Edlingham Castle
Northumberland, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Alnmouth, 7.2 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
B6341, Edlingham, Alnwick NE66 2BW
Telephone 0370 333 1181
More castles in Northumberland →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Visitor essentials
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome.
- Safety
- Uneven terrain and falling masonry hazards; waterproof footwear recommended.
A small ruin that began as a 12th-century manor house for the de Edlingham family before border troubles with Scotland forced it into a proper fortification by the 14th century. It sits at the end of a short, grassy path from a free car park by the parish church, which is itself worth a look.
Worth the trip
The setting - reviewers repeatedly describe the walk down through the church and along the path to the ruins as more memorable than the castle's remaining fabric.
Before you go
The path from the car park can be soggy and uneven after rain, so wear boots rather than trainers; it's free to park and enter, and most visitors are done within half an hour.
Reviewers consistently enjoy Edlingham as a quiet, free, off-the-beaten-track ruin, reached by a short walk from a small car park past a medieval church. The leaning solar tower is mentioned as a distinctive and memorable feature. There's no significant criticism across these reviews, beyond a couple of notes that there are no toilets on site.
“The most beautiful place to visit.. free entry..walk down the lane past the church.. very well maintained.. couldn't believe I was the only one there!”- David Bates, 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
- “Park in the small car park by the church, follow a short path (can be soggy and uneven) and suddenly the castle appears.” - Jo G
Common questions about Edlingham Castle
Where is Edlingham Castle?
Edlingham Castle is in Northumberland, England, at B6341, Edlingham, Alnwick NE66 2BW.
Is Edlingham Castle free to visit?
Yes - Edlingham 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 Edlingham Castle?
The setting - reviewers repeatedly describe the walk down through the church and along the path to the ruins as more memorable than the castle's remaining fabric.
Is Edlingham Castle a ruin or still intact?
Edlingham Castle is a ruin.
