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Halton Castle

The terraced garden has stunning views over the Tyne Valley. Massive beech hedges give protection for herbaceous borders, lawns and shrubs. A box parterre is filled with fruit, vegetables and picking flowers. Paths lead through a wildflower meadow garden. The Castle (not open) is a C14 Pele tower with Jacobean manor house attached beside a charming chapel with Norman origins.

Owner Info

  • Hugh & Anna Blackett
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle
Halton Castle

About Halton Castle

This garden, with magnificent views across the Tyne Valley, is surrounded by history. Halton Castle is best approached from the north about 1/2 mile east of the old Roman road of Dere Street, (now the A68). The stone pillared driveway entrance off the Military Road ( B6318) takes you through the Roman fort of Onnum, one of 17 such outposts along the length of the wall. The fort occupied a site of about 4 acres. It was built in 122 A.D. and abandoned by the Romans in the fifth century.
Halton Castle comprises a Pele Tower built in 1385 for William Carnaby. The tower was built in response to the frequent Scottish raiding parties and bears the Carnaby coat of arms on the east side. Much of the stone came from the abandoned Roman fort. A Jacobean style Manor house attached to the Pele Tower was built in 1695 by John Douglas, a Newcastle businessman. His daughter married Sir Edward Blackett and the house has remained in the Blackett family to this day.
The garden has herbaceous borders, two very old, and enormous, beech hedges, extensive lawns and shrubs and a wildflower garden. There is a charming chapel with graveyard in the grounds. The chapel has Norman origins. It is still used as a place of worship and quiet contemplation. In the middle of the churchyard (opposite the church door) is a Roman altar.
Aydon Castle, 1 mile to the south, now in the care of English Heritage has been linked with Halton Castle and in the same ownership throughout its entire history. The two castles were rumoured to be linked by a tunnel, as that was the only way to travel safely when the raiding parties were on the rampage.
Note: Halton castle is not open to the public.
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Halton Castle features

Location details

Halton Castle,
Corbridge,
Northumberland,
NE45 5PH

Directions to Halton Castle
2m N of Corbridge turn E off the A68 onto the B6318 (Military Rd) towards Newcastle. Turn R onto drive through stone pillars after ¼m. Or train to Hexham then Bus 74 (Matfen).

Halton Castle openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas. Light lunches and cream teas from 12pm.
Admission Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:30-16:30

Accessibility

  • Limited wheelchair access.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Halton Castle at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Halton Castle. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Halton Castle, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Halton Castle are accessible to wheelchair users.

Halton Castle is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.