Chillingham Castle

📌 Chatton, Northumberland
★★★

Welcome to Chillingham – the sun may be shining in the photograph above, but this is reputedly the most haunted castle in England. Whether or not you spot the Radiant Boy or any of his otherworldly companions, this is a quirky, interesting mansion with over a dozen rooms to explore. These are all crammed with artefacts belonging to owner Sir Humphry Wakefield, who rescued the castle from a pretty woeful state in the 1980s. Repairs and refurbishments seem to be ongoing: the Great Hall and a suite of three rooms built for a 1603 visit of James I are currently among the most impressive parts. Also leave time to explore the Formal Gardens, or even for a visit to the Chillingham Wild Cattle.