Wild North (Wild North)

Wild North is a furry convention held inside Lumley Castle, a 14th-century fortress in Chester-le-Street in northeast England. The event is capped at approximately 100 attendees and grew from 60 in 2024 to a full 100 in 2025, raising over £1,000 for Little Paws Ferret Rescue.

2026: An Age of Heroes

Running over the September 18-21, 2026 weekend, the convention presents an "Age of Heroes" theme.

Wild North is built around companionship, relaxed socialization, and the roleplay potential of its castle setting. Rather than pursuing large attendance numbers, the convention caps at approximately 100 attendees. This deliberate limitation preserves the intimate, historic atmosphere of the castle, giving each attendee a more personal weekend experience.

How Do I Get to Wild North?

Reaching a 14th-century castle requires slightly different logistics than a city-center hotel:

• Flying: For international or long-distance attendees, Newcastle International Airport (NCL) serves as the primary hub, located roughly 30 minutes north of the castle.
• The Rail Network: The UK rail network provides efficient connections. Attendees can route into Newcastle or Durham stations, then take a short regional rail hop or taxi into Chester-le-Street.

Where Should I Stay for Wild North?

The housing setup is central to the convention's appeal:

• Sleeping in a Castle: The event is anchored around Lumley Castle, and securing a room inside the fortress is highly sought after. Due to capacity constraints and the castle's historic room layouts, attendees should monitor registration phases and expect waitlist-style processes.
• The Local Footprint: For those who miss the castle block, Chester-le-Street has local inns and affordable overflow options within commuting distance of the castle grounds.

Past Years

2025: Haunted Halls

Wild North 2025 took place in the historic 14th-century Lumley Castle, hosting a capacity crowd of 100 attendees. The event raised over £1,000 for Paws Ferret Rescue in its uniquely atmospheric setting.

What Are the Highlights of Wild North?

• A Castle Convention: A gathering hosted inside an authentic 14th-century fortress.
• Age of Heroes: An atmospheric theme anchoring the September 2026 run.
• Capacity-Constrained: Capped at around 100 attendees to preserve the intimate, relaxed communal atmosphere.
• The Northern UK Hub: Situated between Newcastle and Durham for convenient rail and flight access.