Church Brough, near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4EJ
Brough Castle
Castle
Place photograph
7.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.8On a ridge above the strategic Stainmore Pass, Brough Castle occupies the site of a Roman fort. Its keep was repeatedly caught up in border conflict, and the later Clifford family ranges were accidentally destroyed by fire after a great Christmas party in 1521.
Brough is more than a picturesque ruin: its ridge-top position explains its strategic importance, while the keep, gatehouse cobbles and traces of Lady Anne Clifford’s restoration give the story a physical presence. It is a compact, distinctive heritage stop with a strong sense of place.
Atmospheric · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapChurch Brough, near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4EJ
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The experience
Explore the ridge-top ruins and keep, taking care on the steep and uneven ground. Pause at the gatehouse cobbles and look for traces of the castle’s later Clifford-era alterations. The adjacent tearoom offers a possible finish; for a longer heritage outing, English Heritage recommends pairing the visit with Brougham Castle.
Things to do
Explore the keep and castle remains
Walk among the surviving ruins on the ridge and take in the castle’s commanding position above the Stainmore Pass. Do not climb on the ruins.
Look closely at the gatehouse cobbles
English Heritage specifically warns visitors to take care crossing the uneven cobbles through the gatehouse.
Trace Lady Anne Clifford’s restoration
Look for surviving traces of the 17th-century additions made during Lady Anne Clifford’s restoration of the castle.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 1 hour; exact visit duration is not specified in the supplied sources.
Quick escape: the ridge-top ruins
- 01
Check English Heritage’s current opening information before travelling.
- 02
Enter via the kissing gate and explore the castle remains at a careful pace.
- 03
Look at the keep, gatehouse cobbles and surviving traces of later additions.
- 04
Take care on steep slopes and uneven surfaces, and leave the site without climbing on the ruins.
Half day · Half day; travel and visit durations are not specified in the supplied sources.
Make a half day of it: Brough and Brougham
- 01
Explore Brough Castle, allowing time to look closely at the keep, gatehouse and Clifford-era remains.
- 02
If it is open, stop at the adjacent Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom; check its hours independently.
- 03
Continue to Brougham Castle, which English Heritage describes as about a half-hour drive away and notes has a shop and toilet facilities.
- 04
If time allows, walk to the Countess Pillar, a short walk from Brougham Castle.
Verified history
Brough Castle stands on the site of a Roman fort and commands the strategic Stainmore Pass. English Heritage dates the towering keep to about 1200 and says the castle was frequently targeted by Scottish raids. The Clifford family later added more comfortable living quarters, which were accidentally burnt after a “great Christmas party” in 1521. Lady Anne Clifford restored the castle in the 17th century; traces of her additions remain. Nearby St Michael’s Parish Church has an exhibition about the region.
Hidden details
Traces of Lady Anne Clifford’s work — Look for surviving traces of the 17th-century additions made during Lady Anne Clifford’s restoration.
The castle’s Roman predecessor — The castle occupies the site of a Roman fort, adding a much older layer to the story of this ridge-top stronghold.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied evidence.
The supplied evidence gives seasonal opening hours but does not identify a best season for the visit.
Uneven surfaces and steep slopes are noted on site. Check conditions and take care, particularly at the gatehouse cobbles.
Worth pairing with
Brougham Castle
English Heritage describes Brougham Castle as about a half-hour drive away and recommends it as a related Lady Anne Clifford site. It has toilet facilities and a shop selling gifts, drinks and snacks.
Countess Pillar, Brougham
A short walk from Brougham Castle, this pillar was erected by Lady Anne Clifford to mark her final parting from her mother.
St Michael’s Parish Church
The nearby church in Church Brough displays an exhibition about the region.
What to look for
- 01
The towering keep
- 02
the uneven cobbles through the gatehouse
- 03
traces of Lady Anne Clifford’s 17th-century additions
- 04
the ridge-top position above the Stainmore Pass.
The story
Roman fort site, border conflict, the Clifford family and Lady Anne Clifford
Best time to go
Open year-round, with seasonal hours. Check English Heritage before visiting.
The castle is open daily, with longer hours from April to September and shorter hours from October to March. Confirm current hours before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage lists the castle as free entry and open to visitors. Access is through a kissing gate; expect uneven surfaces and steep slopes. Check the official page before travelling for current opening details.
Check before visiting
Parking
Limited parking near the castle in the village. Do not park at Brough Castle Farm.
Toilets
English Heritage directs visitors to nearby Brougham Castle for toilet facilities; no toilets are listed at Brough Castle.
Food & drink
Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom is immediately adjacent to the site; it is not managed by English Heritage. Check opening before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current English Heritage guidance and site signage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The site has uneven surfaces, steep slopes and a kissing-gate entrance. Wheelchair and step-free access are not confirmed in the supplied evidence; check with English Heritage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Brough Castle
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
