Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre
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unrated)
About Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre
Built in 1775 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, the Castle is now the focal point for visitors to the forest. The Castle itself houses a series of exhibitions about the forest and its wildlife, together with an information centre, gift shop and licensed restaurant. Upstairs in the visitor centre is the Duchess Gallery. The gallery is housed in the former dining room of the Duke of Northumberland and plays host to a different artist each month. Follow the link 'Art and Architecture' on the right hand side for more information on the current artist. The grounds include picnic sites, children's playground, the Dukes and Duchess walking trails and the start of cycling, a mountain bike skills loop, orienteering routes. Within the grounds of the Castle is a work of art called Minotaur, which is a maze built of basalt stone and glass.There is also a bird viewing platform in the castle grounds.
How to get there:
Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre is in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Kielder Village near Bellingham is the nearest town or village.
Kielder Castle is situated at the northern end of Kielder Water, off the C200.
OS Grid Reference: NY632934
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info
Other places to go in Kielder
What's on in Kielder
Facilities:
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We have 17 backpacking sites throughout the forest as well as 8 mountain bothy facilities, further information is available at the visitor centre or by contacting Margaret Hardon on 01434 221012 or at margaret.hardon@forestry.gsi. gov.uk |
Activities
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A number of walking routes are available from the Castle. Walks leaflets are available from local tourist information centres. Lakeside Way Skyspace Duchess Trail Duke's Trail Bakethin North Shore The Belling Bull Crag Lewisburn Deadwater Walking Trail |
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Cycle routes from Kielder Castle: Deadwater Mountain Bike Trail Castle Hill Castle Wood Skills Loop Borderline Up and Over Cross Border Trail Lakeside Way Cycle Trail Lonesome Pine Trail |
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A 12 mile forest drive from Kielder Castle to the A68. Kielder Forest Drive |
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A year - round education service is on offer at the Castle, with our recreation rangers providing a wide range of environmental education activities. A classroom is also available for use in the Castle on those rare wet days! |
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Burn fishing permits available from Kielder Castle, during the season, at £3 per adult/£1.50 concessions per day. Kielder Water fishing permits and information from Leaplish Waterside Park, tel 01434 250312 |
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A picturesque 70 pitch camping and carvaning site in Kielder village, surrounded by Kielder Forest. Info and bookings on 01434 250291 |
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Many forms of watersport are available on Kielder Water, for general information contact Leaplish Waterside Park 01434 250312 For details of watercraft hire contact Hawkhirst Scout Camp 01434 250217 |
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The forest is especially noted as a good site to see birds of prey, such as the elusive Goshawk. Information about bird watching and conservation is provided in the exhibition at Kielder Castle. Within the grounds of the Castle there are a variety of bird and suirrel feeding stations. |
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Three permanent full sized courses, two junior courses, a cyclo-orienteering course and a cycle treasure hunt all start from Kielder Castle. |
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Within the arboretum a number of wooden sculptures can be found. |
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The Duchess gallery within Kielder Castle houses monthly exhibitions from local artists. |
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Recently Kielder is becoming well known for its award - winning Art and Architecture programme which features the Kielder Skyspace by American artist James Turrell. More details from the Kielder Partnership website www.kielder.org or tel 01434 220643 |
Contact:
Kielder Castle01434 250209
e-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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