Preston Tower
A medieval pele tower, once used to help keep order in this lawless border country.
Chathill, Northumberland, NE67 5DH
Facilities
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
The Preston pele tower, which is owned by the Baker Cresswell family, was built between 1392 and 1399, when warfare between England and Scotland was endemic.
At the time of Agincourt (1415) it was one of 78 Pele Towers in Northumberland. Its owners included Sir Guiscard Harbottle, who was slain fighting against James IV at the battle of Flodden in 1513, the conflict that brought Mary, Queen of Scots to the Scottish throne.
The property is uninhabited but furnished as might have been in the 14th century. A later addition is a clock with two faces & an hourly strike audible from afar, with mechanism on view.
Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the famous architectural historian, described Preston Tower as ‘amongst the most spectacular pieces of medieval masonry in England’. The large stone blocks used in its 7-foot-thick walls bear the same masons’ marks as those at Warkworth Castle, further down the coast.
On the ground floor you can visit the guard room and prison, while the first floor has a bedroom and living room. On the second floor is the Flodden room, with a description of the battle of Flodden, and some interesting extracts from Border history and the Border ballads.
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.
Preston Tower is a historic lookout turned visitor attraction and events venue located in Chathill, Northumberland. It offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
General Opening Hours
The tower is open every day of the year from 10am to 6pm, or until dusk, whichever comes first.
Admission Charges
- Adults: £4.00
- Children: £0.50
- Concessions & Groups: £3.50
Special Events
Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday, 19th August 2023
Time: Midday to 5pm
Details: A day filled with live music, magic shows, games, food, and activities for all ages. Performances include an Adele tribute act, The Richard Kain Band, and Jason King. Activities include a dog agility course, magic shows, festival games, and inflatable fun. Food and drinks are available on-site.
Admission:
- Adult General Admission: £10 + Booking fee
- Child General Admission: £5 + Booking fee (Under 2’s go free)
- Family Saver Admission: £25 + Booking fee (Includes 2 Adults + up to 4 Children)
Queen Tribute Concert
Date: Saturday, 19th August 2023
Time: Doors open at 7pm
Details: A tribute concert featuring "We Are Champion" performing Queen's hits. Food and drinks are available on-site. This is an over-21 event, with exceptions for 18-20-year-olds attending with family.
Admission:
- Early Bird: £15 + Booking fee (Includes Free Drink Token) - SOLD OUT
- General Admission: £15 + Booking fee
Wedding Venue Showcase
Date: Sunday, 20th August 2023
Time: 11am to 3pm
Details: A showcase of Preston Tower as a wedding venue, featuring its gardens, marquee, and wedding suppliers. Entry is free.
Additional Information
Parking is available on-site for all events. Specific rules apply to events, such as restrictions on bringing outside food and beverages, and no smoking or fires in certain areas.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Adults £4.00
Concessions £3.50
Entry is unsupervised and money is to be put in honesty box.
Please call Harry Baker Cresswell on 07966150216 to arrange group visits which can be guided.
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
Getting here
Chathill, Northumberland, NE67 5DH
Located east of A1, between Alnwick and Berwick, with brown signs at turning 7 miles North of Alnwick and at drive entrance.
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