Description
Preston Tower is a medieval pele tower located in the ancient borderland of Northumberland. Built between 1392 and 1399 during conflict between England and Scotland, it is one of the best examples of medieval stonework in England. Today, visitors can explore the historic tower, enjoy panoramic views, and experience a peaceful countryside setting steeped in history.
The tower offers a 360 view stretching south to Heiferlaw Hill overlooking Alnwick, east to the sea, west to Ros Castle and the Cheviots, and north to the Scottish border. Inside, visitors can see the guard room and prison, a bedroom and living area, and the Flodden room with information about the Battle of Flodden. The estate also offers self-catering holiday cottages, Wild Camping with exclusive access per night, woodland walks, and access to Northumberland’s beaches and hills.
Admission Charges: Adults £4.00, Children £0.50, Concessions & Groups £3.50. Wild Camping costs £45.00 per night and £22.50 per additional camping unit, and the estate also hosts private events with exclusive use of the grounds.
Preston Tower provides a unique opportunity to step back into medieval border history. With its impressive seven-foot-thick stone walls, historic interiors, and peaceful rural surroundings, it combines heritage with natural beauty. It is an ideal place to visit for history lovers, walkers, campers, and those looking for a truly special countryside experience.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
A medieval pele tower, used to keep order in a lawless border county
- Preston Pele Tower was constructed between 1392 and 1399 during a time of ongoing conflict between England and Scotland. In the early 15th century, the tower was one of 78 similar structures located in Northumberland.
- Over the years, it was owned by various individuals, including Sir Guishcard Harbottle, who died in battle against James IV during the Battle of Flodden in 1513; an event that paved the way for Mary, Queen of Scots’ ascension to the Scottish throne.
Where time stands still
- Although the property is unoccupied, it is still furnished to reflect its 14th-century origins. One notable addition to the tower is a clock with dual faces that chimes hourly and can be heard from a distance, complete with visible inner workings.
A feat of medieval engineering
- Preston Tower is considered to be one of the most impressive examples of medieval stonework in England, as noted by renowned architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner.
- The tower’s walls, which are seven feet thick, are composed of large stone blocks that bear the same masons’ marks as those found at Warkworth Castle along the coast.
A brutal history brought to life
- Visitors can explore the guard room and prison on the tower’s ground floor, while the first floor contains a bedroom and living area. The Flodden room, which is located on the second floor, features information about the Battle of Flodden and excerpts from Border history and ballads.
Present day
- The Baker Cresswell family has owned the Preston Tower Estate since 1862 and currently farms the land in partnership with neighbours, focusing on rearing livestock and growing crops.
- The 600 acre estate incorporates ancient woodland which is actively managed for wildlife conservation as well as holiday cottages and, soon, an orchard-based camping area.
7.54 miles
