Educational Visit to Dilston

Dilston Castle & Chapel are situated off the B6321/A695 roads between Corbridge and Hexham in Northumberland.
Dilston Castle and Chapel, restored in 2002/3 by the North Pennines Heritage Trust, are the surviving features of the grand ancestral home of James Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, a leader in the Jacobite Rising.  In 1715, James and his brother Charles joined the Jacobite rising against King George I. Both were captured at the defeat of the Jacobite army and James was executed in 1716. Charles escaped but was recaptured while returning to England in 1745 and executed. The family lost their title and their estates were confiscated in 1731.
Dilston Castle is a fifteenth-century tower house, which later formed part of the Earl’s grand mansion, demolished in 1768. Dilston Chapel, built c.1616, is a rare example of a Roman Catholic recusant chapel, with medieval features. The chapel is alleged to have been built with money raised for financing the Gunpowder Plot.

The site, which is situated close to the Devil’s Water - a tributary of the River Tyne, has a recorded history dating to the early twelfth century, when the ancient settlement of Dyvelston was established alongside an earlier manor house or castle. Earthworks of this medieval village can be traced in the pasture field beside the present ruin.             

Light refreshments are available in The Castle Café and a toilet is available.

On-Site Educational Workshops

We are currently able to offer 2 workshop programmes set within the historical backdrop of this site. They have been developed to help teachers deliver aspects of the National Curriculum through an innovative and creative experience. Each workshop is designed to be the central focus of your visit, the length of which can be tailor made to your needs.
For students studying the relevant historical period, special visits can be arranged lasting approximately one hour giving a more comprehensive and informative tour of the site.

Group Numbers

The workshops are designed to be delivered to whole classes.  Guided tours can accommodate smaller group sizes as well as full classes.

Costs and Payment

Please refer to the individual workshops for costs. Prices for guided tours will vary according to the size of the group. Groups can pay on the day, send a cheque in advance or be invoiced.

Visit Notes

Please ensure that your group bring suitable clothing and footwear.  The stairs and paving stones in the castle are uneven in places. Full risk assessments are available and further advice will be given when a booking is confirmed. 

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