Thirlwall Castle
A gaunt ruin you can walk right up to, and a neat way to explain where so much of Hadrian's Wall went: some of it is in here.
The short answer
Thirlwall Castle is in Greenhead. It's free to wander round. Free access; no set hours published.
What you actually see
Built in the 12th century and fortified around 1330 by John Thirlwall, it was strengthened with stone taken from Hadrian's Wall. The Thirlwalls held it until 1738, it was falling apart from the 17th century, and big sections collapsed in 1832 and 1982. The National Park Authority has looked after it since 1999.
Known for: Built with stone robbed from Hadrian's Wall.
Tips before you go
Start from Walltown and add the Roman Army Museum or the wall at Walltown Crags for a full day.
Where Thirlwall Castle is
Greenhead. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Thirlwall Castle
Staward Peel
9.4 miles east as the crow flies · Allen Banks, near Haydon Bridge · Free to wander · Free
Langley Castle
11 miles east as the crow flies · Langley on Tyne · Stay or eat here
Dally Castle
13 miles north-east as the crow flies · Near Tarset · Free to wander · Free
Chipchase Castle
15 miles north-east as the crow flies · Near Wark on Tyne · Open days only
Black Middens Bastle House
16 miles north-east as the crow flies · Tarset · Free to wander · Free
Haughton Castle
17 miles east as the crow flies · Humshaugh · Outside only · Free
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Hexham and Hadrian's Wall
Events at Thirlwall Castle
- Nothing listed at Thirlwall Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Questions people ask about Thirlwall Castle
How much does it cost to visit Thirlwall Castle?
Free.
When is Thirlwall Castle open?
Free access; no set hours published.
Is Thirlwall Castle good for kids?
A gaunt ruin you can walk right up to, and a neat way to explain where so much of Hadrian's Wall went: some of it is in here. Time needed: 45 minutes including the walk.
Is there parking at Thirlwall Castle?
No car park at the castle: walk in on public footpaths from Greenhead (0.4 miles) or Walltown Country Park (0.6 miles).
Is Thirlwall Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Thirlwall Castle famous for?
Built with stone robbed from Hadrian's Wall.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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