Aydon Castle — Attraction in Corbridge

Aydon Castle isn't on the top of English Heritage's billing. Which I think is a real shame because it has, if not high profile, a very rich history.

There are two ways to approach Aydon Castle, which isn't too far outside Corbridge Town. The drive in can be 'entertaining' as much of it is single track and passing points are not abundant. One route is better than the other though. I would consult a map beforehand. The facilities at the moment are the standard small hut with a few gifts and the ticket/guide office. Drinks come in the form of paper cup tea, coffee and hot chocolate while food is limited to chocolate, cookies and some film wrapped cakes. There are toilets available, including disabled. Car parking is about 100 metres from the Main gate but disabled guests are, I think, permitted to park closer.

There are some holiday lets in the form of a converted barn across from the maingate. These I take to belong to English Heritage.

There's a number of picnic benches outside the ticket office as well as in the orchard amongst the apple trees.

There is a very short walk around the outside of the main hall heading to the orchard which is quite pleasant. This allows the visitor to see the side of the building obscured by the tree line and note some of the modifications mentioned on the information plaques inside the various rooms. Please note that there is a shear drop on this side of the building and care should be taken with energetic or small children.

A bit of off the cuff history I picked up. Not comprehensive but enough to whet your appetite.

Originally a Manor House, built by a member of the Suffolk Gentry in the 1290s', when Northumberland was a peaceful domain. Unfortunately for the new owner, Robert de Raymes, war with Scotland began within a few years. (Note that Robert de Raymes wasn't reluctant to joint in.)

Having been sacked on two occasions, by both sides, fortifications of the Manor House began piece by piece.

Despite all these ups and downs over the centuries, the building remained inhabited or at least in partial use till 1966.

Aydon Castle is a patchwork of histories. From Manor House to fortress outpost to cowshed; Ruin to p.o.w camp/Farm. A fine place to spend a day with your family and...

Really enjoyed this 13th century English manor house. It was a working farm up until a year or so ago, or a few yrs (can't remember what they told us). There are quite a few things to see here.

There is a small orchard, and a trail that goes around the manor house. There might have been some longer trails too, but don't remember as we stayed to tour.

What we enjoyed ourselves was trying to figure out what rooms were used for, the most interesting one being what ended up being the stalls (which I totally called since it was 'indoors' we didn't think it could be that).

Another thing that you typically do not see in ruins (though this place is well preserved) is an area in which the floor beams are intact and you can actually see what a 'typical' room height was - this place has it! Usually when ruins have multiple floors available, their more overlooking grand areas that either had higher ceilings, or the floor is missing over the area you're looking down in. Being to quite a few ruins now and knowing what you're looking at is spectacular. Don't necessarily wish to have been present during that time, but would love to see it back in its glory!

The staff here are lovely and we quite enjoyed the gift shop. Coffee was eh, but at least it...

Worthwhile visiting this place which is tucked away down a narrow country lane. The main hall was built in the 13th Century but like most places it saw modifications and additional buildings and fortification in the following centuries. Many Manors in the Border Lands were forified like this during the 300 year period of raids by the Reivers. Nice 13th Century fireplaces in the Hall, but the buildings are empty and probably don't need more than 45 mins to take it all in. The association of this place with farming in later centuries is evident from the range which has the appearance of a cow-byre. There is a nice little walled apple orchard to the side of the Castle and a local guy was picking apples to make chutney. I think you can help yourself if you ask...