Top 4 Castles around Burgh By Sands

While Burgh By Sands itself has no visible castle remains, the area offers several historically significant fortified structures. Carlisle Castle is a major medieval fortress with a rich history of sieges. You can also explore unique fortified churches like St Michael's Church in Burgh By Sands, which incorporates Roman stones and was built for defense, and St John's Church, Newton Arlosh, known for its castle-like appearance with crenelations and arrow slits.

The original Burgh by Sands Castle, a fortified manor house from the 12th and 13th centuries, was destroyed in 1339 during a Scottish raid. No remains are visible above ground today. However, the 12th-century St Michael's Church in Burgh By Sands, built with Roman stones from Hadrian's Wall and designed for defense, offers a tangible link to the area's deep history and served as a refuge during raids.

St Michael's Church is a remarkable example of a fortified church, built upon the Roman fort of Aballava and incorporating many Roman stones. It was designed for defense against Scottish raids, featuring thick-walled towers and a heavy iron gate. Villagers would seek refuge inside during attacks. It also holds historical significance as the place where King Edward I's body lay in state in 1307.

Drumburgh Castle is a medieval pele tower built on a Roman foundation, using reused Roman sandstone. While it is a Grade I-listed building of exceptional heritage importance, it is currently privately owned and not open to the public. You can admire its exterior from nearby.

Carlisle Castle, founded in 1092, was a crucial fortress on England’s northwestern border with Scotland, enduring more sieges than any other place in the British Isles. It played a key role in Anglo-Scottish conflicts, imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in 1568, and was besieged during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Visitors can explore its 12th-century gatehouse, Tudor gun platform, and the keep.

Carlisle Castle is a great option for families. It offers a chance to explore a historic fortress, learn about its past, and visit Cumbria's Museum of Military Life located within its walls. The castle's extensive history and architecture provide an engaging experience for all ages.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and walking routes around Burgh By Sands. This allows for comfortable outdoor exploration of sites like St Michael's Church and Carlisle Castle, and for enjoying the scenic Hadrian's Wall path. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage.

The area around Burgh By Sands is excellent for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can find numerous trails, including those along Hadrian's Wall. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Statue of Edward I – King Edward I Monument loop from Burgh by Sands'. Cyclists can enjoy MTB trails such as the 'Carlisle & River Caldew loop'. Find more options in the Hiking around Burgh By Sands guide or the MTB Trails around Burgh By Sands guide.

Many outdoor areas and walking trails around the castles, particularly along Hadrian's Wall, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. While specific castle interiors might have restrictions, the grounds and surrounding paths of sites like St Michael's Church and the exterior of Drumburgh Castle can be enjoyed with your canine companion. Always check specific site regulations before visiting.

Carlisle, home to Carlisle Castle, is well-connected by train and bus. From Carlisle, local bus services can take you to villages like Burgh By Sands and Newton Arlosh, where St Michael's Church and St John's Church are located. For detailed routes and schedules, consult local transport providers. You can also explore Hikes from bus stations around Burgh By Sands for routes starting near public transport stops.

Yes, the area around Burgh By Sands is part of the Hadrian's Wall path, offering numerous opportunities for scenic views. St Michael's Church in Burgh By Sands is built directly on the Roman fort of Aballava, part of Hadrian's Wall, providing a direct connection to the ancient frontier. Walking routes in the vicinity, such as those towards the King Edward I Monument, often provide elevated perspectives of the landscape and the wall's course.