A fortified medieval house at the confluence of Longdike Burn and Eshott Burn, together with flying experiences in classic Tiger Moths, reveals two very different sides of Eshott. The architectural history of Eshott Hall offers another point of interest. When planning a stay, you can first decide whether you are mainly interested in archaeological remains and architecture or in an experience at the airfield.
Eshott Castle: Moat and Earthworks
Eshott Castle comprises the remains of a fortified medieval house with a moat at the confluence of Longdike Burn and Eshott Burn. The earthworks are fairly easy to make out in a gently undulating pasture field. The moat and the landforms reveal different aspects of the site: the moat is part of the description of the fortified house, while the earthworks are visible features in the landscape. Eshott Castle is also considered a rare surviving example of a medieval settlement in Northumberland. Those interested in medieval history will find both a specific architectural description and a connection to the county's settlement history here.
Eshott Hall: Building History in Several Phases
The southern part of Eshott Hall is a Grade II listed country house dating from around 1660. It may have been built by Robert Trollope for William Carr. Its architectural history extends beyond this date: Eshott Hall was altered in 1850 and again in 1881. The central part of the building was demolished in the mid-20th century and rebuilt in the 1990s. When considering the site, it is therefore worth distinguishing the date of the southern part from the later alterations. Its history spans several phases, rather than a single building project.
A Medieval Pottery Kiln near Eshott
The archaeological history also includes a medieval pottery kiln near Eshott. It is considered the first medieval pottery kiln in the North East. This broadens the focus beyond fortified buildings and the history of the country house: pottery-making is another subject alongside traces of a settlement. Keeping the earthworks attributed to Eshott Castle and the pottery kiln distinct in your mind gives you two different ways of exploring the area's medieval history.
Eshott Airfield: Introductory Flight or Training?
Eshott Airfield serves general aviation. Tiger Flights offers introductory flights there in classic de Havilland Tiger Moth biplanes. Flying experiences also include open-cockpit flights in a historic Tiger Moth over Northumberland and Newcastle. Tiger Flights also offers individual flight training in Tiger Moths and Chipmunks. An introductory flight in an Auster is operated at the airfield by Eshott School of Flying Limited. There are therefore several different types of offering: introductory flights and flight training have different focuses, and the Auster flight is another introductory option. Flying experiences are offered seven days a week at the former RAF airfield. Availability may change, so confirm the specific times before booking.
Eshott Airfield can be reached from the A1 via a private single-track road. If you are planning a flying experience, take this access road into account along with your confirmed appointment when planning your journey.
Discover more destinations: Bardon Mill, Seaton Delaval, North Sunderland, Bothal, Callaly, Wooler, Alwinton, Swinhoe
For the broader travel overview: Northumberland.
