Staward Peel
A ruin at the end of a woodland walk is the oldest trick in the book for getting reluctant legs moving, and this one works.
The short answer
Staward Peel is in Allen Banks, near Haydon Bridge (NE47 7BP). It's looked after by the National Trust and free to wander round. Countryside open dawn to dusk.
What you actually see
Anthony de Lucy built a timber pele here in 1316 on a ridge above the gorge, and from 1385 it was rented to Hexham Priory until the Dissolution. What's left is masonry from three walls of the gatehouse, plus the ditch and earthworks, in National Trust woodland.
Known for: A ruined pele hidden in the Allen Banks woods.
Tips before you go
It's a proper walk, not a stroll, so wear boots and pack snacks.
Where Staward Peel is
Allen Banks, near Haydon Bridge, NE47 7BP. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Staward Peel
Langley Castle
2.4 miles north-east as the crow flies · Langley on Tyne · Stay or eat here
Thirlwall Castle
9.4 miles west as the crow flies · Greenhead · Free to wander · Free
Haughton Castle
10 miles north-east as the crow flies · Humshaugh · Outside only · Free
Chipchase Castle
11 miles north-east as the crow flies · Near Wark on Tyne · Open days only
Dilston Castle
11 miles east as the crow flies · Dilston, near Corbridge · Open days only
Vicar's Pele, Corbridge
12 miles east as the crow flies · Corbridge · Outside only · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Hexham and Hadrian's Wall
Events at Staward Peel
- Nothing listed at Staward Peel in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Questions people ask about Staward Peel
How much does it cost to visit Staward Peel?
Free to walk; National Trust car park £3 for 4 hours or £5 all day. Free parking for National Trust members.
When is Staward Peel open?
Countryside open dawn to dusk.
Is Staward Peel good for kids?
A ruin at the end of a woodland walk is the oldest trick in the book for getting reluctant legs moving, and this one works. Time needed: half a day as part of a woodland walk.
Is there parking at Staward Peel?
Allen Banks car park (postcode for the car park): £3 for 4 hours, £5 all day, 3.3 metre height limit.
Can you take a pushchair to Staward Peel?
No. The paths are mostly uneven and steep in places.
Are dogs allowed at Staward Peel?
On a lead.
Are there toilets at Staward Peel?
Yes, at the car park, including an accessible toilet.
Is Staward Peel worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Staward Peel famous for?
A ruined pele hidden in the Allen Banks woods.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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