Haggerston Castle has some of the very best Castles in England near by, some are free to visit and some have a small charge. You can even visit the castle were Harry Potter was filmed and also Blackadder. You will find some castles in ruins but others are very impressive and some are actually lived in today.
Castles make a great day out for all the family young and old alike come rain or shine.
Berwick Castle - is the remains of a medieval castle and the most complete bastioned town defences in England. King David I the Scottish king built this castle in the 12th century. Edward I had the castle rebuilt and added the substantial town walls of Berwick. Because of Anglo-Scottish conflicts this castle has changed hand many times . Some of the 13th century castle and the extensive town walls survive. Free open access at any reasonable time.
Norham Castle - ia a partly ruined medieval border castle. Built by Ranulf Flambard in 1121 to protect England from Scottish raids. Besieged at least 13 times, once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce. The castle stood up well except in1513 when King James IV of Scotland used heavy cannon and battered the castle into submission. Free and open access at any reasonable time.
Bamburgh Castle - an intact and inhabited Norman castle. Dating from AD 547, when it was captured by the Anglo-Saxon ruler Ida of Bernicia. Destroyed by Vikings in AD 993. The Normans built a new castle on the site, which forms the core of the current structure. Open to the public, entrance charges apply.
Lindisfarne Castle - began life as a Tudor fort. Fearing a possible Scottish invasion, Henry VIII ordered the construction of the fort in 1542. Between 1570 and 1571, Elizabeth I updated and strengthened the defences by adding new gun platforms. The need for a castle declined when James I came to power and combined the Scottish and English thrones. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Alnwick Castle - built following the Norman Conquest, it is the great northern fortress of the powerful Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland. Over the centuries the castle has been remodelled and improved. Most famously in recent years, Alnwick Castle featured as 'Hogwarts' in the first two Harry Potter films. Entrance charges apply to both castle and gardens.