Heya, im leaving from Liverpool... Easiest way there is: M62->M60->M62->M1->A1(M) Thats how to get up near there then use Bully's directions! It will take a good 3 hours btw!
Oh, hang on. I'll be driving a slow-ass minibus, from Pompey (~ 340 miles). Maybe it's not that far for you midlands people (Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield etc )
up here in the so called north proper boarder country we have to travel and it take less time because are road work, and an't got loonyes all over them..... but any how easy way is m62 then a1 go on to 6e web site good local maps of the a1 and direction
from the a1, then hit the a68 going northwards, you can't miss it, unless you listen to the AA, then they send you up to tow law (not the right way!) if you do miss it the next castle is in scotland.