Hylton Castle

About

Hylton Castle's gatehouse tower was built shortly before 1400 by the wealthy Sir William Hylton as his principal residence, with four storeys of self-contained family rooms around a central gate passage. Its west front is crowded with the heraldry of the king, the Hyltons and related families, the east face carries Richard II's white hart, and one shield bears the 'stars and stripes' of the Washington family. After the last Hylton died in 1746 the estate was sold, and a century later William Briggs added the large Gothic windows. The ruined St Catherine's Chapel, founded about 1157, stands nearby. Restored by Hylton Castle Trust, the tower is now a community heritage venue with a lift and a roof viewing gallery reached by a spiral stair. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable volunteer guides and the tearoom. Tip: the interior can only be seen on a pre-booked tour, so check dates with the Trust first.

CastleParkingRefreshmentsToiletsGuided toursAccessibleGreat views

Check today’s timesFrom English Heritage's calendar

See notice

Open for bookable guided tours. Please check the Hylton Castle website for details .

From English Heritage's published calendar, updated 1 October 2026, with dates up to 16 March 2027.

Opening times may change at short notice.

Hylton Castle Trust runs the castle as a community venue with no set opening hours; tours, events and afternoon teas must be pre-booked on the Trust's website (hyltoncastle.org.uk).

EH lists the castle as free entry. Tour tickets are sold by the Trust; their price was not confirmed from an official page.

Tearoom: the Trust says it is generally open for walk-in visits Wednesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 2.30pm; EH's page gives Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 11am to 2pm.

Accessibility: the castle and the gardens in front are step-free from the car park, and a lift serves every floor except the roof viewing gallery (stone spiral staircase). Other parts of the grounds are steep. Accessible toilet on the ground floor.

PricingFreeFree for all visitors

Free entry for everyone

Entry

Free for everyone

Pricing details

EH lists free entry (catalogue freeToEnter true); the grounds and exterior are free. Interior visits are by guided tour pre-booked with Hylton Castle Trust; tour prices not confirmed.

ParkingFree parkingFree for all visitors

No charge for anyone.

Parking details

Free on-site parking with disabled spaces (display a Blue Badge), according to Hylton Castle Trust; EH says car parking is available at the site.