Northumberland is home to more magical castles than any other county in England. There are endless opportunities to wander ghostly grounds, uncover fascinating history and discover famous filming locations with a visit to some of the region’s best castles.
Steeped with rich history and many captivating stories, there are actually 70 enchanting castles in Northumberland waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a day out that’s fun for the whole family, why not consider visiting one of these fantastical fortresses?
Scattered along the 40-mile coastline, perched on rugged islands and placed perfectly in the heart of cobblestoned market towns; there is something for everyone no matter where you are visiting in Northumberland.
Now, if we listed all 70 castles in the county this blog post would be more like a novel. So, with that in mind, here’s a round-up of Northumberland’s most popular castles!
Bamburgh Castle
The castle you should most definitely not miss in Northumberland is Bamburgh Castle. Towering above the coastline from a volcanic outcrop, it spans over 9 acres and is one of the largest fortresses in England.
Spectacular views capture the long sandy beach below and beyond to Lindisfarne and the sea bird haven known as The Farne Islands. There’s always something happening at Bamburgh Castle, so keep an eye out on the website.
Alnwick Castle
The second largest inhabited castle in the country, Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Duke of Northumberland the Percy family for over 700 years.
The castle flaunts striking mediaeval architecture with dazzling state rooms and is considered one of the best days out in Northumberland. In recent years, the castle has also taken starring roles in famous productions like Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter film series.
Chillingham Castle
Just a short distance from the seaside, Chillingham Castle has an extraordinary ownership bloodline which dates back to the 1200’s. It showcases fine rooms, gardens, fountains, lakes and tea rooms for the public to enjoy.
Perfect for family days out, this 13th century castle is rich with history and is guaranteed to fascinate visitors. If you are in search of a spooky experience, the ‘Torture Chamber’ and evening ghost tours should not go a miss!
Lindisfarne Castle
Due to being perched on a rocky peak on an island, Lindisfarne Castle is only accessible when the tide is out. Therefore, to access this beautiful remote island, we recommend checking for safe crossing times if you wish to visit.
After you’ve finished exploring the ruins that remain standing, stop off at the Pilgrims Coffee House and Roastery to refuel with delicious coffee and a homemade scone or cake.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Towering beautifully over the Northumberland coastline, Dunstanburgh Castle is an ideal family day out. Take a tasty picnic, marvel at the spectacular views and even venture further towards the Scottish Borders if time allows.
The castle can be reached via a stunning walk along the Northumberland Coast from the nearby village of Craster and will take you approximately 1.3 miles to get there. Parking is available in Craster if you wish to embark on the picturesque walk to reach the castle.
If you’re interested in booking a caravan touring holiday, look no further than our caravan parks in Northumberland. Alternatively, we have static caravans for sale if you are considering holiday home ownership.
Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team who will be happy to help your holiday dreams become a reality.
