Black Middens Bastle House
Shows how ordinary farming families in reiver country protected themselves: the living quarters could only be reached at first floor level. More of a story than a playground.
The short answer
Black Middens Bastle House is in Tarset (NE48 1NE). It's looked after by English Heritage and free to wander round. Any reasonable time in daylight hours.
What you actually see
A thick-walled fortified farmhouse, or bastle, of a type found along the troubled 16th century Anglo-Scottish border, with the living quarters only reachable at first floor level. The National Park records that the Armstrongs attacked it in 1583.
Known for: A Border Reiver bastle raided by the Armstrongs in 1583.
Tips before you go
It's remote, so combine it with Bellingham or the drive up to Kielder. Expect farm animals in the field.
Where Black Middens Bastle House is
Tarset, NE48 1NE. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Black Middens Bastle House
Dally Castle
3.5 miles south as the crow flies · Near Tarset · Free to wander · Free
Kielder Castle
9.0 miles west as the crow flies · Kielder · Outside only · Free
Elsdon Tower
10 miles east as the crow flies · Elsdon · Outside only · Free
Chipchase Castle
11 miles south-east as the crow flies · Near Wark on Tyne · Open days only
Harbottle Castle
13 miles north-east as the crow flies · Harbottle · Free to wander · Free
Woodhouses Bastle
14 miles north-east as the crow flies · Holystone · Free to wander · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Kielder and the North Tyne
Events at Black Middens Bastle House
- Nothing listed at Black Middens Bastle House in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Questions people ask about Black Middens Bastle House
How much does it cost to visit Black Middens Bastle House?
Free.
When is Black Middens Bastle House open?
Any reasonable time in daylight hours.
Is Black Middens Bastle House good for kids?
Shows how ordinary farming families in reiver country protected themselves: the living quarters could only be reached at first floor level. More of a story than a playground. Time needed: 30 minutes.
Is there parking at Black Middens Bastle House?
Small car park on a minor road; follow the brown signs.
Can you take a pushchair to Black Middens Bastle House?
No. 180 metres over uneven grassland, sometimes with livestock.
Are dogs allowed at Black Middens Bastle House?
On leads.
Is Black Middens Bastle House worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Black Middens Bastle House famous for?
A Border Reiver bastle raided by the Armstrongs in 1583.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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