Kielder Castle Visitor Centre

The three main visitor centres are first ports of call for information hungry visitors.

Overlooking Kielder Village, the castle was built in 1775 as the hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland. Today the castle is the focal point for visitors to the forest and is home to a series of exhibitions on the management of England’s largest forest as well as the wildlife in the forest and the history of the castle. New for 2010 is the red squirrel room - click here for information. Located upstairs in the former sitting room of the Duchess of Northumberland is the Duchess Gallery. Every month an upcoming or established artist from the north east displays their work in this historic setting. Next to the gallery is the classroom. This is available for hire and is often used for various workshops arranged by the Forestry Commission.

The Duke's Pantry restaurant serves light snacks and hearty warming meals while the castle shop is stocked with souvenirs and is the main point for visitor information.

Children will love playing in the grounds of the castle. A short walk from the castle is a work of art called Minotaur, which is a maze built of basalt stone and glass. There is also a children’s adventure playground to explore, a bird viewing platform nearby and picnic tables to refuel at lunchtime.

For those wanting to explore the forest, the castle is also the hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain bikers won’t be able to resist the fantastic array of trails designed to provide something for every level of cyclist, from green grade through to black. Among the facilities at the castle is a training loop, which provides the opportunity to test your skills before setting out, a bike hire centre, bike wash and secure bike parking. There is also a link from the castle to join the Lakeside Way at Bakethin Viaduct.

Visitors who want to explore on foot can test their map reading skills on the castle orienteering courses. Three walking trails also start from the castle, from the gentle strolls provided by the Duke’s and Duchess trails through to a more strenuous ‘stomp’ to the top of Deadwater Fell where you can take in the vast scale of the Park and wider views of the Border Country.

For those looking for a bit of adventure in the car, Kielder Forest Drive is a spectacular 12 mile (19 km) drive on unsealed forest road from Kielder Castle in the west to Blakehopeburnhaugh on the A68 in the east. The Forest Drive is one of England's highest roads, cresting over 1500 feet (450 metres) at Blakehope Nick. Here the 'big sky' views over Northumberland are simply breathtaking. The Forest Drive is a toll road, with a £3 fee payable at the toll machine at the Kielder Castle end. Please note the speed limit is 15mph.

Facilities include gift shop, parking, WC and nearby bike hire at either Purple Mountain or the Bike Place Kielder.