Top 7 Castles around Heddon-On-The-Wall
Best castles around Heddon-On-The-Wall are situated in a region rich with historical significance, particularly due to its location on Hadrian's Wall. This area features a well-preserved section of the Roman monument, offering a tangible connection to ancient history. While Heddon-On-The-Wall itself is known for its Roman heritage rather than traditional castles, the surrounding landscape hosts several notable fortified structures. These sites provide insight into various periods of defensive architecture and regional history.
Best castles around Heddon-On-The-Wall
- The most popular castles is Gibside Estate, a viewpoint that is also a historical site and estate. The 600-acre estate was built between 1603 and 1620, featuring a landscaped Georgian garden. The National Trust owns and manages the house and garden.
- Another must-see spot is Old Hollinside Manor Ruins, a castle and historical site. This 13th-century manor house offers commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park. It was home to the Harding family for two centuries and was known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’.
- Visitors also love Vicar's Pele Tower, a three-story stone pele tower built in the 14th or 15th century. This gaunt shell shows signs of a gabled roof and numerous alterations, reflecting its long history.
- Heddon-On-The-Wall is known for its Roman Wall sections, fortified manor houses, and pele towers. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites, from ancient Roman defenses to medieval strongholds.
- The castles around Heddon-On-The-Wall are appreciated by the komoot community, with 36 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Vicar's Pele Tower
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castleuk.net/castle_lists_north/88/pontelandpele.htm
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Gibside Estate
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Old Hollinside Manor Ruins
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Aydon Castle
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Today, you can visit the beautiful castle, set amongst secluded woodland. It is open daily from 10am - 6pm. Entrance for adults costs £5.70. You can find more information, here: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/aydon-castle
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Bywell Castle
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The 600-acre Gibside Estate was built between 1603 and 1620. It's an excellent example of a landscaped Georgian garden with some areas achieving SSSI status. The house was left empty in 1920 and partly demolished - the shell is now a listed building on the property in danger list. The National Trust owns and manages the house and garden now. It's paid entry unless you're a NT member. As a runner there are a few miles of safe and well-maintained trails around the estate. You can extend a run by following the River Derwent trails which connect Gibside to Newcastle.
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Hollinside Manor is a 13th century manor house situated east of the Nine Arches Viaduct, on the edge of a steep brow with commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park and the surrounding countryside. It was the home of the Harding family for two centuries during which time the manor became known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’ since the men folk were very tall. The estate passed on to George Bowes of Gibside in 1730 for the sum of £10,000;
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Highly recommended, the light show at Christmas was spectacular. A family can spend hours here.
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Vicar's Pele is a three storey stone pele tower, which was built in the 14th or 15th century. It possibly stands on the site of a 13th century hall house and its south wing may have been rebuilt as the tower. Later it was part of a vicarage, which was demolished in the late 19th century, leaving a small dwelling house still attached. The house was removed in 1950 and the tower consolidated with concrete in 1971, excavations in 2001 uncovered a stone flagged floor inside the tower. There are blocked doors on the west and north sides and three large openings on the south face. This gaunt shell shows signs of a gabled roof on the west wall and the evidence of numerous later alterations and repairs. Nearby in Ponteland is the Blackbird Inn and 7 miles north-west is Belsay Castle. http://www.castleuk.net/castle_lists_north/88/pontelandpele.htm
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Overlooking the River Tyne, Bywell Castle was built by the Neville family in 1430, but never completed. Although now ruined, you can still visit the three-storey gatehouse and curtain wall. In 1464, the castle provided refuge to King Henry VI after the Battle of Hexham. Today, it is a grade I listed building.
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A fine example of a 13th century English manor house, Aydon Castle is still almost completely intact despite its turbulent history. Originally constructed as a home, the castle was fortified following the outbreak of the Anglo-Scottlish war and numerous attacks by Scottish and English rebels. In the 17th century, the castle became a farmhouse which it remained until 1966. Today, you can visit the beautiful castle, set amongst secluded woodland. It is open daily from 10am - 6pm. Entrance for adults costs £5.70. You can find more information, here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/aydon-castle/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore around Heddon-On-The-Wall?
The area around Heddon-On-The-Wall offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can explore a well-preserved section of Hadrian's Wall, visit fortified manor houses like Aydon Castle, and discover unique defensive structures such as Vicar's Pele Tower. There are also ruins like Old Hollinside Manor Ruins and Bywell Castle, each telling a different story of the region's past.
Are there any well-preserved medieval castles near Heddon-On-The-Wall?
Yes, Aydon Castle is an excellent example. Originally a 13th-century manor house, it was fortified during the Anglo-Scottish wars and remains almost completely intact, offering a clear picture of medieval domestic and defensive architecture.
Which historical sites offer scenic views?
Old Hollinside Manor Ruins provides commanding views of Derwenthaugh Country Park and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, Gibside Estate, while not a traditional castle, is a historical site with a landscaped Georgian garden that offers beautiful vistas across its 600 acres.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to these historical sites?
The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking routes, including sections of the Hadrian's Wall Path, and explore easy hikes around Heddon-On-The-Wall. There are also cycling and gravel biking routes available. For more details, check out the guides for easy hikes, cycling, and gravel biking in the region.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit?
Yes, Gibside Estate is highly recommended for families, offering plenty of space to explore its gardens and trails. Aydon Castle is also considered family-friendly, allowing visitors to explore its well-preserved medieval rooms and grounds.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor historical sites and walking routes. However, visiting in autumn can provide beautiful scenery with changing foliage, and some sites may offer special events during the winter, such as the light show at Gibside Estate.
How long should I plan for a visit to the castles and historical sites?
For individual sites like Aydon Castle or Vicar's Pele Tower, you might spend 1-2 hours. Larger estates like Gibside Estate can easily fill half a day or more, especially if you plan to explore the trails. If you intend to visit multiple locations or walk a section of Hadrian's Wall, a full day or even a weekend would be beneficial.
Can I see Roman history directly in Heddon-On-The-Wall?
While the Roman Milecastle 12 is no longer visible, Heddon-On-The-Wall boasts a particularly well-preserved section of Hadrian's Wall itself. You can observe a 220-meter stretch of the original 'broad gauge' construction and its accompanying ditch, offering a tangible connection to Roman history.
Are there any ruined castles with interesting historical significance?
Bywell Castle, though largely ruined, features an impressive three-story gatehouse and sections of its curtain wall. It's historically significant as it provided refuge for King Henry VI in 1464 after the Battle of Hexham. Old Hollinside Manor Ruins, a 13th-century manor, also has a rich history, once known as the 'Giant's Castle'.
What are Pele Towers, and can I visit one near Heddon-On-The-Wall?
Pele towers are distinctive defensive structures common in the Anglo-Scottish border region, built to protect against raids. You can visit Vicar's Pele Tower, a three-story stone tower dating back to the 14th or 15th century, which offers insight into this turbulent period of local history.
Are there places to eat or drink near these historical sites?
Heddon-On-The-Wall and the surrounding villages offer various pubs and cafes where you can find refreshments and meals. It's advisable to check local listings for specific options near each historical site you plan to visit.
Are any of the castles or historical sites accessible for visitors with mobility concerns?
Accessibility varies by site. For example, Gibside Estate, managed by the National Trust, generally has accessible paths in its gardens. For specific details on accessibility, including wheelchair access, it is always best to check the official websites of individual sites like Aydon Castle before your visit.
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