Top 3 Castles around Burtholme

For a deep dive into history, Thirlwall Castle Ruins, built with stones from Hadrian's Wall, offers a glimpse into border warfare. Although largely in ruins, Ruins of Bewcastle Castle also has a rich past, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since the 11th century, and was strategically located on a Roman road. For a broader regional perspective, Carlisle Castle, though not directly in Burtholme, is a thousand-year-old fortress with a significant role in Anglo-Scottish history, featuring a 12th-century gatehouse and connections to Mary Queen of Scots.

Yes, you can explore the ruins of Thirlwall Castle Ruins, which are free to enter and offer a perfect picnic spot. The Ruins of Bewcastle Castle, though unstable in parts, provide a powerful symbol of border defense. Further afield in Cumbria, Brougham Castle offers substantial ruins with a massive Norman-style keep and panoramic views, while Sizergh Castle is a well-preserved, lived-in stately home with a 14th-century solar tower and extensive gardens.

While Ruins of Bewcastle Castle is listed as family-friendly, its ruins are partly inaccessible. For a more interactive family experience, Muncaster Castle in the Western Lake District offers daily bird of prey flying displays and medieval combat workshops. Lowther Castle & Gardens, though a dramatic ruin, features a large adventure playground called "The Lost Castle," making it ideal for families.

Many castle grounds in the wider Cumbria region are dog-friendly, especially those managed by English Heritage or the National Trust, though dogs may not be allowed inside buildings. For example, the grounds of Thirlwall Castle Ruins and Ruins of Bewcastle Castle are open for exploration and are suitable for dogs on leads. Always check specific castle websites for their most current dog policies before visiting.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring castle ruins and grounds, with longer daylight hours. This is ideal for enjoying the natural surroundings and any outdoor activities. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Winter visits are possible, but some facilities might have reduced hours, and weather conditions can be more challenging, especially for exposed ruins.

Yes, several castles are set in picturesque locations. Ruins of Bewcastle Castle is surrounded by peaceful nature, used to graze sheep. Further afield, Brougham Castle offers panoramic views over the tranquil Eden Valley from its Tower of League. Muncaster Castle overlooks the Eskdale Valley and boasts 77 acres of gardens and ancient woodland. Sizergh Castle features a vast 1,600-acre estate with a limestone rock garden, wildflower gardens, and a lake.

Yes, the region around Burtholme offers various routes that can be combined with castle visits. For hiking, you can find routes like "Lanercost Priory – Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall loop from Mile Castle 53" or "Lanercost Priory – View Towards Banks loop from Burtholme" which are nearby. For cycling, consider the "Lanercost Priory – Hadrian's Wall loop from Burtholme" route. You can find more options on the Hikes from bus stations around Burtholme and Cycling around Burtholme guide pages.

Parking availability varies by castle. For example, Thirlwall Castle Ruins is free to enter, implying accessible parking nearby. For other castles in the wider Cumbria region like Carlisle Castle, Brougham Castle, Muncaster Castle, Lowther Castle, and Sizergh Castle, dedicated parking facilities are typically available, often for a fee or included with admission. It's always advisable to check the specific castle's website for detailed parking information before your visit.

The time needed varies greatly depending on the castle. For ruins like Thirlwall Castle Ruins or Ruins of Bewcastle Castle, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring the site and its immediate surroundings. Larger attractions like Carlisle Castle, Muncaster Castle, Lowther Castle & Gardens, or Sizergh Castle, with their extensive grounds, museums, and activities, could easily fill half a day or even a full day.

While the immediate vicinity of Thirlwall Castle Ruins and Ruins of Bewcastle Castle might be more rural, many of the larger castles in Cumbria offer on-site cafes, gift shops, and visitor centers. For instance, Muncaster Castle, Lowther Castle, and Sizergh Castle all have amenities for visitors. For smaller sites, nearby villages or towns like Brampton will offer cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.

Yes, Askerton Castle is a rare example of a fortified medieval manor house, though it is not open to the public as it's part of an organic farm. Naworth Castle, a spectacular medieval castle from the 13th century, is still inhabited by the heir to the Earl of Carlisle and was once described as "the most poetical in England" by artist William Morris. While not always publicly accessible, these offer a unique historical context to the region.