Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle Middleham Castle. Ancient monument dating back to 1087. Summer opening hours are10am to 5pm. Winter opening hours are 10am until 4pm Saturdays and Sundays only.
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No day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the home of Richard III, you can relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners. Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to explore. Why not also visit nearby Richmond Castle and Barnard Castle for

more action packed days out in the dales. This page is for visitors and fans of Middleham Castle to share photos, thoughts and recommendations. If you have any questions about Middleham Castle or English Heritage please email [email protected] or 'like' us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Heritage/173240995747 and post your question there, where we will be happy to get back to you as soon as we can.

If you have visited Middleham, you may have noticed our welcome signs as you enter the town, with an image of the castle...
18/05/2026

If you have visited Middleham, you may have noticed our welcome signs as you enter the town, with an image of the castle and reference to our being twinned with Agincourt. Azincourt is a small commune in the Pas de Calais of northern France and is site of the Battle of Azincourt in October 1415, in which the English army of King Henry V famously defeated the French of King Charles VI.

Fortunately relations between our communities are much more amicable these days! The community of Azincourt has been twinned with Middleham since 1987. It is a very active relationship with people from Middleham visiting Azincourt one year and the French visiting Middleham the next. You will notice the English way of spelling Agincourt is slightly different to the French spelling, of Azincourt.

During their visit here this last weekend, 15th - 17th May, members of the French and English Associations took part in a guided tour of the Castle, given in both English and French. We learned some of the many words in English that originate from the Norman French language - especially in relation to castles! Including Crenellations from the French Le Crenaux = battlements and Le Mortier = mortar, amongst many others. Many of these words have Latin roots. And of course Middleham Castle is famous for its abundance of mediaeval latrine towers and latrines - some 36 all together! Latrine is one Norman word that we adopted and still use unchanged!

Our French visitors also explored the parish church of St Mary and St Alkelda, which is closely associated with King Richard III and which was designated a Collegiate Church by Richard Plantagenet, then Duke of Gloucester, in 1477. As a 'Royal Peculiar' it was established with a Dean, Chaplains, Clerks and Choristers, so would have been a busy place including saying mass and prayers several times a day, although this designation eventually ceased in 1845.

It was a pleasure and great fun to welcome our French friends to the castle built by some of their Mediaeval ancestors. And to discover and explore some of our shared history and vocabulary together. We look forward to welcoming you to come and discover more of our history through the story of Middleham Castle and the people who lived and worked here. We are open every day from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last entry at 4.30pm
See you soon?

It's Sale Time at Middleham Castle!Time to grab yourself a bargain. We have a number of items on sale with good reducti...
11/05/2026

It's Sale Time at Middleham Castle!
Time to grab yourself a bargain. We have a number of items on sale with good reductions so now's the time to check our our shop and stick up for holidays, birthdays or just to treat yourself. All sales support our charity, English Heritage. that maintains Middleham Castle and over 400 other historic sites.
We also have a special offer price of 20% off annual membership so you can visit any of those sites at no extra cost once you are a member. (T&Cs apply).
Our shop is open 10.00 until 5.00 every day - it's free to visit and we'll be happy to help you. Once they're gone, they're gone!

Future Events at Middleham Castle!We can confirm two events at the Castle this year.Firstly, we are delighted to welcome...
06/05/2026

Future Events at Middleham Castle!

We can confirm two events at the Castle this year.
Firstly, we are delighted to welcome back our good friends, the Leeds Morris Men and Guests, who will be visiting Middleham as part of their Dales Tour.
When? Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2026 at 2.00pm

And then, our Annual King Richard III Festival with re-enactment group the York City Levy - C15th living history group , Richard III Societies and groups and market stalls.
When? Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026, 10.00am until 5.00pm each day.
There will be an accompanying programme of talks organised by Richard III Societies in local venues on both days.
See you there!

Well it's traditional Bank Holiday weather here in Middleham! Steady but light rain, forecast to ease off around lunchti...
03/05/2026

Well it's traditional Bank Holiday weather here in Middleham! Steady but light rain, forecast to ease off around lunchtime. (And its warm rain - for Yorkshire.) So if you haven't exercised your kagoule and wellies for a while, todays the day! Don't sit around indoors, come out anyway and enjoy seeing the castle on an atmospheric, slightly misty morning. It really brings out the various fossils in the stones the castle was built from and see if you can spot the fresh water oyster shells in the lime mortar too.

If you really don't all want to come out, send your personal shopper to see our range of indoor board games, activity books and craft kits. Our Usborne History book is perfect for a 10 minute story time - each double page covers a specific story from history. You could spend the rest of the day playing Risk - surely the greatest strategy game ever devised? Why not develop your yoyo skills? We have traditional small games too.

We are open now until 5.00pm, last entry at 4.30pm. The shop is free entry, so come and browse and find something for those "I'm bored" moments and enjoy your coffee in peace. See you soon?

Early May Bank Holiday is almost here! If you're looking for somewhere to visit and take the children, bring them to Mid...
30/04/2026

Early May Bank Holiday is almost here! If you're looking for somewhere to visit and take the children, bring them to Middleham Castle. We pack a lot of history into a fascinating site without your having to hike too far. There's a spiral staircase to climb to the top of the Keep - with fantastic views as your reward. We provide traditional games and story books to keep children (of all ages) absorbed, whilst you take a break with a fresh coffee or an ice cream.
Middleham Castle was the childhood and later home of Richard Plantaganet, later King of England. This magnificent royal castle will help you feel a sense of our history and respect for the skill and effort that built such a magnificent fortress and residence.
We are open from 10.00 until 5.00 every day, last entry at 4.30pm.
See you soon!

Wishing everyone a Happy St George's Day from Middleham Castle. We are open today from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last entry ...
23/04/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy St George's Day from Middleham Castle.
We are open today from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last entry 4.30pm. We look forward to welcoming you to this castle that figured large in the history of England and especially under the stewardship of Richard Plantaganet, King of England. We can't think of a better place to celebrate St George's Day. See you soon!

Thursday 23rd April 2026St George' DayTo celebrate the Feast Day of St George, the patron Saint of England, we will fly...
22/04/2026

Thursday 23rd April 2026
St George' Day

To celebrate the Feast Day of St George, the patron Saint of England, we will fly the St George's flag, our national flag for England, from the Keep of Middleham Castle throughout the day.

But who was St George? And what is his connection to England?
George of Lydda was a Roman soldier who served under the Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century. Diocletian undertook a pogrom whereby he banned Christianity and persecuted those who would not change their faith. Soldier George refused to take part in this progrom and further refused to renounce his Christian faith. For this refusal, he was publicly beheaded outside the walls of Nicodemia, a Greek city in a place that is now within Turkiye. He was soon recognised as a Great Martyr by the Eastern Church. His fame as a martyr spread rapidly and he was canonised, becoming known as Saint George. Many churches were built in his honour. He was seen to represent faith, courage and honour.

The dragon slaying legend came much later, probably in mediaeval times, and represents the triumph of good over evil.

Some English Kings adopted his symbol of a red cross on a white background but it did not become the national flag of England until the 16th Century. However, it was used as a heraldic symbol before then, including in the badge and pendant of the Order of the Garter - this is the highest English order of chivalry, founded by King Edward III in 1348.

A number of other countries, cities and states also hold St George as their patron saint, including Venice, Genoa, Portugal, Catalonia, Ethiopia.

King Henry V invoked St George as the protector of armies. In his famous speech before the Battle of Harfleur, Normandy, penned by Shakespeare, he cries "God for Harry, England and St George!" But Henry Vs army went through a miserable campaign, dogged by dysentery and mishaps. However, they eventually triumphed at the Battle of Azincourt in 1415, overcoming the French army partly through clever tactics and through the skills of the English Longbowmen. To this day, the town of Middleham is very actively twinned with the community of Azincourt - on rather friendlier terms these days!

In 1940, King George V created a new order of valour, the George Cross, which contains the image of St George slaying the dragon. This award is still made for exceptional acts of bravery.

This Thursday, St George's Day, will be a special day to visit Middleham Castle to find out more about England's history here in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. This castle and its occupants have played their parts in this country's story, especially our most famous and Royal occupant, Richard Plantaganet, who became King Richard III of England. Richard's personal pennant included the flag of St George and can be seen here. On special dates it flies above our Keep. You can walk within the walls of Richard's favourite residence, see the views he saw from the Castle Keep and imagine life as it would have been in this grand royal residence.
Make it a St George's Day in Middleham to remember!

We've had a very special visitor to Middleham Castle today. Meet Lottie the Otter Hound! No longer used for hunting otte...
20/04/2026

We've had a very special visitor to Middleham Castle today. Meet Lottie the Otter Hound!

No longer used for hunting otters, this is a very rare breed of specialised hounds with an especially thick, oily undercoat and large, partially webbed feet. These hounds could hunt a scent overland - called a 'drag' or in the water, known as a 'wash'. They were used around rivers and also to protect fish ponds, and stew ponds, where captive live fish were kept to be ready for cooking.
Fit Otter Hounds are capable of swimming in cold rivers for several hours at a time. They are also known to be both loyal and independent minded!

The Otter Hounds connection to Middleham Castle is strong as King Richard III was one of a small number of monarchs who held the title of 'Master of Otterhounds'. This indicates that he was an active huntsman and master of his hounds, as opposed to being merely a passive owner.

We were delighted to meet Lottie and for her to explore Middleham Castle, where her own canine ancestors would have lived when Middleham was a busy working castle. Hounds, terriers and other dogs were very much a part of castle life. They ate up any scraps and bones and kept vermin such as rats and mice, away. Many tapestries and later paintings depict nobles riding to hounds or show dogs under feasting tables, waiting for tasty tidbits!

Like most English Heritage sites, Middleham Castle is very dog friendly. Your dog can explore our castle with you, we just ask that they be kept on a short lead (max. 2 metres) and that you pick up after them, please. We even sell Doggy ice cream as well as yummy ice creams for their owners!

Bring your doggy family members with you next time you come to explore Middleham Castle. They, and you, will be made very welcome.

Middleham castle is now open every day until the end of October, from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last entries at 4.30pm but w...
17/04/2026

Middleham castle is now open every day until the end of October, from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last entries at 4.30pm but we recommend you allow at least one hour to explore the castle. You don't have too far to walk here but we do pack a lot of history into a compact site. Bring a picnic or buy a hot drink or an ice cream and stay awhile.
Middleham was a Saxon settlement in a strategic position between two rivers and where the road from Richmond divided towards either Skipton or York.
It was turned into a fortress by the Normans under the Fitz Ranulphs. The last heiress, Mary Fitz Ranulph, was known as the Lady of Middleham. She married Richard Neville in 1260, hence the castle became a stronghold of the Neville dynasty. Through a later Earl Richard Neville - the "King Maker"- Middleham passed to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester who became King Richard III of England. Middleham Castle was then known as "The Windsor of the North".
Come and explore how people lived and worked in those days. Imagine yourself as a Mason, building the castle; perhaps as an Fletcher making arrows or as an Ostler, looking after the many horses? This tradition continues in Middleham today, where hundreds of thoroughbred racehorses trot past the castle every morning on their way to and from the acres of moorland gallops above the town
Middleham is full of history and atmosphere. Come and be part of that history.
Tickets are available online - at a discount. Or you can purchase as you enter.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/middleham-castle/
If you love history, you can join English Heritage as a Member and have free access to all of the 400+ properties and historic sites that we care for.
See you soon!

We are delighted to tell you that our lovely castle charger, known to us as Dante - named after the famous Derby winning...
17/04/2026

We are delighted to tell you that our lovely castle charger, known to us as Dante - named after the famous Derby winning racehorse who was bred and trained here in Middleham - has now moved to his retirement home. His lovely new family are enjoying showing him round his new home, garden and grassland!
We are grateful to them for their kindness and generosity in providing a forever home to our faithful horse.
We do still have all sorts of other interesting games, quests and places to explore in Middleham Castle. We look forward to helping you discover more about the Castle when you visit us soon.
We are open every day from 10.00am until 5.00pm, last admissions at 4.30pm.

Our lovely steed is still looking for their forever home!! Please come to the castle if you can offer a super home. We ...
08/04/2026

Our lovely steed is still looking for their forever home!! Please come to the castle if you can offer a super home. We are asking for a donation to our castle funds, please. First come, first served.

It's a beautiful warm, sunny day in Middleham today! We've brought out all our toys and models for visiting children - of all ages! So castles await inside our very real mediaeval castle, along with puzzles and books about life inside a castle for children and the not so young.
But our lovely charger, our rocking horse, is now looking for a slightly quieter life away from our busy castle. If you can offer this trusty steed a super loving home - and come and collect please - we would welcome a donation towards the castle funds. As a charity we rely entirely on donations, membership and entry fees to pay the bills and look after our wonderful historic heritage.
See you soon!!

Address

Castle Hill
Leyburn
DL84QG

Telephone

01969 623899

Website

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