Aydon Castle
Corbridge, Northumberland
One of the least altered fortified manor houses in England, hidden in woodland, with a walled orchard that is one of the better picnic spots to share with your dog.
Aydon is the sort of place you leave feeling you found something. It is thought to be one of the least altered examples of a fortified medieval manor house in England, begun in the late 13th century as a comfortable house and progressively hardened into a miniature castle as Anglo-Scottish border warfare worsened. It was attacked by Scots raiders at least three times.
Whilst you work through the hall and chambers, with original fireplaces, a garderobe and other medieval details still in place, and climb to the battlements, your dog gets the setting, which is the real draw. It sits tucked into woodland down a quiet lane, with a walled orchard beside it that is one of the better picnic spots in Northumberland. Sheltered, green, and usually very quiet.
Dogs on leads are allowed, and assistance dogs are welcome. The car park has 20 spaces including six disabled bays, 100 metres down the lane from the castle. There is a café, toilets and garden access. Watch for the free entry days English Heritage run here a few times each summer.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs on lead allowed. Assistance dogs welcome.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- Paid entry
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Toilets
- Telephone
- 0370 333 1181
- Parking
- The car park has 20 spaces and is located 100 metres down the lane from the castle. There are also six disabled parking spaces. Parking charges apply to non-members. Parking free for members.
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aydon Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Aydon Castle and are allowed throughout the grounds on leads. Assistance dogs are also welcome. The walled orchard beside the castle makes for a particularly lovely spot to settle with your dog — sheltered, green, and usually very quiet.
Are dogs allowed at Aydon Castle year round?
The listing doesn't specify seasonal restrictions on dog access, so it's worth checking directly with English Heritage before your visit, particularly out of season. It's also worth keeping an eye out for the free entry days English Heritage run here a few times each summer, which could make for a great day out.
What should I know before visiting Aydon Castle with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the site. The car park has 20 spaces — including six disabled bays — and sits about 100 metres down the lane from the castle itself, so factor in that short walk. There's a café and toilets on site, and parking is free for English Heritage members, with charges applying to non-members.
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