A charming little castle nestled near a quaint village has been recognised as one of the top three castles in the county according to English Heritage, and its unique ruins are testament to this accolade.

This Grade I listed monument in Northumberland boasts stunning riverside ruins and a distinctive leaning tower that sets it apart from most other castles, whether in Northumberland or beyond.

Indeed, this castle is often referred to as Northumberland’s very own Leaning Tower of Pisa, mirroring Italy’s famous architectural wonder.

Edlingham Castle, with its remarkable leaning tower, is truly a sight to behold. More akin to a fortified manor house than a traditional castle, this hidden treasure is tucked away in a valley to the west of Alnwick.

Esteemed architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the castle as ‘one of the most interesting in the county’, and it is currently under the stewardship of English Heritage, reports Chronicle Live.

Primarily dating back to the 14th century, Edlingham Castle was likely originally a 13th-century manor house, the remnants of which are thought to be hidden beneath the later construction.

The oldest surviving parts of the building are those of the hall house, erected in 1300 during a relatively peaceful era in Northumberland’s history, by Sir William Felton.

Despite hailing from a prominent family with estates spanning Shropshire and Norfolk, Felton amassed his wealth through Royal favour, military service, and his marriage to Northumberland heiress Constance de Pontrop.

Felton’s son, also named William, later constructed the castle’s impressive solar tower to enhance the living conditions of its residents.

Following its completion, it served as accommodation for the owner and his family. Today, despite a significant crack running through it, the solar tower remains the best-preserved part of the castle.

In addition, during the Anglo-Scottish wars, he bolstered the castle’s defences by adding a gate tower and a stone curtain wall. A subsequent Felton heir further expanded the gatehouse and completed the enclosure walls.

By the mid-17th century, Edlingham Castle was deserted as a residence, and by the 1660s, its stones were being quarried for construction purposes.

By the close of the 19th century, only the solar tower was visible among the grassy mounds. Since 1975, the state has owned and managed the ruins, with excavations taking place between 1978 and 1982.

Edlingham Castle is situated on low ground at the eastern end of the charming hamlet of Edlingham, adjacent to Burn, a tributary of the River Aln. The small village of Edlingham is barely more than a hamlet itself, featuring just a single church alongside this renowned castle.

This lesser-known historical gem has won over countless visitors, with one enthusiast sharing on Tripadvisor: “While not as famous as Alnwick Castle, or as well persevered as Warkworth Castle or indeed as dramatic as Dunstanburgh, it does not matter when it comes to this plucky little Castle.

“Indeed if English Heritage is to be believed, this castle was recently voted one of the top three castles in Northumberland, so that is something. The views are spectacular, and completely engrossing.”

A further delighted guest remarked: “Spotted from the car on the B6341 on our way to Rothbury, we called here on our return and were so glad we did so. Little remains of the castle or fortified manor house and a substantial part looks precarious!

“It is well worthwhile exploring and enjoying its peaceful setting, with a wonderful defunct railway viaduct in the background. The lovely and cared for church is also worth seeing as so much of the Norman and even Saxon structure remains.”