Ratcheugh Observatory

Ratcheugh Observatory is a folly building constructed in the late 18th-century on a prominent crag between Alnwick and Longhoughton in north Northumberland, England. Commissioned by Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland, the Observatory is castellated in appearance, and incorporates a viewing tower with prospects of Alnwick and its castle, and of the North Sea coast at Boulmer.

Ratcheugh Observatory is located on Ratcheigh Crag, a local 120 metres (390 ft) whinstone high-point above a foreground of fields at 85 metres (279 ft) or lower elevations, situated 2.2 miles (3.5 km) east-north-east of Alnwick and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) west-south-west of Longhoughton; 2.5 miles (4.0 km) inland from the coast at Boulmer, in north Northumberland.

The Observatory at Ratcheigh is a screen-wall built at the crag edge, incorporated into which are a number of turrets or towers; and having towards its northern extent a square-plan viewing tower built on open hollow-chamfered arches. The tower has a single enclosed room, each wall having three large round-arched windows affording commanding views to the north-east, north-west, south-east and south-west. The structure is described by Historic England as a gazebo and eye-catcher in the Castellated Gothick style, and is constructed in rough-faced stone with ashlar dressings.

The Observatory was designed by (or follows a design outline of) Robert Adam, and dates to the 1754-1770 period. It provides very fine views of Alnwick Castle, Hulne Park, Hulne Priory and other of the Duke's local possessions; a 360° panorama of the local area, farmland used for fox hunting and point-to-point horse racing; and distant views of Dunstanburgh and Warkworth Castles and the Farne Islands.

...
Wikipedia