I don't remember there being too much to do since the castle was in really rough shape last i visited. Some plaques to reads, walk around the grounds, climb up the keep and gaze at the countryside. I wouldn't plan a whole day around it, but it's a lovely way to kill a couple hours if you are gonna be in the area.

It's been about 20 years since i visited, and my mom sent me the photo since she is visiting. All i can really remember is that her house is over 400 years old and the back garden runs right up to the castle wall. There is a walled off courtyard between the house and the street, so that might be the battlements.

Unfortunately I haven't been back to the UK in 12 years. My parents are visiting for the week since my grandpa is dying. We used to go every few years when i was little though. We would fly into Manchester and stay with my mom's siblings for a few days, then drive to Yorkshire and stay the night at my aunt's on the way to Newcastle to stay with my Grandparents. Things like the castles, the Lake District, Lindosfarne, Whitley Bay, Hadrians Wall, and Bede's World are unique experiences for Americans that i was so fortunate to enjoy. And while America and England are very similar from a cultural viewpoint, it was great growing up in both worlds and getting to experience the best of both.

I often think about emigrating over there and working for my uncle, but at this point the UK doesn't feel like it can offer me any benefits and will only make me homesick for America. 6The Midwest will forever be my home, but the North will forever be in my heart.