Skipsea Castle
Driffield, East Yorkshire
One of the first Norman castles raised in Yorkshire, surviving as a towering motte, with a proper climb and flat Holderness views for your dog.
Nothing stands here, but the earth does the work. Skipsea is an impressive Norman motte and bailey castle dating from before 1086, among the very first raised in Yorkshire after the Conquest, built by Drogo de la Beuvrière to hold the newly seized land of Holderness. Beyond the motte lie the earthworks of an attendant fortified borough, a planned town that was laid out beside the castle and then failed. Recent research suggested the mound may be far older than the Normans, possibly Iron Age.
Whilst you work out what is Norman and what might be much older, your dog gets open, quiet East Yorkshire grassland with a proper climb up the motte and long flat views over Holderness from the top. The coast at Skipsea Sands is a couple of miles away.
Free and permanently open, accessed from Bail Gate off the Beeford Road. No dog rules are published. The site sits in grazed farmland, so keep your dog on a lead, close gates and be careful on the steep motte sides. There are no facilities.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage 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 Skipsea Castle dog friendly?
Skipsea Castle is a great spot to bring your dog — it's open, quiet East Yorkshire grassland with a rewarding climb up the ancient motte and long views over Holderness from the top. No specific dog rules are published for the site, so dogs are welcome, though the site sits within grazed farmland, so keeping your dog on a lead is the sensible and considerate approach.
Are dogs allowed at Skipsea Castle year round?
Yes — Skipsea Castle is free to visit and permanently open, so you can bring your dog any time of year. There are no facilities on site, so it's worth coming prepared whatever the season.
What should I know before visiting Skipsea Castle with my dog?
The site sits in grazed farmland, so keep your dog on a lead, close any gates behind you, and take care on the steep sides of the motte. There are no facilities here, so bring water for your dog, and note that the coast at Skipsea Sands is only a couple of miles away if you fancy extending the trip.
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