This post is based on a visit in Summer 2024. Most of this info should stay the same but please check with venues direct for changes before heading out.
-This castle has its own small free car park (CA8 7HL) and there is a bus stop at the car park too.
- If you fancy a longer walk, there is a circular walk from Walltown Country Park and it's on the Hadrian's Wall Path.
- There is a map showing you how to get to the castle from the car park. It's easy (you can pretty much see the castle straight away) and only around 1/4 mile long. Not accessible though as the path is narrow in spots and there are tree roots making it bumpy. It's flat but you do have to climb a small hill to get to the actual castle.
Crossing a gated pedestrian railway crossing with pedestrian traffic lights and fairly regular trains adds a little extra to this walk for kids who like trains
Just before the crossing, one of the cottages has set up a little station with a box full of homemade flapjacks and eggs from their chickens (bring cash for the honestly box) plus a tap for walkers to refill their bottle, a dog water bowl and a dog stick station. How cute is this! There are some lovely people around 
We bought a flapjack and they were lovely. 
Thirlwall Castle dates back to the 12th century and is now a ruin. It's free to visit at any time. There are several information boards and it's interesting to look around plus the views are fab.
This castle was built to protect the family against riots with the scots and robbers. It has a few myths attached to it which I enjoyed reading about. One is that the castle was home to a solid gold table which was protected by a magical dwarf. The scots really wanted to get their hands on it! Eventually, they managed to break through the castle walls but as soon as they laid eyes on the golden table, the magical dwarf picked it up, threw it down a well, jumped in after in and then the well sealed over. Apparently he is still down there today!
At the foot of the castle is the River Tibalt and there is easy sloping access if the kids want to have a paddle
Dogs welcome but remember to keep them on leads in Northumberland National Park to protect livestock and wildlife
There is said to be a secret underground passageway between this castle and nearby Blenkinsopp Castle which is haunted by the white lady 
You could combine this with The Sill, Roman Army Museum, Vindolanda, Walltown Country Park or anywhere along Hadrian's Wall. There's a lovely tearoom along the road too.
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