Norham Castle was built from the 12th-16th centuries by bishops of Durham to control the English-Scottish border. In 1513, King James IV of Scotland did damage to the castle, but it was repaired. The castle is situated along the River Tweed and was a spot where attacks would happen suddenly, and the castle was damaged a few times. Queen Elizabeth I refused to pay for the upkeep of the castle, so it was left to decay in the early 1600s. The castle has often featured in poems (Sir Walter Scott) and paintings (J.M.W. Turner). This is certainly a picturesque castle.
The gatehouse was the entrance to the castle, and a moat before it adds extra protection, and there would have been a drawbridge where there is now a wooden bridge for visitors to walk across.
The main ruin on the site of Norham Castle is the tower. It was changed over time to serve purposes of defense and a residency.
Norham Castle is maintained by English Heritage and is free to visit. There is a large spot for parking at the top of the hill, although this is a little overgrown.
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