Castle to partially reopen after visitor drop
LDRSA castle is set to reopen after closing its doors to visitors last April.
English Heritage cited low visitor numbers as the reason behind the closure of Prudhoe Castle in Northumberland, with the charity claiming it was looking for a "new way to operate" to improve sustainability.
The site was initially closed in its entirety before partially reopening in June.
Now, booked guided tours of the castle and the inner sections are set to resume alongside group bookings and events.
The fortress dates back to the 11th century and is said to be the only castle in the county to have never fallen to the Scots, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
English Heritage said it occupies a "naturally strong position" and guards a "vital crossing" of the River Tyne.
In a statement English Heritage said the outer walk is now open daily and free to access between 10:00 and 16:00 GMT.
Meanwhile, the inner section will be open on "a frequent basis" for guided tours and events.
Gordon Stewart, Conservative councillor for Prudhoe South, said the castle was "extremely important to the tourism on offer along the Tyne Valley".
