Harbottle Castle
Broken walls on a big grassy mound with a view down Coquetdale, and a permissive path down to the River Coquet for stone throwing.
The short answer
Harbottle Castle is in Harbottle. It's free to wander round. Free access; no set hours published.
What you actually see
The Umfravilles built it around 1160 at Henry II's request to hold the border, and the Scots took it in 1174. In 1515 Margaret Tudor, Henry VIII's sister, gave birth here to Margaret Douglas, who became grandmother of James VI and I. Today it's mostly earthworks with chunks of standing masonry, looked after by the National Park Authority.
Known for: Birthplace of Margaret Douglas, grandmother of James VI and I.
Tips before you go
Pair it with Alwinton and the upper Coquet valley on a dry day.
Where Harbottle Castle is
Harbottle. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Harbottle Castle
Woodhouses Bastle
3.5 miles south-east as the crow flies · Holystone · Free to wander · Free
Tosson Tower
6.6 miles south-east as the crow flies · Great Tosson · Free to wander · Free
Elsdon Tower
7.1 miles south as the crow flies · Elsdon · Outside only · Free
Edlingham Castle
12 miles east as the crow flies · Edlingham · Free to wander · Free
Black Middens Bastle House
13 miles south-west as the crow flies · Tarset · Free to wander · Free
Chillingham Castle
15 miles north-east as the crow flies · Chillingham · Paid entry
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Wooler, Rothbury and the Cheviots
Events at Harbottle Castle
Saturday 26 December 2026, 11:00
Boxing Day walk: the Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle
Harbottle Forestry England car park, Harbottle
A five mile guided walk through woodland to the Drake Stone and its legends, past the lough, then down to Harbottle village, the lime kiln and the castle. Parking charges may apply; no dogs. Organiser ↗
Questions people ask about Harbottle Castle
How much does it cost to visit Harbottle Castle?
Free.
When is Harbottle Castle open?
Free access; no set hours published.
Is Harbottle Castle good for kids?
Broken walls on a big grassy mound with a view down Coquetdale, and a permissive path down to the River Coquet for stone throwing. Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes.
Is there parking at Harbottle Castle?
Car park 0.1 miles west of the village, then a 200 metre walk to the castle.
Can you take a pushchair to Harbottle Castle?
No. A short walk up to ruins on a mound.
Is Harbottle Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Harbottle Castle famous for?
Birthplace of Margaret Douglas, grandmother of James VI and I.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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The printable passport
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