Bairns & Beaches.

The short answer

Chipchase Castle is near Wark on Tyne (NE48 3NT). It's privately owned and opens to visitors on set days only. In 2026 the castle and gardens opened 3 to 28 June and 4 to 5 July, 1pm to 5pm. £12 per person, £10 for under 16s and over 66s; cash only. There's enough under a roof for a wet day.

Castle Passport

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What you actually see

The Heron family built the pele tower in the mid 14th century, and in 1621 Cuthbert Heron added a Jacobean mansion alongside it, which is why it looks like two buildings bolted together. Money troubles made the Herons sell to George Allgood in 1727, and it's been in private hands ever since.

Known for: A 14th century pele tower joined to a Jacobean mansion.

Tips before you go

Bring cash. Outside its short summer opening it's a private house and wedding venue, so don't turn up on spec.

Where Chipchase Castle is

Near Wark on Tyne, NE48 3NT. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗

Castles near Chipchase Castle

  • Haughton Castle

    2.8 miles south-east as the crow flies · Humshaugh · Outside only · Free

  • Dally Castle

    8.6 miles north-west as the crow flies · Near Tarset · Free to wander · Free

  • Langley Castle

    8.8 miles south as the crow flies · Langley on Tyne · Stay or eat here

  • Aydon Castle

    9.4 miles south-east as the crow flies · Corbridge · Paid entry

  • Vicar's Pele, Corbridge

    9.6 miles south-east as the crow flies · Corbridge · Outside only · Free

  • Dilston Castle

    9.6 miles south-east as the crow flies · Dilston, near Corbridge · Open days only

All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Kielder and the North Tyne

Events at Chipchase Castle

  • Nothing listed at Chipchase Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.

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Questions people ask about Chipchase Castle

How much does it cost to visit Chipchase Castle?

£12 per person, £10 for under 16s and over 66s; cash only. No longer discounted for Historic Houses members.

When is Chipchase Castle open?

In 2026 the castle and gardens opened 3 to 28 June and 4 to 5 July, 1pm to 5pm. 2027 dates not published yet; check before you go.

Is Chipchase Castle good for kids?

Better for grown-ups than bairns: it's a house to look round, not a ruin to charge about in. Time needed: 1 to 2 hours.

Is there parking at Chipchase Castle?

Free parking (Historic Houses listing).

Is Chipchase Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?

Yes, there's enough under a roof to make it a decent wet-day option.

What is Chipchase Castle famous for?

A 14th century pele tower joined to a Jacobean mansion.

Sources

All the castles

39 castles on a map

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For the bairns

The printable passport

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