📌 Castle earthworks in Elsdon, Northumberland
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All that remains of Elsdon Castle is earthworks, but as earthworks come, they’re pretty impressive ones. In fact, this is about as perfect a specimen of a motte and bailey fortification as you can find anywhere in northern England, towering over picturesque Elsdon village and easily visible no matter which direction you approach the settlement from. The castle was built in the late 11th century by Robert de Umfraville to guard the surrounding Redesdale region, before being superseded by Harbottle Castle (itself now also a ruin) several miles to the north.
🌍 Location
📌 Off the B6341, north side of Elsdon village
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NY 938935
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.235454,-2.099696
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park in the village centre, 🧭 NY 937933 / 🛰️ 55.234020,-2.099929
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open
🎫 Free
💬 From the car park it’s a 5-min walk north to the castle on a narrow lane. Paths around the castle earthworks are informal, and very steep to reach the motte. Alternative access from the west side (B6341) is overgrown and there’s no nearby parking.
