English Heritage: Norham Castle

Quite a cool place to visit and it was free. You can access the first floor of the castle and it fills an hour if your day

A great little castle, if just for it’s very laid back appeal. Whilst it is English Heritage property, I don’t think I have ever seen this place staffed, and we have just walked in and out as we pleased! Lovely banks around the castle, and plenty of features to nose around. Yes, definitely don’t forget the camera – the view across Norham town is great!

Thought I'd add a short review more as an update.

Castle opening times are available from English Heritage's Berwick Barracks office. The gift shop and toilets are no longer available (unless there are still portable toilets during the summer months). The Castle still opens but is not usually staffed.

This is a fantastic castle, whether it's just not well known or simply overlooked then you are missing a gem and a real treat. The approach view from any direction is stunning, it must have been a formidable sight back in its day. I would put this castle very high on my list of "don't forget the camera!" places to visit. We have been a number of times over the years and seeing it in different weather conditions just adds to the photogenic quality of it - especially if the sky has turned ominous above it!

The grounds have bucket loads of room for picnics and down-time with a book. One bonus of the castle being a bit off the beaten track is that it rarely has large numbers of visitors (hence the demise of the visitor shop I would imagine), so this means it's a relaxing visit whenever you are there.

I really do need to visit the little village of Norham just down the road from the castle, we've drove through when there have been fairs on and it seems to have a lovely happy character to the place. The entire area both castle, village and surrounding roads are amazingly clean and tidy.

If you're in the area it's not far to drive from Berwick and certainly a brilliant stopping point if you're out for a spin around any of the scenic roads around the Northumberland Borders.

I've given 4 stars rather than 5, but only because of a lack of facilities, I'm quite sure that there will be toilets and shops down in the village to welcome visitors. Currently there is no entrance fee at all, but previously it was only a couple of quid and free for EH Members as usual, so you can't knock the pricing!

A good castle close to the border it has nice grounds for a picnic.

It was a strong castle started in the 12 century and built upon over the years as the scottish kept trying to get it but it was in a good postion
There is a lot of the keep left and you can get onto the second level and the area still looks pretty much as turner painted it
Stop on the little bridge and look down on the lower levels of the casle
Check the time as when we went last time english heritage had changed the times and it was closed
Toilets are in the car park and there is a small shop selling gifts and drinks