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Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
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Attractions in Northumberland -
Country Houses
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Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has something for everyone.
Belsay Castle is a fine medieval castle which was enlarged into a mansion in the 17th century. In addition to the Castle their is the imposing Greek Revival villa which was built later and the breth taking gardens that link the two buildings.
Belsay Hall is the creation of the Middleton family who over more than seven centuries built the impressive gardnes and buildings. The castle was built first ans it still stands today dominated by its massive 14th century peel tower. The peel tower is one of the best surviving examples in England. The castle was built as a refuge at a time of fierce Anglo Scottish warfare to protect teh Middleton family.
Following the coming of peace under James I, a column-entranced mansion wing was added to the castle in 1614 and here the family lived until Christmas Day 1817 when they moved into Belsay Hall.
Belsay Hall is now displayed without furnishings, revealing the fine craftsmanship of its construction, is an austerely Classical Greek Revival villa. Begun in 1807, it was designed by Sir Charles Monck (formerly Middleton), a man inspired by Ancient Greece, and the buildings he had seen on his honeymoon in Athens, particularly the Temple of Theseus. It had nevertheless a comfortable and up-to-date interior, arranged round its amazing central two-storey 'Pillar Hall.'
The vast gardens which provide a magnificent setting for castle and hall are also largely the work of Sir Charles Monck. His rugged and romantic Quarry Garden, created where stone was cut for his hall, has ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces inspired by the quarries of Sicily. His grandson Sir Arthur Middleton, likewise a pioneering plantsman, further embellished the Quarry with a wider range of exotic species, as well as adding the Winter Garden, Yew Garden, and Magnolia Terrace.
Address: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Belsay
Belsay
Tyne and Wear
NE20 0DX
Tel: 0871 716 1944
Opening Times:
Dates Opening Times Opening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec &1 Jan Closed
Directions:
In Belsay, 14 miles NW of Newcastle on A696 (OS Map 88; ref NZ 088785). Local Tourist Information Morpeth (01670 500700).
Website:
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Facts about Northumbria
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