5/5)Built in 1775 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, Kielder Castle is now the focal point for visitors to the forest.
The Castle houses a series of exhibitions about the forest and its wildlife, together with an information centre and Kielder Castle Cafe. The exhibition is full of fantastic opportunities to get to know the forest and its history better, including an osprey camera providing live footage of Northumberland's only nesting pair, an interactive red squirrel exhibition and a local history exhibition focussing on the bastles built during the 'Border Reivers' period.
Upstairs in the Castle is the classroom. This is available for hire and is often used for various workshops arranged by the Forestry Commission.
The castle grounds (map) include picnic sites, children's playground and the start of the Duke and Duchess walking trails. From here you can test your skills on the orienteering course and the start of the cycling trails, with a mountain bike skills loop. 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 and a squirrel hide a short walk away on the Duke's Trail.
Please note that the information centre is currently being refurbished and will be open by the May Bank Holiday. Kielder Castle Cafe and Exhibition are now open daily 9:30am till 5pm (last admission to the Exhibition is 4:30pm) for more information regarding the cafe phone 01434 250100 or visit www.dukespantry.co.uk.
Kielder Castle Bike Hire Centre will re-open on 27 April 2013.
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.
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