English Heritage does not permit hunting at any of the historic sites in our care, including at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. However, the area in our care at Belsay is surrounded by land which is owned and managed by the Belsay Estate, a private landowner. The Belsay Estate does allow country pursuits including shooting and trail hunting to take place on its land by prior arrangement.

As part of a visit to Belsay Hall, visitors will often be able to explore areas owned by the Belsay Estate, for instance Crag Wood. As not all the boundaries are fenced it is not always apparent to visitors, but this is not land which English Heritage has jurisdiction over. 

We have recently sought and received assurances from the hunt organisers that in future, trail hunts will be moved further away from the boundary with Belsay Hall. As it is owned by the Belsay Estate, Crag Wood will be closed to visitors on trail hunt days.