Our guide to castles in Northumberland

Days out, Family, Educational

Posted by Ed Roberts on 17th May 2023

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland has so many castles that it should be renamed ‘Castle Land’. Home to over 70 castles (from earthworks to fully restored), we need not tell you that this northerly county of England was at the brunt of some fierce battles with the Scottish and also during the English Civil Wars. 

There are more castles in Northumberland than anywhere else in England, and that makes it the perfect holiday destination for castle baggers, budding historians, and young families that love a fun day of exploration and imagination. Discover the wonders of Northumberland with us. 

We have a varied range of self-catering holiday cottages in Northumberland for you to choose from too; pretend it’s your very own castle. Click below to browse our collection.

Northumberland cottages


FAQs about Northumberland's castles

Northumberland is home to around 70 castles in various states of repair.

Northumberland shares a border with Scotland which England was at war with for centuries. Northumberland also has a long coastline that was worth protecting from overseas invaders.

Bamburgh Castle is the oldest castle in Northumberland. It is over 1,400 years old.

Dunstanburgh Castle is Northumberland's largest castle. Its enclosure is just under 10 acres.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland has featured in several Harry Potter films. Doubling up as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, famous scenes featuring Alnwick Castle include the broomstick flying lessons. Discover more Harry Potter filming locations in our guide.


Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

After Windsor Castle in Berkshire, Alnwick Castle, in Alnwick, is England’s second-largest inhabited fortress in the realm. For over 700 years, this gorgeous citadel has been home to the Dukes of Northumberland (the Percy family). Alnwick Castle was originally a motte and bailey castle; nowadays it is an impressive palace. 

There are family-friendly tours available and you can learn all about Alnwick’s associations with the famous medieval knight, Harry Hotspur; the Percys throughout the ages; the boy-wizard, Harry Potter; and TV’s Downton Abbey. Inside its walls, you will find a library containing 14,000 books and one of Europe’s best private art collections. There are some family-friendly activities to get involved with including ‘have-a-go’ archery and a Harry Potter-themed ‘Broomstick Training Classroom’ for junior wizards and witches. Muggles need not apply.

  • Address | Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Museum, shop, parking, WCs, disabled access, guide dogs only
  • Stay nearby | Thornbrae Retreat – Sleeps 4 

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle

For drama and impact, Bamburgh Castle is the fortress to beat. It is one of the most dramatic castles on the Northumberland coast. Sat atop an extinct volcano, the imposing Norman-era castle has loomed over Bamburgh’s dune-fringed beach for 1,400 years. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in the land and was restored during Victorian times by the famous philanthropist, William George Armstrong. Bamburgh and nearby Lindisfarne are thought to be the cradle of Christianity in the British Isles, the site being home to St Oswald and St Aidan. 

Today, visitors can discover the State Rooms, King’s Hall, The Armoury, The Keep, and 9 acres of grounds. After getting to know the castle, head down to the beach for some photo opportunities; the castle’s profile is best appreciated from afar.

  • Address | Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, NE69 7DF
  • Prices and opening times |See website for details
  • Facilities | Café, WCs, disabled access (except for State Rooms), parking, shop, dog friendly
  • Stay nearby | Smuggler’s Hideaway – Sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle

The woebegone ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, near Craster, stand at the low summit of a coastal landform overlooking a stony shoreline. The scenery is very dramatic there and it is a stirring sight to behold. It was once one of the largest castles in the North East but nowadays, it’s a very picturesque crumbling ruin. Managed by English Heritage, the castellated skyline is best photographed at sunrise; it’s really worth getting out of bed early for. 

The castle fell to ruin after the War of Roses (1455-1485), but you can still appreciate the scale of its fortifications, including its twin-towered keep and its long walls. Dunstanburgh Castle cannot be reached by road and is best visited via the lovely 1.3-mile-long trail along the coast and through some local fields. It's just about the most dramatic Northumbrian castle you can find.

  • Address | Dunstanburgh Castle, Craster, NE67 3XS
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Coffee stand, picnic area, shop, dogs on leads permitted, no WCs
  • Stay nearby | Toms Hideout – Sleeps 5  + 1 dog

Lindisfarne Castle

Lindisfarne Castle

Of Northumberland's castles, for isolation and spectacle, there are few other medieval edifices to rival the iconic Lindisfarne Castle, in Berwick-upon-Tweed. It was built on the site of Lindisfarne Monastery during the reign of Henry VIII when he sacked most of the religious centres in the UK. The castle was built with the same stone and its purpose was to defend Holy Island Harbour; it remained a military stronghold until the late 1800s. In 1901, it was converted into a holiday home by the famed architect, Edward Lutyens, who is known for designing much of New Delhi in India’s modern structure. 

Today, Lindisfarne Castle is managed by the National Trust and you can explore its grounds and interesting rooms. The island is reached via a tidal causeway, so be certain to check tide times in advance so that you don’t get cut off by the sea.

  • Address | Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Baby-changing facilities, lockers, limited WCs
  • Stay nearby | Deja Blue Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle

Now managed by English Heritage, the striking ruins of Warkworth Castle were once owned by the Dukes of Northumberland (the Percys), including the knight, Harry Hotspur. Still casting an imposing shadow across the small town of Warkworth, see the cross-shaped keep and visit the enigmatic hermitage on the site. 

You can enjoy fantastic views over the River Coquet and across the coast from the castle walls. The castle was virtually destroyed during the English Civil War and partially restored during the 19th century.

  • Address | Warkworth Castle, Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Morpeth, NE65 0EU
  • Prices and opening times |  See website for details
  • Facilities | Shop, café, WCs, parking
  • Stay nearby | 1 Coquet Lodge – Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle

Do you believe in ghosts? If you do, then there’s a likelihood you could see something spooky at the aptly named Chillingham Castle, England’s most haunted castle. A whole host of important figures from history stayed here, including Edward Longshanks (Edward I), Henry III and Charles I. In the depths of the castle, you will find the dungeons and former torture chambers yet, above ground, modern Chillingham presents a very different picture.  

Largely unmodified since the castle was built, the Great Halls and State Rooms are full of interesting paintings and tapestries. As for the ghosts, the castle has appeared on Most Haunted and Ghost Hunters; there is even a ghost tour where you can listen to spooky stories of the disembodied whispers in the chapel and other supernatural occurrences at Chillingham.

  • Address | Chillingham Castle, Bondgate Within, Alnwick, NE66 1TA
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Shop, café, WCs, parking
  • Stay nearby | The Butter Churn – Sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Belsay Hall and Castle

Belsay Hall and Castle

The lovely, landscaped gardens make Belsay Hall and Castle a must-see; admire the partially restored medieval castle and the Grand Grecian Hall too. Explore the 30-plus acres of landscaped gardens and take in some legendary views of the Northumberland countryside. 

If you love quirky outdoor spaces, don't miss the Quarry Garden with exotic plants that exist in an odd microclimate. The Hall dominates the site these days, but traces of the castle are still discernible. For other gardens and outdoor attractions in the county, read our guide to things to do in Northumberland.

  • Address | Belsay Hall and Castle, Belsay, Morpeth, NE20 0DX
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Parking, cafe, picnic area, WCs, dog friendly, shop, exhibition
  • Stay nearby | Eachwick Stables – Sleeps 11 + 3 dogs

Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle

This English Heritage-managed Prudhoe Castle was built after the Battle of Hastings and was occupied for over 900 years. It has been open to the public for over 30 years as a visitor attraction. The thick castle walls enclose a Georgian-era mansion – much remains to enjoy at Prudhoe. 

It was the only Northumberland castle to remain uncaptured by the Scots over the centuries, and it also survived two sieges during the 1170s. Restored by the Percy family, it has established its firm place in history. There are good facilities at the castle as well as an exhibition extolling the history of the site with artefacts to pore over too.

  • Address | Prudhoe Castle, Castle View, Prudhoe, NE42 6NA
  • Prices and opening times | See website for details
  • Facilities | Parking, cafe, picnic area, WCs, dog friendly, shop, exhibition
  • Stay nearby | Clara View – Sleeps 6 + 3 dogs

Map of featured Northumberland castles

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Stay in Northumberland

We think that there are so many castles to visit across Northumberland that it could be worth booking a holiday here to see as many as you can. Browse our collection of self-catering holiday properties in Northumberland today.

Northumberland cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.