Join us to explore Morpeth Castle on Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 April 2025, 10am-4pm.
We have teamed up again with the Northumbrian Gathering to include free family friendly activities throughout the weekend. Expect live music along with our friendly Landmark staff on hand to provide information about the history of the building.
These free open days are an opportunity to see inside this local landmark and learn more about its history and restoration. Information on the building's history and children's activity sheets will be available on site.
Pre-booking via Eventbrite is preferred but not essential.
About Morpeth Castle
The building now known as Morpeth Castle was originally a gatehouse, added in about 1350 at the entrance to the castle proper. It probably replaced an earlier gatehouse which had been there for 100 years or more. There has, in fact, been a castle in Morpeth since the Norman period. The first one stood to the North of the present site, on Ha' Hill, but was destroyed by King John in 1216.
In 1946 the castle was bought by the Borough Council and became for a while a very unusual council house. By the 1980s, expensive repairs were needed, particularly to the roof. The castle fell vacant, and quickly became derelict. A new solution for its future was urgently sought by the Borough Council. In 1988 the council granted a lease to the Landmark Trust. The restoration of Morpeth Castle was completed in the autumn of 1991, since when it has been let all year round for holidays.
Open Day entry
Due to the historic nature of our buildings we have a limited capacity for our Open Day events. You may therefore be asked to wait a short time while other visitors finish their visit. Whilst booking is not essential, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance. Thank you for your co-operation.
Finding us
Morpeth Castle is located between the town and the train station. Use postcode: NE61 2PP
There is no parking available at the castle but limited parking down the lane leading up to the park. Please do not drive up to the castle.
Alternatively, there are a number of free car parks available in the town. More information: Morpeth - Northumberland County Council. The nearest train station is Morpeth, 0.7 miles away.
Making a donation to Landmark as part of your visit
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to visit a Landmark for free as part of our Open Day programme, and as such we’re pleased to continue to offer free entry at all our Open Days in 2025.
The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme.
Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support.
Accessibility
Please note that due to the nature of our historic buildings and places, some may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or certain disabilities.
At Morpeth Castle, there is a tight stone staircase, uneven floors, cobbled stones in the castles courtyard and steps into the castle.
We do all we can to enable access wherever possible; for further information or if you have any access concerns that you’d like to discuss before visiting, please contact our Booking Enquiries team on 01628 825925 or [email protected]. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.