Edlingham Viaduct
Explore atmospheric 14th-century castle ruins and a striking viaduct in a beautiful Northumberland setting. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Edlingham Viaduct
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore atmospheric 14th-century castle ruins and a striking viaduct in a beautiful Northumberland setting. Free entry!
"Fabulous castle ruin in a beautiful setting."
🚗 Park by the Church
Use the small car park near St. John's Church for easy access to the castle and ruins. :car:
🚶♀️ Uneven Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes as the castle grounds are uneven and can be tricky to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edlingham Castle Ruins
Riverside
Explore the atmospheric 14th-century fortified manor house ruins, especially the striking tower.
Edlingham Viaduct
Near the castle
Admire the impressive railway viaduct, a dramatic industrial structure set against the rural landscape.
St. John the Baptist Church
Adjacent to the castle
Discover this historic church, with parts dating back to the 11th century, offering castle insights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Parking
Explore with Your Pup
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park by the Church
Use the small car park near St. John's Church for easy access to the castle and ruins. :car:
🚶♀️ Uneven Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes as the castle grounds are uneven and can be tricky to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
Northumberland for castles in July, have some questions
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Your furry friends are welcome, but keep them on a lead due to sheep and uneven ground. :dog:
ℹ️ Church Info Point
The adjacent church holds valuable information about the castle's history. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park by the Church
Use the small car park near St. John's Church for easy access to the castle and ruins. :car:
🚶♀️ Uneven Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes as the castle grounds are uneven and can be tricky to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dogs on Lead
Your furry friends are welcome, but keep them on a lead due to sheep and uneven ground. :dog:
ℹ️ Church Info Point
The adjacent church holds valuable information about the castle's history. :information_desk:
📸 Scenic Views
Capture stunning photos of the castle ruins against the hills and viaduct. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Edlingham Castle for its free entry, scenic beauty, and historical intrigue, particularly its atmospheric ruins and picturesque setting near the viaduct. While the terrain can be uneven, the opportunity to explore a historic site with dogs welcome makes it a charming and accessible stop.
"Tonight me and Star took a nice walk to Edlingham Castle, Star loves exploring castle ruins. Would never have found this place if I wasn't an English Heritage Member. Nice ruins and great little area to explore."
Matthew Turnbull
"Parking available outside the church. Free entrance and 2mins walk to the castle. Dogs welcome on leads. The church is also worth spending some time in. Excellent views of the castle and viaduct from the churchyard."
Claire Noble
"Fabulous castle ruin in a beautiful setting. Not easy to walk through as very uneven. Dogs are welcome but keep them on a lead...a couple of sheep had escaped and were wandering about. Lots of info in the church next door."
Karl Stott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edlingham Castle is located off the Rothbury road from Alnwick. There's a small parking area available just outside St. John the Baptist Church, which is a short walk from the castle ruins.
Yes, there is a small, free car park near the church. It's just a couple of minutes' walk to the castle.
Public transport options to Edlingham are limited. It's best accessed by car. If using public transport, you would likely need to travel to Alnwick and then arrange onward travel.
The viaduct is situated near the castle. Taking the Rothbury road out of Alnwick will lead you towards Edlingham, where you can see both the castle and the viaduct.
The hamlet of Edlingham is relatively small. Following signs for Edlingham Church will lead you to the parking and the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Edlingham Castle is free to visit, making it an accessible historical site.
No, tickets are not required as entry to Edlingham Castle is free. You can visit anytime.
As it's free to access, there are no set opening hours. You can visit the ruins at your leisure.
The castle ruins themselves have uneven terrain and are not ideal for wheelchairs. However, the surrounding area and the church may be more accessible.
Yes, the church of St. John the Baptist is open to visitors and contains historical information about the castle.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to Edlingham Castle is typically a quick one, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour to wander around the ruins.
You can explore the atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century fortified manor house, with the tower being a prominent feature. The setting against the hills and near the viaduct is also a highlight.
There are no specific visitor facilities like cafes or restrooms directly at the castle ruins. Facilities are limited to the nearby church and hamlet.
The viaduct is best viewed from a distance, offering a striking contrast to the natural landscape. It's visible from the vicinity of the castle.
The ruins are generally safe, but the terrain is uneven. It's advisable to watch your step and wear appropriate footwear.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the castle ruins against the backdrop of the hills, the viaduct, and the historic church. The riverside setting also offers scenic shots.
The open countryside and the impressive structures like the castle and viaduct make it a potentially good location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ruins and landscape.
Yes, the Edlingham Viaduct is a popular subject for photographers, especially when framed by the surrounding countryside.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check for any specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great outing for families with canine companions. The open space around the castle and viaduct allows for some freedom, while the historical ruins offer a unique educational element without the pressure of a formal museum. It's a perfect spot for a short, engaging day trip that combines history with the outdoors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a packed lunch to enjoy amidst the scenic ruins. The free access and minimal cost make it an excellent way to experience a piece of Northumberland's history and enjoy beautiful countryside views without spending a penny.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Edlingham's Past
Adjacent to the castle ruins is the Church of St. John the Baptist, a historical gem with parts dating back to the 11th century. This church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a repository of local history, containing valuable information about the castle and the surrounding area. The churchyard itself offers excellent vantage points for photographing both the castle and the nearby viaduct.
The Edlingham Viaduct, a more modern, yet equally impressive, structure, adds a unique industrial element to the picturesque landscape. This railway viaduct, often captured in moody shots, stands in stark contrast to the ancient castle ruins, creating a compelling visual narrative of the area's evolving history.
Navigating the Terrain and Experience
For those traveling with pets, Edlingham Castle is a welcoming destination. Dogs are permitted on leads, but visitors should be mindful of the possibility of escaped sheep wandering the grounds. This adds a touch of rural charm but also necessitates keeping dogs under close control.
The overall experience at Edlingham Castle is often described as a quick but scenic visit. It's an ideal spot for a brief stop to appreciate historical ruins and beautiful natural surroundings, especially when combined with a look at the nearby viaduct and church.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit