Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Castles
United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Northamptonshire

Yarwell

Top 6 Castles around Yarwell

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.

Best castles around Yarwell

  • The most popular castles is Fotheringhay Castle Ruins, a castle that stands above the River…

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Burghley House

Highlight • Historical Site

Burghley House is an Elizabethan house (circa 1587) featuring a serpentine park that was designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Fotheringhay Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

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.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Wothorpe Towers

Highlight • Historical Site

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.

Tip by

Save

Longthorpe Tower

Highlight • Monument

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 …

Tip by

Save

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Yarwell

Hiking around Yarwell

MTB Trails around Yarwell

Running Trails around Yarwell

Cycling around Yarwell

Road Cycling Routes around Yarwell

Tips from the Community

Duncan
October 14, 2025, Burghley House

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.

0

0

garyb
March 14, 2025, Burghley House

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.

0

0

Didn’t get as far as the house but the driveway looked pretty impressive.

0

0

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.

1

0

Adie
August 1, 2022, Wothorpe Towers

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.

1

0

Adie
August 1, 2022, Burghley House

Burghley House is an Elizabethan house (circa 1587) featuring a serpentine park that was designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

1

0

Dan Hobson
January 20, 2022, Longthorpe Tower

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.

1

0

Sam
January 27, 2020, Longthorpe Tower

Historic 14th century building. see picture for opening hours.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical castles can I visit near Yarwell?

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.

Are there any family-friendly castle sites around Yarwell?

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.

What is unique about Longthorpe Tower?

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'.

Can I visit Wothorpe Towers?

Wothorpe Towers, built as a detached lodge for Burghley House, is currently undergoing renovation and is not open to the public.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Yarwell?

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.

What is the historical significance of Fotheringhay Castle?

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.

Are there any walking trails near Fotheringhay Castle?

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.

What can I expect to see at Barnwell Castle?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles near Yarwell?

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.

Is there parking available at Fotheringhay Castle?

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.

Are there any other historical sites in Yarwell itself?

Yes, within Yarwell village, you can visit the 13th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which is a historical highlight of the area.

What natural features are prominent around Fotheringhay Castle?

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.

Most popular routes around Yarwell

Hiking around Yarwell

Most popular attractions around Yarwell

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Yarwell:

ApethorpeDuddington-With-FineshadeKing'S CliffeNassingtonWakerley

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Nassington

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy