Aydon Castle
Room to run about inside the walls (ball games allowed, kites not), a real medieval toilet to giggle at and battlements to walk along.
The short answer
Aydon Castle is in Corbridge (NE45 5PJ). It's looked after by English Heritage and a paid attraction. Closed for winter at the time of writing (late September 2026) and reopening in 2027; the reopening date isn't published yet, so check before you go. Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%. There's enough under a roof for a wet day.
What you actually see
It was built as a comfortable manor house from 1296 and had to be fortified almost straight away when the Scottish wars began; the Scots captured and damaged it in 1315. English Heritage describes it as one of the least altered fortified medieval manor houses in England, with original fireplaces and a garderobe still in place.
Known for: One of England's least altered fortified medieval manor houses.
Tips before you go
It's shut until 2027, so wait for the reopening date before you plan a trip. Corbridge is two miles away for lunch.
Where Aydon Castle is
Corbridge, NE45 5PJ. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Aydon Castle
Vicar's Pele, Corbridge
1.4 miles south-west as the crow flies · Corbridge · Outside only · Free
Dilston Castle
2.5 miles south-west as the crow flies · Dilston, near Corbridge · Open days only
Prudhoe Castle
5.9 miles east as the crow flies · Prudhoe · Free to wander · Free
Haughton Castle
6.6 miles north-west as the crow flies · Humshaugh · Outside only · Free
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
9.2 miles north-east as the crow flies · Belsay · Paid entry
Chipchase Castle
9.4 miles north-west as the crow flies · Near Wark on Tyne · Open days only
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Hexham and Hadrian's Wall
Events at Aydon Castle
- Nothing listed at Aydon Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Questions people ask about Aydon Castle
How much does it cost to visit Aydon Castle?
Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%. Free for English Heritage members.
When is Aydon Castle open?
Closed for winter at the time of writing (late September 2026) and reopening in 2027; the reopening date isn't published yet, so check before you go.
Is Aydon Castle good for kids?
Room to run about inside the walls (ball games allowed, kites not), a real medieval toilet to giggle at and battlements to walk along. Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is there parking at Aydon Castle?
20 spaces 100 metres down the lane, plus 6 disabled spaces; free for members, charges for non-members.
Can you take a pushchair to Aydon Castle?
Yes. Pushchairs are allowed, though parts of the visit are up on the battlements.
Are dogs allowed at Aydon Castle?
On leads.
Is there a café at Aydon Castle?
None. Food in Corbridge, about 2 miles away; grassy areas inside the walls with some seating.
Are there toilets at Aydon Castle?
Yes, with baby changing and an accessible toilet.
Is Aydon Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Yes, there's enough under a roof to make it a decent wet-day option.
What is Aydon Castle famous for?
One of England's least altered fortified medieval manor houses.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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The printable passport
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