Cresswell Pele Tower
A real pele tower a few minutes from the beach at the top of Druridge Bay, and it comes with its own ghost story.
The short answer
Cresswell Pele Tower is in Cresswell (NE61 5JU). It opens to visitors on set days only. The walled garden is open daily 10am to 5pm (not in bad weather).
What you actually see
It was built in the 14th century as a defence against the Border Reivers. Volunteers finished a big restoration in 2021, including a new timber roof, and it came off Historic England's at-risk register. Local legend says a Cresswell daughter died of a broken heart after her brothers killed her Danish prince, and still watches from the roof as the White Lady.
Known for: The legend of the White Lady.
Tips before you go
Time it for an open day if you want to go inside; otherwise the garden and a look at the outside fit round a Druridge Bay beach day.
Where Cresswell Pele Tower is
Cresswell, NE61 5JU. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Cresswell Pele Tower
Bothal Castle
5.4 miles south-west as the crow flies · Bothal · Outside only · Free
Morpeth Castle
7.6 miles south-west as the crow flies · Morpeth · Stay or eat here
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
8.2 miles north as the crow flies · Warkworth · Paid entry
Mitford Castle
9.1 miles south-west as the crow flies · Mitford · Outside only · Free
Bondgate Tower
14 miles north-west as the crow flies · Alnwick · Outside only · Free
Alnwick Castle
14 miles north-west as the crow flies · Alnwick · Paid entry
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Morpeth and the south east
Events at Cresswell Pele Tower
Sunday 1 November 2026, 13:00
All Saints Day and Halloween at the Pele Tower
Cresswell Pele Tower, Cresswell · Free
The volunteer-run medieval tower opens for an All Saints Day and Halloween afternoon, and the walled garden next door is free to visit too. Parking is about 200 metres away. Organiser ↗
Questions people ask about Cresswell Pele Tower
How much does it cost to visit Cresswell Pele Tower?
Free for tower and garden; donations welcome.
When is Cresswell Pele Tower open?
The walled garden is open daily 10am to 5pm (not in bad weather). The tower opens on special dates only; the next published one is Sunday 1 November 2026, 1pm to 4pm. 2027 dates not published yet.
Is Cresswell Pele Tower good for kids?
A real pele tower a few minutes from the beach at the top of Druridge Bay, and it comes with its own ghost story. Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour.
Is there parking at Cresswell Pele Tower?
Free parking 200 metres from the site; accessible drop-off on request.
Are dogs allowed at Cresswell Pele Tower?
On leads in the garden.
Is Cresswell Pele Tower worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Cresswell Pele Tower famous for?
The legend of the White Lady.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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