Brough Castle
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Kirkby Stephen, 5.0 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Rosemount, A685, Church Brough, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4EJ
Telephone 0370 333 1181
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
- Parking
- Limited parking near the castle in the village; avoid parking at Brough Castle Farm, entry via a kissing gate.
- Safety
- Farm livestock is likely to be present on site.
A ruined Norman castle you're free to walk through and climb around, with an ice cream parlour and tea room right next to the entrance that reviewers rate almost as highly as the ruin itself. It's a modest site - reviewers are honest that you get out of it what you bring, in terms of knowing the history.
Worth the trip
The freedom to walk right through the ruins rather than around a roped-off shell - reviewers appreciate being able to properly explore rather than just look.
Before you go
Park in the town rather than at the castle and walk the short distance; the adjoining dairy and ice cream parlour is worth timing your visit around, especially if there are children in tow.
Reviewers enjoy Brough Castle's free access, scenic ruins, and the nearby cafe with ice cream and a children's play area. One visitor felt the ruin itself was good rather than great without prior knowledge of its history, and another mentions limited parking, but overall the site is well liked as a family stop.
“Lovely castle, good information boards, free entrance and car park.”- Keith Redhead, 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
- “Lovely castle, good information boards, free entrance and car park.” - Keith Redhead
- Facilities
- “Before reaching the castle there is a cafe/ice cream parlour with seating inside and out.” - Sue Ruddick
Common questions about Brough Castle
Where is Brough Castle?
Brough Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Rosemount, A685, Church Brough, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4EJ.
Is Brough Castle free to visit?
Yes - Brough Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Brough Castle?
The freedom to walk right through the ruins rather than around a roped-off shell - reviewers appreciate being able to properly explore rather than just look.
Is Brough Castle a ruin or still intact?
Brough Castle is a ruin.
