Top 5 Castles around Kingwater

Milecastle 42 is one of those spots on Hadrian’s Wall that feels like you’ve just stumbled on a hidden gem. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm – you can properly picture the Roman soldiers posted here, staring out across the wild Northumberland landscape and wondering what on earth they’d signed up for. The views are cracking, the ruins are well-marked, and it gives you that instant connection to history without being swamped by crowds. A quick stop, but a memorable one – exactly what you want on a wall walk.

Askerton Castle is a rare example of a fortified medieval manor house, situated in remote north Cumbria, about three miles north of Hadrian's Wall. The original building was constructed around 1290 as an unfortified hall, but in the late 15th century, two battlemented towers—the Dacre Tower and the Dovecot Tower—were added by Thomas, Lord Dacre, as part of a border defense against the notorious Border Reivers. In the 16th century, the complex was expanded with a stable block and additional wings for troop accommodation. A third tower on the northwest corner is believed to have been lost, possibly to fire, but traces of its stonework and staircases are still visible in the walls. The structure contains impressive oak beams, dated between 1494 and 1510, and shows clear stages of architectural evolution—from a simple hall to a military stronghold. Although the castle is not open to the public, it is now part of the Askerton Castle Estate, an organic farm that produces beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. The building is a Grade I listed building, indicating its exceptional historical value.

🏛️ Vindolanda Fort is one of the most fascinating Roman archaeological sites in Britain. Built around 85 AD and rebuilt nine times, Vindolanda was an important military stronghold before and during the construction of Hadrian's Wall. The highlight of the discovery were the Vindolanda Tablets – wooden tablets containing personal letters, shopping lists, and even birthday party invitations. They are the oldest handwritten documents in Britain. On site, you'll see the remains of forts, bathhouses, barracks, and a Roman village (vicus), replicas of Roman buildings and sections of Hadrian's Wall, and a modern museum with thousands of artifacts: shoes, toys, weapons, jewelry, and more. 🍵 Visitor facilities: Café, shop, guided tours, and listening posts with explanations.

steep climb to castle

Vindolanda was a Roman fort that was occupied from the late 80s AD to the early 5th century AD. It is one of the best-preserved Roman forts in England, and has been the site of extensive archaeological excavations. The excavations have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including weapons, armor, tools, and pottery. They have also revealed the remains of the fort's buildings, including the barracks, headquarters, and bathhouse. One of the most significant discoveries at Vindolanda is the Vindolanda tablets. These are a collection of wooden tablets that were written on by the soldiers and civilians who lived at the fort. The tablets contain a wide range of information about everyday life at Vindolanda, including letters, invitations, and shopping lists. The Vindolanda tablets are a unique and valuable source of information about Roman life on Hadrian's Wall. They provide us with a glimpse into the world of the Roman soldiers and civilians who lived and worked at the fort. Vindolanda is a popular tourist destination, and the museum on site houses a collection of artifacts from the fort, including the Vindolanda tablets. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the history of the fort and the life of the Romans on Hadrian's Wall.

Originally built in the 12th century, and later strengthened using stones from nearby Hadrian’s Wall, Thirlwall Castle began to fall into disrepair in the 17th century. The site is protected by Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument status. In 1999, Northumberland National Park Authority acquired a 99-year lease on Thirlwall Castle and 10 hectares of adjacent woodland. This is a great historic vista for the eyes for passing runners and why don't you come back for a picnic in the grounds when your not huffing and puffing so much.

An interesting ruin with a pleasant walk to get to it. Parking and information available in the local village.

Turrets at the farm shop