Bothal Castle is a medieval castle in Bothal village, Northumberland, near Morpeth. Its surviving curtain wall sits on a natural hill, and the buildings can be viewed from a public right of way beside the castle, though the residence and grounds are not open to visitors.
- Location: Bothal village, near Morpeth
- Access: view the castle from the adjacent public right of way; do not enter the grounds
- Nearby landmark: St Andrew’s, a medieval church with Grade I status
Where Bothal Castle is
Bothal Castle stands in Bothal village, roughly four miles north-east of Morpeth. From Waterford Lodge Hotel, it is about a 9-minute drive.
The village setting includes St Andrew’s, a medieval sandstone church built in the 13th century. From Morpeth, the driving route to Bothal follows the A197 and Pegswood Bypass.
The castle and its village setting
Historic England identifies the curtain-wall remains south of the residential block as Grade I. The castle enclosure occupies the summit of a natural hill. The west curtain is 1.6 metres thick and up to 7.5 metres high, with remains of two fireplaces and moulded corbels on its inner face.
A building was thought to occupy the site by around 1150, although no remains of it survive. Robert Bertram IV received a licence to crenellate in 1343; after that, a gatehouse keep was built and the great hall enlarged.
Some curtain-wall sections probably belonged to the Bertram mansum and pre-date the licence, while other parts are later medieval. The wall also has 19th-century patching and repair. Helen Bertram later passed Bothal to the Ogle family by marriage.
For a closer look at the town’s own landmark, Morpeth Castle’s remains and visitor access make a useful companion to the village excursion.
How do you get from Morpeth to Bothal Castle?
The drive from Morpeth follows the A197 and Pegswood Bypass towards Bothal village. The castle itself has no vehicular access, so plan to leave your car elsewhere and continue only along public routes. The castle’s grid reference is NZ 240865.
A one-day Morpeth itinerary on foot can help you plan time around the town as well.
Public access and viewing etiquette
Bothal Castle is a private residence and is not open to the public. Do not assume you may enter the castle or its grounds; the castle buildings can be seen from a public right of way adjacent to them, rather than from public roads.
Keep to the public way and respect the privacy of residents. There is no vehicular access to the castle itself, so avoid treating the entrance or grounds as a place to park or explore.
Before you go: Access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is Bothal Castle?
It is in Bothal village, Northumberland, near Morpeth, roughly four miles north-east of the town.
Can you go inside Bothal Castle?
No. It is a private residence and is not open to the public. The castle buildings can be viewed from the adjacent public right of way.
What can you see at Bothal Castle?
The castle retains curtain-wall remains, including sections with fireplace remains and moulded corbels. Its enclosure occupies the summit of a natural hill.
Can you drive to the castle?
The village can be approached by road from Morpeth via the A197 and Pegswood Bypass, but there is no vehicular access to the castle itself.