England Guide
The Northeast
Chillingham Wild Cattle
Opening time: Visits April– Oct Mon & Wed– Sat 10am– noon & 2–5pm, Sun 2–5pm; winter by appointment
Price: £4.50
Address: 6 miles southeast of Wooler (off the A1 and A697)
Website: www.chillingham-wildcattle.org.uk
In 1220, the 365 acres of parkland adjoining Chillingham Castle were enclosed to protect the local wild cattle for hunting and food. And so the Chillingham Wild Cattle – a fierce, primeval herd with white coats, black muzzles and black tips to their horns – have remained to this day, cut off from mixing with domesticated breeds. It's possible to visit these unique relics, who number about seventy, but only in the company of a warden, as the animals are potentially dangerous and need to be protected from outside infection. The visit takes up to an hour and a half and involves a short country walk before viewing the cattle at a safe distance – the closest you're likely to get to big game viewing in England.