AttractionEnglish Heritage

Spofforth Castle

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

The ruined hall of the powerful Percy family, with an undercroft cut into living rock, free and open daily, on a small level site that suits an easy visit with your dog.

The rock is the thing that surprises people. Spofforth was the main seat of the Percy family, among the most important dynasties in northern England, until the late 14th century, and rebel barons are said to have drafted Magna Carta here. What remains is the hall and chamber range of a fortified manor house of the 14th and 15th centuries, and the undercroft beneath it is cut directly into a natural rocky outcrop, so the building rises straight out of living stone.

As you take in that junction between masonry and bedrock, your dog gets a small, level, grassy site in a quiet North Yorkshire village, easy going and rarely busy, with village footpaths and the Crimple valley nearby for a longer walk.

Free to enter, open 10am to 6pm April to September and 10am to 4pm October to March. There is no official guidance on dogs here, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruined walls and the undercroft, where the ground is uneven. There are no facilities on site.

At a Glance

Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

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 Spofforth Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Spofforth Castle, and entry is free for everyone. The site is small, level, and grassy, set in a quiet North Yorkshire village, making it an easy and relaxed visit with your dog. There are no facilities on site, so come prepared.
Are dogs allowed at Spofforth Castle year round?
Yes, Spofforth Castle is open year round. Hours are 10am to 6pm from April to September, and 10am to 4pm from October to March, so it's worth checking the time before you head out in the shorter winter months.
What should I know before visiting Spofforth Castle with my dog?
There is no official guidance on dogs at the site, so it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead around the ruined walls and the undercroft, where the ground is uneven. There are no facilities on site, so bring water for you and your dog. If you're after a longer outing, village footpaths and the Crimple valley nearby are worth exploring.