Brougham Castle
Opening Hours
About
This riverside castle ruin dates back to Roman times, with a well-preserved keep featuring a narrow spiral staircase leading to panoramic views. Information boards detail the site’s history, while a gift shop stocks guidebooks and local drinks. Visitors can explore uneven steps and remnants of the structure, including historic graffiti. The grounds are dog-friendly, with space for picnics by the river. Parts of the castle are closed seasonally, but the exterior remains accessible. Staff provide insights into the site’s heritage.
Customer Reviews
Great Riverside location. Site very well managed. Excellent interpretive panels. Special the ability to get to the top of the Keep (narrow, dark spiral staircase) Superb views Easy to get to
An interesting castle, with the keep in fair condition. You can walk to near the top, with some uneven steps and poor lighting (to be expected). Information dotted throughout. Not a large site, but of interest. Private land either side, hence the sheep. Small display in the office gives background to the site. Staff were helpful and some road parking available. Castle was 12th century I think, with Anne Clifford being a famous owner (she died that aged 86, good innings for then and now really). Romans had a fort here, part of the support for hadrians wall. This river used to be the border between England and Scotland, until the rule of William II (William Rufus)
Recently had a fantastic visit to Brougham Castle for the first time and will definitely visit again. The castle has been excellently preserved and I definitely recommend visiting, especially with it being dog friendly! The only thing that let our visit down slightly was the sheep manure that was everywhere, even inside the castle ruins.
