The Wild Cattle of Chillingham
The Wild Cattle of Chillingham are remarkable survivors of the ancient cattle which once roamed Britain’s forests.
Today they live in the beautiful enclosed Park at Chillingham, between Alnwick and Bamburgh in Northumberland, their home for hundreds of years.
The herd numbers around 100 beasts. About half of them are bulls. All cows and bulls have horns and a fierce temperament to match.
Chillingham Park has stunning views across Northumberland and the Cheviots – a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. Close to Alnwick, Berwick and the Northumberland Coast, Chillingham offers a great family day out in Northumberland.
Our warden will escort you on a fascinating tour which highlights the magnificent scenery and introduces you to the mysteries of the wild cattle. Our warden will take you close, but not too close, to the cattle and share with you the secrets of their amazing story, the ups and downs of their fighting and mating, killing and goring.
These remarkable wild beasts are completely untamed. They have never been touched by human hand; no vet has ever treated one.
Chillingham Park is home to many other species of wildlife. During your visit you may see Roe and Fallow deer, brown hares, foxes and over 50 bird species including the nuthatch, redstart and woodpeckers. The badgers are very wary and not often seen, but the ancient beech and oak trees planted around 1760 are home to the native red squirrel which you may be lucky enough to glimpse.