Belsay Hall
Northumberland, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
Pinpoint
Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX
Telephone 01661 881813
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Belsay Hall is a Greek Revival mansion built by the Middleton family in the early 19th century, shown unfurnished and standing separately from the older Belsay Castle on the same estate. Reviewers tend to arrive for the house and leave talking about the gardens, especially the quarry garden and the woodland walks around it. Staff are widely described as friendly, and several visitors say a guided tour added a good deal to their day.
Worth the trip
The Quarry Garden and Crag Wood - the part of the estate reviewers most often say is worth the trip on its own, with the rhododendrons singled out in late May and early June.
Before you go
Reviewers advise choosing a dry day given how much of the site is outdoors, and note that internal restoration work has been under way in the hall, so it is worth checking what is open.
Reviewers are near-unanimous that the gardens are the main event, especially the quarry garden and the Crag Wood, with the rhododendrons in late May and early June singled out. The castle also draws strong praise for the views from the top, though one visitor warns the spiral staircase is steep. Opinions on the hall itself are more mixed: several admire the Greek-inspired architecture, but reviewers who mention the interior say the rooms are largely empty during restoration and that visitors should not expect furnishings. Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, and some reviewers recommend booking one of the themed tours. Practical points raised include cafes and toilets in more than one place on site, a children's playground, a large car park with a coin machine (parking can also be paid for by card at admission), and around three hours to see the whole site.
Greek Revival mansion built by the Middleton family in the early 19th century; shown unfurnished, standing separately from the older Belsay Castle on the same estate.
“Fantastic Gardens, particularly at the end of May early June when the rhododendrons are out. Both the Crag Woods and Quarry Gardens are well worth doing. Nice Cafe and children’s playground”- Edward Bilcliffe, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The car park is very open with lots of spaces and designated disabled parking too and there are toilets just off the car park that are free and very clean.” - P O
- How long to allow
- “We spent a good 3 hours walking around the whole area at a decent price, stopping for pictures as we went.” - P O
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The spiral staircase to the top of the castle is a bit steep so be careful getting up.” - P O
- Facilities
- “With cafes and toilets located throughout the site, you're never too far from either.” - Cliff Moon
Common questions about Belsay Hall
Where is Belsay Hall?
Belsay Hall is in Northumberland, England, at Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Belsay Hall?
Yes - Belsay Hall is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Belsay Hall?
The Quarry Garden and Crag Wood - the part of the estate reviewers most often say is worth the trip on its own, with the rhododendrons singled out in late May and early June.
Is Belsay Hall a ruin or still intact?
Belsay Hall is largely intact - Greek Revival mansion built by the Middleton family in the early 19th century; shown unfurnished, standing separately from the older Belsay Castle on the same estate.
