Voted one of the top three castles in this county, this Grade I listed medieval fortress features incredible riverside ruins and a unique tower that's often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
08:00, 14 Jan 2026Updated 08:19, 14 Jan 2026
A charming little castle nestled near a quaint village has been crowned one of the top three castles in the county, and its unique ruins are a sight to behold.
The Grade I listed monument in Northumberland boasts stunning riverside ruins and a distinctive leaning tower that sets it apart from most other castles, whether in Northumberland or elsewhere. In fact, this castle is often hailed as Northumberland's very own Leaning Tower of Pisa. Edlingham Castle, with its remarkable leaning tower, is truly a spectacle. More of a fortified manor house than a traditional castle, this hidden treasure is tucked away in a valley west of Alnwick. Esteemed architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the castle as 'one of the most interesting in the county'. It is currently under the stewardship of English Heritage, reports Chronicle Live.
Primarily dating back to the 14th century, Edlingham Castle was likely originally a 13th-century manor house, the remnants of which are thought to be hidden beneath the later construction. The oldest surviving parts of the building are those of the hall house, built in 1300 - a time when Northumberland enjoyed relative peace - by Sir William Felton.
Felton, a member of a prominent family with estates across Shropshire and Norfolk, amassed his wealth through Royal favour, military service, and his marriage to Northumberland heiress Constance de Pontrop. Felton's son, also named William, later constructed the castle's magnificent solar tower to enhance the living conditions of its residents. Following its completion, it served as living quarters for the owner and his family. Today, despite a significant crack running through it, the solar tower remains the best-preserved part of the castle.
He further fortified the property by adding a gate tower and a stone curtain wall during the Anglo-Scottish wars. A subsequent Felton heir expanded the gatehouse and completed the enclosure walls. By the mid-17th century, Edlingham Castle was deserted as a residence, and by the 1660s, its stones were being quarried for construction.
By the close of the 19th century, only the solar tower was visible amongst the surrounding grassy mounds. Since 1975, the state has owned and managed the ruins, with excavations taking place between 1978 and 1982. Edlingham Castle is situated on low ground at the eastern end of the charming hamlet of Edlingham, adjacent to Burn, a tributary of the River Aln. The small village of Edlingham is barely more than a hamlet itself, featuring a lone church alongside this renowned castle.
This hidden historical gem has received nothing but praise from visitors, with one sharing on Tripadvisor: "While not as famous as Alnwick Castle, or as well persevered as Warkworth Castle or indeed as dramatic as Dunstanburgh, it does not matter when it comes to this plucky little Castle. "Indeed if English Heritage is to be believed, this castle was recently voted one of the top three castles in Northumberland, so that is something. The views are spectacular, and completely engrossing."
Another satisfied visitor shared their experience of the castle: "Spotted from the car on the B6341 on our way to Rothbury, we called here on our return and were so glad we did so. Little remains of the castle or fortified manor house and a substantial part looks precarious! It is well worthwhile exploring and enjoying its peaceful setting, with a wonderful defunct railway viaduct in the background. The lovely and cared for church is also worth seeing as so much of the Norman and even Saxon structure remains."