Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Northumberland, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Newcastle Airport Metro, 7.5 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX
Telephone 01661 881813
More castles in Northumberland →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Facilities
- Tearoom in the old kitchen and a Coach House cafe serving hot food and homemade soup.
Three sites for one ticket: a medieval tower house, a Greek Revival mansion built in the early 19th century by the same family, and quarry gardens carved out to landscape the grounds. Reviewers rate the gardens as highly as the buildings, especially the rhododendrons in late May and early June.
Worth the trip
The Quarry Garden, cut into the old stone quarry and planted up - reviewers repeatedly call it the standout over the hall and castle themselves.
Before you go
Look out for themed tours (WWII, Behind Closed Doors) which add context beyond the information boards; the parking machine takes coins only, though you can also buy a ticket at the admin building if you're without change.
Reviewers consistently praise Belsay's gardens - particularly the Quarry Garden - as the standout feature, alongside friendly and helpful staff and a good cafe and playground. Several note the hall itself is fairly sparsely furnished with empty rooms, so the main draws are the grounds and the castle at the end of the walk, which has a steep spiral staircase to a rewarding viewpoint. One reviewer admits they went in with low expectations after reading other reviews but came away pleasantly surprised.
Medieval tower house plus Greek Revival hall
“Fantastic Gardens, particularly at the end of May early June when the rhododendrons are out. Both the Crag Woods and Quarry Gardens are well worth doing. Nice Cafe and children’s playground”- Edward Bilcliffe, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The car park is very open with lots of spaces and designated disabled parking too and there are toilets just off the car park that are free and very clean.” - P O
- How long to allow
- “We spent a good 3 hours walking around the whole area at a decent price, stopping for pictures as we went.” - P O
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The spiral staircase to the top of the castle is a bit steep so be careful getting up.” - P O
- Facilities
- “There's plenty to explore in the castle itself, plus a great cafe and playground up there too.” - Matthew Goode
Common questions about Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Where is Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens?
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is in Northumberland, England, at Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens?
Yes - Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens?
The Quarry Garden, cut into the old stone quarry and planted up - reviewers repeatedly call it the standout over the hall and castle themselves.
Is Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens a ruin or still intact?
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is largely intact - Medieval tower house plus Greek Revival hall.
