Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Recommended by
Overview
Amazingly well preserved – considering the region’s violent past – the yellow sandstone walls and sturdy battlements of the 14th-century tower-house of the Middleton family still seem ready to repel the Scottish invaders who made its construction and fortification necessary in the first place. Even the Great Hall’s painted wall decorations, looking just like tapestries, are well preserved. The 17th-century manor house next to it was rebuilt during the 19th century, then abandoned when Sir Charles Monck built his startling new house nearby. Born a Middleton, Sir Charles changed his name in honour of his maternal grandfather after inheriting from him. This was not uncommon at the time. Sir Charles was mad for ancient Greece (also not uncommon at the time) and commissioned Belsay Hall in Greek Revival style. As a result, it is severely plain and symmetrical. Inside, it’s even grander. The central hall is two storeys high with a glazed roof, and is surrounded by columns. Yet, despite its perfect proportions, you can’t help feeling it was never very cosy. Next to the Hall, the Quarry Garden – created by Sir Charles and his descendants from the pit from which the Hall’s foundations were dug – has an abundance of exotic trees and flowering shrubs, a rose terrace and magnolia garden.
Ratings & awards
Green Tourism Gold
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Apr-Sep, check website for details; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-23 Dec, 2 Jan-11 Feb & 17 Feb-29 Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 27-31 Dec, Wed-Sun 10-4; 12-16 Feb, daily 10-4 (last admission 45 minutes before closing). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Ja
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Cafe
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
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Orchard House Barn
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