Prudhoe Castle
A gatehouse, a deep ditch and a cracking story: this castle saw off William the Lion of Scotland twice.
The short answer
Prudhoe Castle is in Prudhoe (NE42 6NA). It's looked after by English Heritage and free to wander round. Grounds open daily 10am to 4pm.
What you actually see
The Umfraville family built a Norman earthwork castle here above the Tyne and rebuilt it in stone, and Odinel II Umfraville beat off sieges by William the Lion of Scotland in 1173 and 1174. The Percys took it over in 1398, and between 1808 and 1817 the Duke of Northumberland put a Georgian house inside the walls.
Known for: Holding out against two Scottish sieges in 1173 and 1174.
Tips before you go
Go on the first Sunday of the month if you want to get into the inner ward and climb to the gatehouse chapel.
Where Prudhoe Castle is
Prudhoe, NE42 6NA. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Prudhoe Castle
Aydon Castle
5.9 miles west as the crow flies · Corbridge · Paid entry
Vicar's Pele, Corbridge
6.4 miles west as the crow flies · Corbridge · Outside only · Free
Dilston Castle
7.2 miles west as the crow flies · Dilston, near Corbridge · Open days only
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
9.4 miles north as the crow flies · Belsay · Paid entry
Haughton Castle
12 miles north-west as the crow flies · Humshaugh · Outside only · Free
Mitford Castle
15 miles north as the crow flies · Mitford · Outside only · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Hexham and Hadrian's Wall
Events at Prudhoe Castle
Sunday 4 October 2026, 11:00
Inner ward open day
Prudhoe Castle, Prudhoe · Free
The inner ward and manor house at Prudhoe Castle open on the first Sunday of the month; the outer ward is free to explore every day. Upper floors and the chapel are reached by steep steps. Organiser ↗
Questions people ask about Prudhoe Castle
How much does it cost to visit Prudhoe Castle?
Free (donations welcome on inner ward days).
When is Prudhoe Castle open?
Grounds open daily 10am to 4pm. The inner ward opens on the first Sunday of each month, 11am to 3pm, with volunteers on hand.
Is Prudhoe Castle good for kids?
A gatehouse, a deep ditch and a cracking story: this castle saw off William the Lion of Scotland twice. Time needed: 45 minutes, longer on a first Sunday.
Is there parking at Prudhoe Castle?
Free parking 70 metres from the entrance, reached via a slope, cobbles and loose gravel; space for two disabled visitors' cars.
Can you take a pushchair to Prudhoe Castle?
Partly. The grounds are compacted gravel and smooth grass, but the way in from the car park has cobbles and a slope.
Is there a café at Prudhoe Castle?
No café; there's a picnic area.
Are there toilets at Prudhoe Castle?
English Heritage lists toilets, with baby changing, through the archway in the inner bailey; check they're open outside the first Sunday openings.
Is Prudhoe Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Prudhoe Castle famous for?
Holding out against two Scottish sieges in 1173 and 1174.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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