Norham Castle
Huge broken walls above the Tweed with Scotland on the far bank, though with the keep fenced off there's less clambering than there used to be.
The short answer
Norham Castle is in Norham (TD15 2JY). It's looked after by English Heritage and free to wander round. Open daily 10am to 6pm in the summer season, which runs until October.
What you actually see
Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham, founded it in 1121 to protect his lands from the Scots. It held out against Alexander II for forty days in 1215 and against Robert the Bruce through long sieges in 1318 and 1319, but James IV's artillery broke into it in 1513. Turner painted it many times from 1797.
Known for: JMW Turner's paintings of Norham Castle.
Tips before you go
With the inner castle shut it's a shorter visit than it looks from the road, so check the English Heritage page before a long drive.
Where Norham Castle is
Norham, TD15 2JY. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Norham Castle
Twizel Castle
3.0 miles south-west as the crow flies · Twizel, near Cornhill-on-Tweed · Outside only · Free
Duddo Tower
3.7 miles south-east as the crow flies · Duddo · Free to wander · Free
Etal Castle
5.3 miles south as the crow flies · Etal · Free to wander · Free
Berwick Castle
6.5 miles north-east as the crow flies · Berwick-upon-Tweed · Free to wander · Free
Berwick Ramparts (Elizabethan Town Walls)
6.6 miles north-east as the crow flies · Berwick-upon-Tweed · Free to wander · Free
Ford Castle
6.7 miles south as the crow flies · Ford · Outside only · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Berwick and Holy Island
Events at Norham Castle
- Nothing listed at Norham Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Our guides that include Norham Castle
Questions people ask about Norham Castle
How much does it cost to visit Norham Castle?
Free.
When is Norham Castle open?
Open daily 10am to 6pm in the summer season, which runs until October. The Marmion Gate entrance and bridge, the inner ward bridge and the inner keep are closed for conservation work; the outer ward is open via the car park entrance. Winter opening not published; check before you go.
Is Norham Castle good for kids?
Huge broken walls above the Tweed with Scotland on the far bank, though with the keep fenced off there's less clambering than there used to be. Time needed: 45 minutes to an hour.
Is there parking at Norham Castle?
Car park on site; the gate is locked in the evening and there's no overnight parking.
Can you take a pushchair to Norham Castle?
No. Uneven ground that can be muddy, with steep slopes and sheer drops.
Is there a café at Norham Castle?
Light snacks and drinks in the shop.
Is Norham Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Norham Castle famous for?
JMW Turner's paintings of Norham Castle.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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The printable passport
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