Belsay Castle

Belsay Castle is a medieval fortification with three stories, rounded turrets, and crenellated battlements made of stone. The original residential tower is complemented by a manor house and a western wing added during later centuries.

The Middleton family built the original residential tower in 1439. A manor house was added in 1614 and a western wing in 1711, reflecting the family's growing needs over the centuries.

The castle served as a family residence for centuries and later became a venue for social gatherings among the local gentry. Visitors can still sense how different generations shaped the spaces for their own purposes.

The site is open year-round and managed by English Heritage with visits and guided tours available throughout the year. Wear appropriate footwear since pathways through the gardens and around the grounds can be uneven.

The grounds span 30 acres of gardens, including a quarry garden with a deep ravine formed from the stone originally extracted for the castle's construction. This depression stands as a geological reminder of the building process.

Location: Belsay

Inception: 1439

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

GPS coordinates: 55.10200,-1.86900

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47