The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Mitford

Dates from the 11th Century originally as an earthwork fortification followed by the castle.

Exit here to cross under A1.

Quite rickety be careful if coming from Mitford as bottom step on opposite side is very loose.

History: Mitford Castle dates back to the late 12th century, initially documented in 1138. It served various strategic roles, including being seized by King John in 1215 and later occupied by the Scots. By 1323, it was abandoned due to extensive damage. The site includes a motte and bailey, with the motte later converted into a shell keep—a rare type of Norman fortification with only about 60 known examples in Britain. Exterior: Situated on a hillock above the River Wansbeck, the castle's remains include a substantial earthen motte and a surrounding ditch. An oval bailey, defended by a series of outworks and ditches, occupies the summit of the hill. The southern half of the bailey features remnants of a curtain wall, enclosing an outer ward, while the northern half retains an earthen bank. Interior: Within the shell keep are the remains of a central tower from the early 13th century, divided into two barrel-vaulted chambers likely used for water storage. Foundations of earlier structures are also present. Adjacent to the shell keep are the ruins of a 12th-century chapel and associated graveyard, adding to the site's historical significance. The well-preserved earthworks and stone structures provide valuable insights into medieval defensive architecture.

A lovely spot for a break to enjoy the sun and the views of Mitford castle.

The lych gate, dated 1889, is constructed from tooled-and-margined stone with ashlar dressings, featuring an oak upper frame and a red-tiled roof. It is a square stone structure with two small double-chamfered Tudor-arched lights on either side and sloped buttresses framing central two-centred timber arches supported by moulded stone corbels. The arches have cusped panels and the ihc monogram in the spandrels. A brattished tie-beam with inscription and panel tracery sits above under trefoiled ogee bargeboards. The roof has swept eaves and a wrought-iron cross fleury on the ridge. The double gates have fleur-de-lys standards and elaborate finials. Inside, the collar rafter roof bears the date and initials J.P.O.M. (Colonel John Philip Osbaldeston-Mitford) on the rafter feet. The wall, sweeping in on either side of the gate, features steeply-chamfered coping and railings of a design similar to the gate. Tall gabled piers stand at each end, with a similar short pier at the right return.

History of the Church: The parish church dates back to the late 12th century and was remodeled in the 13th century, likely after the village was burned by King John in 1216. The 14th century saw the addition of transepts. Major restoration and the addition of a south aisle, west tower, clerestory, and porch were carried out by R.J. Johnson of Newcastle in 1874-5. Exterior: The church features a mix of medieval squared stone and 19th-century ashlar with red tile roofs. Key elements include a west tower with an octagonal southwest stair turret, a south aisle with stepped angle buttresses and lancet windows, and a projecting southwest porch. The north nave wall has 13th-century masonry and a blocked door. The chancel’s south wall includes a 12th-century priest’s door and lancet windows, while the transepts have trefoiled ogee lights. Interior: Inside, the 12th-century south arcade features round moulded arches on round piers with scalloped capitals. The north transept and south transept have foliage-carved capitals and a small piscina, respectively. The chancel arch and tower arch are 19th-century, and the chancel includes triple sedilia and eastern lancets with 12th-century outer shafts. Fittings include a 1622 Revely monument, a Romanesque wall monument, a medieval bell, and various 19th-century items like the font, pulpit, and reredos with figures of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert.

Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the curtain wall and adjacent structures are made of squared stone. The wall comprises three sections, each showcasing different construction styles and types of masonry. The northern section features a postern leading into the motte ditch, with a shouldered lintel beneath a pointed relieving arch. The southern section has partially exposed footings of an adjacent range of buildings on the east side.