There's plenty to see and do at this magnificent English Heritage site in Northumberland.
Where is Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens?
Belsay Hall is in Northumberland, England. It is situated in the village of Belsay, approximately 14 miles (23k) northwest of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
When was Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens built?
While Belsay Hall is an extraordinary confection of Greek and Roman architecture little more than 200 years old, Belsay Castle is another matter altogether.
It was thrown up in the late 14th century by Scottish nobleman John Stirling on land granted to him by King Edward III, as a sanctuary from the horrors of warfare that plagued the border with Scotland.
When things calmed down a bit, a handsome Jacobean manor house was unceremoniously bolted on to the side of the original pele tower to create the sort of unlikely coupling one might imagine appearing in a dream. It was finally abandoned when Belsay Hall was built.
Who built Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens?
John Stirling's daughter, who had married Sir John Middleton, inherited the estate, which remained in the Middleton family for the next 600 years.
In 1817, Sir Charles Monck (formerly Middleton) built Belsay Hall in the Greek Revival style – the dominating indoor feature is the two-storey Pillar Hall – and redesigned the extensive parklands into the landscape that we see today.
This huge sandstone quarry provided the stone for Belsay Hall. It is a maze of deep, narrow canyons, arches, towers and alcoves, its unique atmosphere enhanced by the exotic plants that hang from the walls and trail their bases.
English Heritage acquired the estate in 1980.
What to see and do at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
The most romantic setting on the whole estate is the quarry garden. A much wilder spot, it was created by Sir Charles Monck. A lover of the Picturesque style, he turned the quarry into a place of ravines and crags. It has its own micro-climate too, which allows more exotic plants to flourish than one would expect in these harsher northern climes.
Following an ambitious and recently completed restoration project, Belsay’s formal gardens have been brought back to life. Noted landscape designer Dan Pearson directed operations, creating a whole new plant scheme. Now these formal areas are awash with vibrant colours, particularly in summertime.
Do keep a look out for the ‘wild man’ – a mythical hairy individual whose image can still be seen on the castle walls.
Belsay Hall at Christmas
During the dark evenings of December, the ancient magic of Belsay Castle is enhanced when the hall, castle and gardens are transformed by light and sound into a place of entrancing adventures.
Twinkling with lights, the two formal terrace gardens look toward a forest of conifers and rhododendrons. Leading from the terraces is the Yew Garden, from which a footpath passes along Magnolia Terrace and between the Winter Garden and a croquet lawn to the horticultural highlight, the Quarry Garden.
Christmas explorers can enjoy fantastical encounters with talking trees and dancing fairies on their wanders. Beyond this dark wonderland, the trail opens out, in almost magical contrast, to reveal the ruin of Belsay Castle.
Useful information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Belsay Castle.
When the day is over, spend the night in a shepherd’s hut made for two at Tranwell Farm, surrounded by trees and deer. Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
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