📌 Corbridge, Northumberland
★★★
Aydon Castle doesn’t look much like a castle – and originally, it wasn’t intended to be one. This late 13th century manor house near Corbridge was built by Robert de Raymes in a peaceful period for Anglo-Scottish relations, but soon had to be hastily fortified when war broke out between the nations, with the addition of an inner defensive wall, outer curtain wall and garrison. These defences failed to prevent the building being looted, seized and occupied several times over the following decades; the de Raymes family eventually moved out and the home passed through various new owners and tenants before being used as an unconventional farmstead right up until 1966. Highlights for today’s visitors include a spacious hall, residential solar range, medieval fireplaces (one decorated with a rather rudimentary crest) and a peaceful orchard.
🌍 Location
📌 Off Aydon Road, 1.5 mi northeast of Corbridge
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NZ 001663
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 54.991275,-1.999442
❌ No public transport within 1 mi – nearest bus stop is in Corbridge (1.5 mi mostly via public bridleway)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Wednesday to Sunday, April to 3 November 2024, plus Bank Holidays
🎫 £7.20+ adult / £4+ child depending on season / free for English Heritage members – discount for booking online in advance
