unrated)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 the forest's nest sites, 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.
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.
A short pedal from the castle you can test your cycle skills on the mountain bike skills loop before venturing onto the wider trail network.
Gruffalo spotter at Kielder Castle
From February 24th to the end of the year, follow clues and collect evidence as you search for the Gruffalo along the Gruffalo Spotters trail! Bring the characters to life before your eyes with The Gruffalo Spotter free app, or gather clues with an Evidence Kit. Packs available to buy from Kielder Castle Cafe (£3). More details
From April to October, Kielder Castle Cafe & exhibition is open 9.30am - 5pm (9am-5.30pm during holiday periods). During the winter period (Nov-March), the cafe is open daily 11am-4pm, except 23-26 & 31 Dec and 9-27 Jan 2017. For more information regarding the cafe phone 01434 250100 or visit Kielder Castle Cafe.
Admission to the Exhibition is free. Access is through the cafe with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The exhibition is open on days the cafe is open, from 10am-5pm (11am-4pm from November to March).
The information point at the Castle is open daily 10am-4pm, except 24 (pm), 25/26 December and 1-2 January.
From January 2017, the Cycle Centre at Kielder Castle is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am till dusk. Closed Wednesday and Thursday except for prepaid bookings. For information regarding the Cycle Centre please phone - 01434 250457 or visit Kielder Cycle Centre
The toilets at Kielder Castle are OPEN all the time. Please note, Blakehopeburnhaugh toilet block closes for the winter at the end of October and reopens again on 1 April.
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry, a complaint or would like a personal reply to your comments.