Best castles around Yarwell are situated near the village, which lies on the River Nene in eastern Northamptonshire. Yarwell's own historical highlights include the 13th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene. While Yarwell itself does not have standing castles, several significant historical castle sites are located nearby. These sites offer insights into medieval history and architectural development within a picturesque setting.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Burghley House is always worth a wander through. It has wide shared paths for walking and cycling so it's just for slow speeds. Free parking if you have a car.
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Impressive parkland thanks to C Brown. Whilst in the area pedal a few miles along the quiet roads on the north and east sides of the estate to visit the Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve in Barnack.
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Didn’t get as far as the house but the driveway looked pretty impressive.
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Standing tall above the serene River Nene sits the ruins of this fascinating historic site, Fotheringay Castle. Explore medieval history and enjoy beautiful landscape views as you wander around.
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Wothorpe Towers were built between 1615 and 1623 as a detached lodge (dowager house) for Burghley House. It's not currently open to the public as it is undergoing renovation.
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Burghley House is an Elizabethan house (circa 1587) featuring a serpentine park that was designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown.
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Longthorpe Tower is a 14th-century three-storey tower on the outskirts of Peterborough. The Grade I-listed structure displays one of the most complete and important sets of 14th-century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe. Hailed as a 'spiritual encyclopaedia' of worldly and religious subjects, its dramatic paintings include the Wheel of Life, the Nativity and King David. The tower is in the care of English Heritage.
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Historic 14th century building. see picture for opening hours.
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While Yarwell itself doesn't have standing castles, you can explore significant historical sites nearby. These include the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle, known for its medieval history and association with Richard III and Mary Queen of Scots. Another notable site is Barnwell Castle, a ruined 13th-century fortified residence with impressive remains of its medieval military architecture.
Yes, Fotheringhay Castle Ruins are considered family-friendly, offering space to explore medieval history and enjoy the scenic landscape. Longthorpe Tower is also listed as family-friendly, where you can discover unique 14th-century wall paintings.
Longthorpe Tower, located on the outskirts of Peterborough, is a 14th-century three-storey tower. It is particularly renowned for displaying one of the most complete and important sets of 14th-century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe, often hailed as a 'spiritual encyclopaedia'.
Wothorpe Towers, built as a detached lodge for Burghley House, is currently undergoing renovation and is not open to the public.
The area around Yarwell offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'Bluebells in Sulehay Wood – Wansford Stone Bridge loop,' or explore cycling routes like the 'Fotheringhay Castle Ruins – Fotheringhay Castle Ruins loop.' For more options, check out the guides for easy hikes, cycling, and road cycling routes around Yarwell.
Fotheringhay Castle holds significant importance in English history. It was the birthplace of King Richard III and, tragically, the site of Mary Queen of Scots' execution. While mostly ruins today, its past events make it a compelling historical site.
Yes, there are cycling routes that pass by Fotheringhay Castle Ruins, such as the 'Fotheringhay Castle Ruins – Fotheringhay Castle Ruins loop' for cycling and road cycling. While not exclusively walking trails, these routes offer opportunities to explore the scenic area around the castle. You can find more details in the easy hikes around Yarwell guide.
Barnwell Castle is a ruined 13th-century fortified residence. You can expect to see substantial remains of its medieval military architecture, including walls up to 30 feet high and over 12 feet thick, and its distinctive four corner towers and large gatehouse. It's a significant example of an early quadrangular castle. For more historical context, you can refer to Wikipedia or ecastles.co.uk.
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore medieval history and enjoy the beautiful landscape views, particularly at Fotheringhay Castle Ruins. The unique 14th-century wall paintings at Longthorpe Tower are also a significant draw for those interested in historical art.
While specific parking facilities for Fotheringhay Castle are not detailed, visitors often find parking in the nearby village of Fotheringhay. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Yes, within Yarwell village, you can visit the 13th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which is a historical highlight of the area.
Fotheringhay Castle Ruins stand prominently above the serene River Nene, offering beautiful landscape views. The river itself is a key natural feature in the vicinity.


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