From newcastlecitybreaks.com
A 14th century castle on a remarkable estate, home to the Middleton family, which also includes a 17th century manor house and 19th century country house (Belsay Hall), set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds.
The hall was designed by the legendary Newcastle architect, John Dobson, and is exactly 100ft (30m) square. Its present unfurnished state gives even greater emphasis to its bold architecture which is now regularly used to display contemporary artworks.
Belsay Hall houses 30 acres of magnificent formal and informal gardens including the famous quarry gardens with their distinct micro-climate. Here rhododendrons may be found in bloom even in the middle of winter. The Cragwood Walk is especially popular in February when it has a carpet of snowdrops.
Open: daily, from 24 March - 30 September (2005) 10:00am - 6:00pm, October 10:00am - 4:00pm, November - 31 March 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursday - Monday. Tea Shop open as house April to October, March weekends only. Adults: £5.00 (incl gardens) (2005) Tel: +44 (0)1661 881636. Partially accessible for visitors in wheelchairs.
