Chillingham Castle

About the museum

Chillingham Castle stands near the Scottish border in northern Northumberland. A fortified site existed here in the 12th century, and in 1344 King Edward III granted a licence to add battlements, turning it into a full castle with a square plan. Its position on the border meant that it was often used as a base by English armies marching north and was attacked by Scottish forces more than once.

For centuries the castle belonged to a single family line connected to the Grey family, later the Earls of Tankerville. Royal guests included Edward I, James I and, in the 19th century, the French king Louis Philippe. After the union of the crowns in 1603 the need for defence faded, and the moat was filled in and the castle was turned into a more comfortable residence with new wings, a banqueting hall and a library. The grounds were reshaped in the 18th and 19th centuries.

During the Second World War the castle served as an army barracks, and afterwards it fell into serious disrepair. Sir Humphry Wakefield bought it in 1982 and began a long restoration, and the building is still his family's home. Today visitors can see the state rooms, the armoury, the dungeon and torture chamber, and the gardens and parkland. The castle also promotes itself for its ghost stories and offers evening ghost tours.

Highlights

• State rooms and galleries added in the Tudor period
• Armoury with early firearms, armour and weapons
• Dungeon and torture chamber
• Gardens, lake and parkland
• Evening ghost tours throughout the year

Permanent exhibitions

• State rooms and galleries – Furnished rooms of the family home, including Tudor galleries and the great hall.
• Armoury – Weapons, armour and early firearms used for the defence of the castle.
• Dungeon and torture chamber – Medieval prison chambers with carvings left by prisoners.

Founded

1344

Operated by

Chillingham Castle (Sir Humphrey Wakefield & Partners Ltd)

Admission & discounts

Members of Historic House are admitted free and members of CPRE pay half price. A printed room-by-room guide written by the owner costs 3.25 pounds at the ticket desk. Ghost tours are booked separately.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle states that disabled access is very limited. It has uneven floors and steep spiral staircases, and the toilets and tearoom are reached by spiral stone steps with a rope handrail. Visitors with mobility difficulties are advised to phone or email before booking. Disabled parking is next to the castle. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The castle presents itself as a family day out and sells a family ticket and a reduced child ticket. Uneven floors and steep spiral stairs make some areas hard to reach with pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

By car, the castle is signposted from the A1 near Alnwick and Berwick and from the A697 near Wooler; the B6346 from Alnwick is usually the best road in bad weather. Newcastle airport is 47 miles away and Edinburgh airport 75 miles.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Minstrels Tearoom is open during the same hours as the castle. There is a gift shop with an online store.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The castle hosts events such as concerts, garden parties and festive events and is used for film and television. It no longer hosts weddings, but can be booked for wedding photography.

Plan your visit