Dundrum Castle
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Newcastle
What it’s like
A free ruined castle on a wooded hill, built in 1177, with steep rocky ground to scramble up to reach it.
This one's a proper old ruin rather than a done-up attraction. It went up in 1177, sitting on top of a wooded hill, and there's no charge to get in and have a look round. If your kids like the idea of a castle that's actually old rather than a play version of one, this is the real thing.
The catch is getting up there. The site sits on a sloping rocky knoll, so it's a scramble rather than a stroll, and that makes it a tricky one for wheelchair users or anyone pushing a buggy. It's worth having proper shoes on rather than trying it in sandals.
There's also a chance the site is closed off for works when you turn up, since public access can be restricted while that's going on. Given there's no booking system and nothing to pay for, it's not a huge loss if you have to turn round and come back another day, but it's a bit of a gamble if you've driven a long way specifically to see it.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost to get in?
Nothing, it's free entry.
Do we need to book?
There's no booking link for this one, you just turn up.
Is it OK for a wheelchair or a buggy?
It's tough going. The castle sits on a sloping rocky hill, so it's not an easy site for wheelchair users.
Will it definitely be open when we visit?
Not always. Public access can be restricted if works are going on, so it's the sort of place that can catch you out.
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