The castle was captured by King James IV of Scotland just days before the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513.
It was originally built as a 'bastle house' or fortified tower to provide protection against Border Reivers.
The Manners family, who built the castle, held the site for several centuries before it passed into the hands of the Delaval family.
The site features distinct architectural remains of a 14th-century solar tower connected to a 16th-century gatehouse.
The village of Etal, located adjacent to the ruins, is known for being the only thatched village in Northumberland.
Etal Castle is a 14th-century tower house ruin located in Northumberland, built to defend the Scottish border against cross-border raids. The site features a prominent gatehouse and the ruins of a residential tower constructed by Robert Manners in 1341. It played a significant strategic role during the Wars of the Roses and the lead-up to the Battle of Flodden. The site is currently managed by English Heritage and serves as an exhibition space documenting the history of the Anglo-Scottish border conflicts. Visitors can explore the surviving curtain walls and the interior layout of the former fortification. The grounds are situated near the banks of the River Till.
From the exterior looking up at the imposing gatehouse structure against the rural backdrop.
Combine your visit with the nearby Heatherslaw Corn Mill for a full day of local history.
Check the English Heritage website for seasonal opening patterns before traveling, as the site is primarily open during warmer months.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the ground inside the castle ruins can be uneven and muddy.
Do not attempt to climb on the exposed masonry or ruined walls to ensure preservation and personal safety.
The site is typically open seasonally from spring through autumn and may have limited operating days during the winter months.
