Chillingham Castle
13th Century Northumberland castle famed for action and battles
Chillingham, Northumberland, NE66 5NJ
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Shop
Chillingham Castle is a 13th-century, Grade I listed stronghold in Northumberland, famed for action and battles.
With its fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms, the castle has an extraordinary ownership bloodline which runs back to the 1200s.
Just twenty minutes from the seaside, this romantic and thriving castle is perfect for short breaks or family days out! Or if you’re looking for a more chilling experience, as one of the most haunted castles in England, our ‘Torture Chamber’ and evening Ghost Tours are sure to entertain.
This remarkable and very private castle has been continuously owned by just one family line since the 1200’s. A visit from Edward I in 1298 was followed by many other Royal visits right down through this century. The 1100’s stronghold became a fortified castle in 1344 and during the Tudor period additions were made but the underlying medievalism remains.
With gardens laid out by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville and romantic grounds, the castle commands breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
General Visitor Opening
Season: 30th March 2026 – 1st November 2026
The castle, gardens, lake, parklands, state rooms, dungeon, torture chamber and tearoom are open to visitors during the main season. Gates open from 11am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
The castle and tearoom are closed for the winter season from 3rd November 2025 through to Easter 2026.
Gardens and Grounds
The gardens, grounds and lake remain fully accessible to the public throughout the year, including during the winter closure period when the castle itself is closed. This allows visitors to enjoy the outdoor spaces even outside the main season.
Guided Castle Tours
Private guided castle tours are available from Easter until the end of October. These must be pre-booked in advance.
Ghost Tours and Ghost Hunts
Ghost tours and ghost hunts run all year round. Start times vary depending on the event, so please check specific times when booking.
Ghost Tours typically run for 2 hours, with evening start times of 7.30pm or later.
Ghost Hunts (Investigations) are more intensive experiences lasting 4 hours, generally starting at 10pm.
Family Ghost Tours are available during school holidays, running for 2 hours with earlier start times (typically 5pm).
Ghost Workshops & Hunts combine both elements and are offered on select dates.
A comprehensive schedule of ghost tours and hunts is available from April through October 2026, with multiple events scheduled throughout the season. Please note that some dates are already sold out.
Fishing
Fishing on the River Till is permitted between 14th February and 30th November.
Special Events
Chillingham Castle participates in the Northumberland Resident's Festival 2026, with special castle and grounds opening as part of the festival programme.
Historic Houses members visit for free. There is no need to book: just turn up and show your Historic House membership card.
Adult £14
Concession (65+) £13
Children (under 16) £8
Family (2 adults, 3 children) £38
Garden only £7
Private guided tours to be booked in advance, minimum group of 10 people.
Please phone +44 (0) 1668 215359.
Available Easter to November at 10am daily. Flexible times available during closed season.
Group – Adult: £10.00
Group – Child : £6.00
Group – Concession: £9.00
Cost per guide: £50.00
Groups of more than 20 will require two guides
Getting here
Chillingham, Northumberland, NE66 5NJ
The main visitor entrance is at ///hunches.elbow.slurping. What does this mean?
Located 2 miles south of B6348 at Chatton. 6 miles south east of Wooler.
Nearest stations are Alnmouth or Berwick upon Tweed, take a taxi to the castle.
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