The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.5 / 5 · 607 reports FREE ENTRY

Norham Castle

Northumberland, England


Norham Castle
Norham Castle, further view Norham Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
English Heritage
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

Castle St, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2JY

Telephone 0370 333 1181

Website www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/norham-castle

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

A border stronghold on the Tweed that changed hands between England and Scotland repeatedly through the medieval period, now a free, unstaffed ruin with ongoing restoration work. Several reviewers note that online listings overstate current access - parts, including the bridge to the main structure, have been fenced off during renovation.

Worth the trip

The wooded walk around the site, which reviewers rate highly even when the main structure itself is partly inaccessible.

Before you go

Check recent reviews rather than the official listing before visiting - access has been more restricted than advertised while restoration continues, though the small car park and grounds remain open regardless.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.5 / 5 across 607 Google reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Norham as a nice, free-to-visit ruin with good information boards, though several note that ongoing restoration work has restricted access to parts of the site, including the main structure across the bridge in some visits. Most feel it's still worth a stop despite the restricted access. There are no toilets on site, and it's generally a fairly quick visit.

Free; open daily in season; some areas closed

“Lovely old castle some of the walls were being renovated so we couldn't access some parts”— Clive Emmerson, visitor review

Further reading

The Castles of Scotland cover book
The Castles of Scotland

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
Castles of Britain and Ireland cover book
Castles of Britain and Ireland

Plantagenet Somerset Fry

Find it on Amazon