Thirlwall Castle — Attraction in Thirlwall

It is always good to come and visit Thirlwall Castle. It is on the Hadrian’s Wall Trail and the Pennine Way. It sits within Northumberland National Park.

The history of the Castle and the legend attached to it (about a golden table protected by a magic spell) are fascinating. It is made from stones from Hadrian’s Wall in 1330s by John Thirlwall. Thirlwall means 'gap in the wall'. This means where the ridge on which the wall is located is crossed by a river or burn.

Thirlwall is a surname found throughout the North East. The Parish of Thirlwall still exists covering the villages of Longbyre and some of Gilsland.

The Castle is ruined by you can still where most of the rooms were including the staircase (built within walls) and prison in the base of the corner turret. The views from the castle are splendid.

You can continue walking past the castle on Hadrian's Wall trail up to Walltown Quarry and The Roman Army Museum (1km). Your other choice is to walk into Greenhead to visit the tea rooms or the Greenhead Hotel Inn (0.7km).

Thirlwall Castle is free to visit. Dogs can be taken around It if on a lead.

There is a car park on the B6318. Thirlwall Castle is a few minutes away by foot (crossing the railway line safely) - 0.3km.

Cycle Route 72 joins Longbyre and Greenhead villages plus Hadrian’s Wall Trail/Pennine Way are good dog walking territory. If livestock are in fields it is best to keep your dog on a lead. It's great for Families and...

It's a short walk from the official parking space, "Thrillwall's view". The small castle is very interesting, specially because of the sign next to it, which shows an illustration of what it might looked like. If you then compare the illustrations with the ruin you will notice a life of details and the old stones. Unfortunately there are farm houses directly next to it, which kind of kills the scenery. But still it's worth a quick stop, if you pass...

Completely free. Park at the car park a few dozen yards to the west of the trail entrance. It's an interesting sight to see when visiting the area, but I probably wouldn't make a special trip for it. It is an interesting fortified house however, and is reasonably intact. You are able to peek through the windows and look through as if you were inside the house. The walk in and out is pleasant, be prepared to cross the rail line and go through...