Top 5 Castles around Haughton

Haughton Castle is a privately owned country mansion and is not open to the public. While you cannot enter, its external grandeur can be appreciated from nearby areas, such as the beer garden of the Barrasford Arms in the village of Barrasford.

Haughton Castle began as a 13th-century tower house and was significantly enlarged and fortified in the 14th century. It has a rich history, evolving from a defensive structure to a substantial mansion through 19th-century transformations. It even served as a hospital during World War II.

Beyond Haughton Castle, you can explore other significant sites. Beeston Castle is a magnificent 11th-century former stronghold offering views across eight counties. Another historical site is Maiden Castle Iron Age Hillfort, which provides expansive views reaching as far as Wales. You can also see View of Peckforton Castle, a Victorian country house built in the style of a medieval castle.

Yes, Cholmondeley Castle is considered family-friendly. It is set amidst 70 acres of gardens and historic parkland, offering a pleasant experience for all ages.

The area around Haughton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'View of Beeston Castle – Beeston Castle Gates loop from Bunbury' (moderate, 12 km). For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like the 'Harthill Climb – Beeston Castle loop from Haughton' (easy, 39.5 km). You can explore more options in the hiking guide or road cycling guide for Haughton.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, near Beeston Castle, you can take the 'View of Beeston Castle – Beeston Castle Gates loop from Bunbury', which is a moderate 12 km hike. The area around Maiden Castle Iron Age Hillfort also features trails through rugged lowland scrub. More hiking options are available in the Hiking around Haughton guide.

While Haughton Castle itself is private, you can get good external views from the village of Barrasford, particularly from the beer garden of the Barrasford Arms. Additionally, Beeston Castle and Maiden Castle Iron Age Hillfort offer expansive views across multiple counties and as far as Wales.

The best season to visit often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer milder weather ideal for exploring the castle grounds and nearby hiking trails. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can be picturesque but may require appropriate clothing for colder conditions.

Many of the outdoor areas and trails around the castles are suitable for dog walking. For specific dog-friendly routes and policies at individual sites, it's always best to check directly with the attraction. You can find general hiking routes in the Hiking around Haughton guide.

Yes, you can find local establishments near the castles. For instance, the Barrasford Arms in Barrasford offers views of Haughton Castle from its beer garden. In the wider Hexham and North Tyne Valley area, there are various pubs and cafes to choose from for refreshments after your explorations.

Public transport options to reach specific castles can vary. For areas like Humshaugh and Hexham, local bus services are available. However, many castles, especially those in more rural settings, might require a car for convenient access. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes for your specific destination.

The time needed varies by castle. For sites like Beeston Castle, which involves exploring ruins and enjoying viewpoints, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours. For viewpoints or external appreciation of private castles like Haughton, a shorter stop might suffice. If you plan to combine visits with hiking, a full day or more could be ideal.