Dunstanburgh Castle
Alnwick, Northumberland
About Dunstanburgh Castle
History buffs, this castle should be on your bucket list! Dunstanburgh Castle boasts incredible views, historic architecture, and plenty of secrets! This iconic castle ruin was once one of Northern England's largest and most grandiose forts. It overlooks a beautiful stretch of Northumberland coastline.
Dunstanburgh Castle's History
The castle was built around 1313 when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Fun Fact: The latest archaeological research suggests that Lancaster built the castle on a far grander scale than was initially recognised - maybe as a symbol of his opposition to the king? The castle was passed onto John of Gaunt, who strengthened it against the Scottish raids - he did this by converting the great twin-towered gatehouse into a keep! The castle was then besieged twice, captured by Yorkist forces in the War of the Roses, and fell into decay!
Did you know that Dunstanburgh Castle is the largest Castle in Northumberland and once had the grandest fortifications in Northern England?
Things To Do At Dunstanburgh Castle
It is a relatively easy walk from Craster Village to the 14th-century castle. You'll walk along a 1.5-mile coastal trail, taking in the breathtaking views, golden sand dunes, bright flora, and refreshing sea breeze! Not to mention the plethora of sheep and cows for the kids to spot and numerous rock pools on the beach to explore if the weather is on your side! Watch out for wading birds like oyster catchers, dunlin, and redshanks!
Dunstanburgh Castle is very much a ruin but still sturdy and safe to enter. You can walk around the castle walls. It's atmospheric enough to get their imaginations going, and there's lots of space for kids to run around, pretending to be knights and queens or princesses and kings, or sea monsters attacking the castle: whatever you like, really! The gift shop can help with this in the form of swords, crowns and whatnot, so take the pocket money! You can also pick up an excellent guide book that talks you through the different rooms, including the presence of the no doubt giggle-worthy garderobes (medieval toilets).
There are great views from the top of the tower if you're brave enough to climb all the way. Speaking of bravery, did we mention the ghost? The story goes that Sir Guy the Seeker tried and failed to rescue a beautiful maiden from the castle and still haunts the castle to this day, trying to find her. Apparently, he's perfectly friendly, so don't worry, but if the kids get a bit nervous about it, you can always distract them with the other rumour about the castle, the one about the secret tunnels...
Is Dunstanburgh Castle worth it?
Absolutely! We think so! It's the perfect day out for the whole family: visiting a stunning English Castle and walking along the beautiful coastline with golden sand. Take a step back in time and marvel at the wonders of a castle ruin!
Dunstanburgh Castle Reviews
"Such a beautiful castle, with surrounding countryside . A lovely walk from Craster and back, we have been numerous times always a peaceful and tranquil." - Sally
- Magnificent ruins of a medieval castle to explore
- Walk along the sandy beaches of the Northumberland Coast Path
- You can walk through the castle buildings
Epic Feuds and Medieval Power Plays!
Discover how Dunstanburgh Castle was born from a fierce rivalry between a rebellious baron and King Edward II, and how it later became a battleground during the Wars of the Roses!
Coastal Adventure Awaits!
Embark on a scenic 1.5-mile coastal trek from Craster Village to the castle, where you’ll soak in stunning views, explore rock pools, and maybe even spot some quirky wildlife along the way!
Ghosts, Legends, and Medieval Mischief!
Roam the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, where tales of knights, queens, and a friendly ghost named Sir Guy the Seeker will ignite your imagination and add a touch of spooky fun!
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Food Available
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times may vary, please see website for more details.
Pricing & Tickets
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
Off Peak
Gift Aid
Adult - £6.50
Child (5-17) - £3.50
Concession - £5.50
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £16.50
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £10.00
Without Gift Aid
Adult - £5.90
Child (5-17) - £3.10
Concession - £5.00
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £14.90
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £9.00
Peak
Gift Aid
Adult - £8.50
Child (5-17) - £4.50
Concession - £7.50
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £21.50
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £13.00
Without Gift Aid
Adult - £7.70
Child (5-17) - £4.00
Concession - £6.80
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £19.40
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £11.70
Standard
Gift Aid
Adult - £7.50
Child (5-17) - £4.00
Concession - £6.50
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £19.00
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £11.50
Without Gift Aid
Adult - £6.80
Child (5-17) - £3.60
Concession - £5.90
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - £17.20
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £10.40
English Heritage members go free.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Craster
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 3TT
England
Transport Information
By Car:
8 miles northeast of Alnwick; on footpaths from Craster or Embleton – 1 1⁄2 miles rugged coastal walk.
Postcode: NE66 3TT
Latitude: 55.48953
Longitude: -1.59425
By Train
Chathill Station is 5 miles from Embleton and 7 miles from Castle. Alnmouth Station is 7 miles from Craster and 8 1⁄4 miles from Castle.
By Bus
Arriva service X18 Travelsure 418. Alight Craster and take the coastal walk, which is approximately 1 1⁄2 miles to the castle.
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