The hidden gem village features a medieval castle with ghost tours and a rare herd of wild cattle
The castle was originally a monastery in the late 12th century(Image: Education Images, Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Nestled amidst the expansive fields of the Northumberland countryside lies a charming little village with a fascinating history and a storybook castle.
Chillingham has carved out a reputation for itself due to two unique features – its historic castle and its distinctive cattle. The village boasts what is believed to be the UK’s most haunted castle, Chillingham Castle, which traces its roots back to the 12th century as it was fully fortified in 1344.
The renowned estate has remained within the same family lineage since its inception and continues to be private property, attracting visitors keen to experience its alleged hauntings. For those daring enough to venture inside, the Torture Chamber and nocturnal Ghost Tours are bound to leave you with some hair-raising memories.
It’s thought to have had over 100 spirits spotted within its grounds, testament to its rich history.
Documented paranormal activity includes hearing strange voices, footsteps and even sightings of moving objects, so much so that keen ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts choose to spend the night or conduct their own ghost-hunting within the castle.
While it is free to explore the grounds, Chillingham Castle provides travellers with the opportunity to stay in an authentic mediaeval fortress. It offers a selection of courtyard apartments, a stay in the tower and even a night in the old coaching rooms.
Recent guests have raved about their visits on TripAdvisor.
One visitor wrote: “Our stay at Chillingham Castle was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The castle itself is breathtaking, steeped in history, and beautifully preserved, and the ghost tour was a genuine highlight-engaging, atmospheric, and wonderfully done.”
Another guest added: “We stayed at the castle for 2 nights in the dairy apartment, as we were doing a paranormal investigation on the Friday.
“The castle is magnificent. The staff are super friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. It was like stepping back in time. Although the spirits weren’t interacting as much as we’d like, the energy and atmosphere was certainly haunting.”
Alongside Chillingham Castle stands the equally renowned Chillingham Cattle, a wild herd that has roamed the village following centuries of strict inbreeding.
The herd originated when approximately 90 animals were enclosed during the Middle Ages and have continued breeding within these grounds ever since.
As of 2022, the herd is believed to comprise 138 animals, split evenly between males and females. What makes them extraordinary is their completely untouched nature – left to breed, live and die in their natural habitat without human intervention, rendering them exceptionally rare.
The animals are widely regarded as a ‘scientific marvel’, since inbreeding throughout history typically leads to extinction, yet they continue to thrive in the very same grounds of Chillingham Park.
What sets them apart is their behaviour, as it’s entirely natural, providing us with additional insight into the lives of animals that may have preceded them. We can also gain knowledge about the spontaneous behaviours of animals not influenced by humans.