Free Entry
Open for bookable guided tours. Please see below for booking information.
Address:
Craigavon Road, Castletown, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 3PA
This distinctive and highly decorative gatehouse-tower of a castle was built by the wealthy Sir William Hylton shortly before 1400.
Originally containing four floors of self-contained family accommodation, its entrance front displays royal and family heraldry, including Richard II's white hart badge.
A Heritage Portrait of England
The Poetry Takeaway is taking to the road to create unique, made to order poems, with people of Sunderland. Join us at Hylton Castle, as we celebrate together the everyday in the everyday - where your words come to life and stories are shared.
‘A Heritage Portrait of England’ celebrates our everyday heritage. This event is part of a pilot project that will help to shape our ambitions for a national project in 2026-28 and is a collaboration between English Heritage and The Poetry Takeaway.
Saturday 28th June. 11:00am-3:00pm. Last orders at 2:30pm. Free event.
Sustainable travel to this event is encouraged. Where possible, walk, cycle, use public transport or share a lift.
© The Poetry Takeaway
Hylton Castle is managed on our behalf by Hylton Castle Trust.
Read more about the history of Hylton Castle.
Before You Go
Tours: Guided tours are available to pre-book for selected days. Please visit Hylton Castle Trust's website to book: https://hyltoncastle.org.uk/
Parking: Car parking is available at the site.
Facilities: There is a tearoom on site managed by Hylton Castle Trust. The tearoom is open for takeaways and drop-in visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11am-2pm. Please check their website or Facebook page for up-to-date information: https://hyltoncastle.org.uk/
Access: There are pathways around the grounds with reasonably good disabled access.
Drone flying: Please see our Drone guidance
Plan a Great Day Out
Extend your day out with a trip to Tynemouth Priory and Castle. The site boasts an interactive 'Life in the Stronghold' exhibition and offers fantastic views over the River Tyne and North Sea.
Also nearby are St Paul's Monastery, Jarrow and Finchale Priory.