Village in Northumberland has a rich and complex history of conflict and war, but visitors can still explore its 12th Century castle ruins for free
Nestled on the southern bank of the River Tweed, the quaint village of Northam may seem tranquil now, but it was once a hotbed of conflict in Northumberland.
Situated on the border between England and Scotland, Northam has a complex history marked by centuries of wars. Central to this is its 12th-century castle, which has endured through time and played a crucial role in numerous skirmishes.
Northam Castle was at the forefront of cross-border conflicts for an impressive five centuries and has since been repurposed into a new existence. Amidst the turmoil, it gained recognition as it was depicted in several paintings by the renowned artist JMW Turner.
Moreover, it became the focus of a popular novel penned by Sir Walter Scott, wherein the protagonist journeys to Norham as it was then considered ‘the most dangerous place in England‘. Nowadays, visitors from far and wide flock to see the historic castle ruins and discover its resilient past.
Perched atop a grassy knoll, the castle maintains a commanding presence over the Tweed and continues to radiate grandeur, providing splendid photo opportunities. It’s no surprise that it was the most frequently attacked building by the Scots, believed to have been besieged around 13 times, due to its imposing facade.
Despite the imposing walls being unable to withstand much longer and crumbling in 1513, they were extensively reconstructed during the 16th century before being restored once more. Visitors can explore what’s left of this fascinating heritage without charge, as it remains accessible to the public.
A recent guest raved about their visit in a TripAdvisor review, stating: “This is one of the best ruins we have ever explored. It is a hidden gem, off the tourist track, and after battling the crowds at Lindisfarne in the morning, it was great to have the place to ourselves.”
Another reviewer commented: “It’s free to enter – which may be why I hadn’t visited previously, as I probably thought it was a minor castle. Not a bit of it! It has a fantastic location high above the river, which it guarded.
“It must have been awe-inspiring in its heyday. It’s pretty fantastic now. Lots to wander around and see. Well worth a visit — and we will come back to look round the pretty village next time.”
Nearby, additional historical treasures await discovery, as you can take a pleasant walk to witness the magnificent Duddo Five Stones. A brief ramble will lead you to this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle site, strategically positioned atop a hill, with stones reaching approximately five to ten feet in height.
Upon experiencing this incredible attraction, one visitor commented: “A beautiful revisit to this stunning stone circle. A lovely atmosphere, worth a visit if you are in the area. It is signposted as you approach; parking is available along the roadside, and then it is a short walk, but on a path cut through the side of a couple of fields. The views are breathtaking, and the tranquillity is fantastic.”
Today, it’s believed that fewer than 600 residents live in Northam, experiencing much less turmoil; rather, it serves as a resting point for many journeying to and from Scotland.