Top 5 Castles around Stainmore

Beyond traditional castles, Stainmore offers a rich tapestry of historical sites. You can visit the magnificent ruins of Bowes Castle Ruins, a 12th-century keep built on a Roman fort, or the romantic Pendragon Castle ruins with its Arthurian legends. The area also features fortified houses like Wharton Hall, Pele towers such as the Ruins of Lammerside Castle, and even well-preserved Roman military outposts like Maiden Castle Roman Fortlet.

Yes, several castles in the Stainmore area offer free entry. You can visit the grounds of Brough Castle Ruins, which is protected by English Heritage. Similarly, Bowes Castle Ruins, also an English Heritage site, is free to enter during reasonable daylight hours. Pendragon Castle ruins are also free to visit.

Both Bowes Castle Ruins and Brough Castle Ruins are considered family-friendly. Their open grounds and historical significance provide an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Exploring these sites offers a tangible connection to the region's past.

The Stainmore area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy 'View of Brough Castle – Swindale Beck loop from Brough', or more challenging routes like the 'Sleightholme and Whaw Bridge loop from Tan Hill Inn'. For cyclists, there are routes like the 'Swale Trail – Dales Bike Centre & Café loop from Keld'. You can explore more options on the hiking, cycling, and running guides for Stainmore.

Yes, Pendragon Castle ruins are famously associated with Arthurian myth. Legend claims it was once the fortress of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father, with tales of his death there by a poisoned well. Its romantic ruined state in the scenic Vale of Mallerstang adds to its legendary appeal.

Both Brough Castle Ruins and Bowes Castle Ruins were constructed on the sites of former Roman forts. Brough Castle was built by Normans on a site originally used by Romans to protect a military road, while Bowes Castle, a 12th-century keep, also stands on a Roman fort that guarded the approach to the Stainmore Pass.

A Pele tower is a small fortified tower designed to protect against Scottish raiders. You can see the ruins of a Pele tower at Lammerside Castle. Originally a 12th-century building, it was rebuilt in the 14th century as a Pele tower and offers insight into defensive architecture of the period.

The castles in Stainmore can be visited year-round. However, for the most comfortable experience, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers milder weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and surrounding landscapes. Winter visits can be picturesque, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions.

Yes, Lady Anne Clifford, a notable figure in the region's history, oversaw renovations at both Pendragon Castle ruins and Brough Castle Ruins in the 17th century. Her efforts helped preserve these significant historical structures, though they eventually fell into ruin after her passing.

Many of the castles in Stainmore are ruins, meaning you can explore their grounds and remaining structures rather than fully intact interiors. For example, Bowes Castle Ruins allows you to visit the interior of the keep. Wharton Hall is a private property, so it can only be appreciated from the outside.

The castles in Stainmore are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Pendragon Castle ruins are nestled in the scenic Vale of Mallerstang, offering picturesque views. The area is part of the Pennines, providing a backdrop of rolling hills and valleys, ideal for combining historical exploration with nature walks.