Larger, managed sites like Alnwick Castle and Seaton Delaval Hall often have accessible routes for wheelchairs, particularly in their gardens and some ground-floor areas, though historical structures can present challenges. Remote ruins like Stairlight Castle Ruins or Mitford Castle Ruins typically involve uneven terrain and are less accessible. It's recommended to contact the specific castle directly for detailed accessibility information.
What amenities are available in towns or villages near the castles?
Many towns and villages near the castles offer a range of amenities. Alnwick, for instance, has numerous cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Craster, near Dunstanburgh Castle, is known for its seafood and has local eateries. Smaller villages like Bothal, near Bothal Castle, might have more limited facilities but often feature charming local pubs. East Bedlington itself provides cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
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