Dunstanburgh Castle




Anyone visiting the Northumberland Coast AONB, must go and see this 14th century stronghold that dominates one of the most beautiful stretches of Northumberland’s coastline.
The Castle was built by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Back then the richest man in England after the king.
After Thomas was executed for treason, the castle was inherited by John of Gaunt, son of Edward III.
The latter built a gateway bearing his name which is still visible today.
By the mid 1500s, Dunstanburgh Castle was a ruin.


Today the Castle still holds its own, but unlike Alnwick, Bamburgh or Lindisfarne, it has not been patched up or altered much over the years.
When viewed from the north, the castle is a shattered ruin clinging to the edge of Whin Sill Rock.
But viewed from the south, Dunstanburgh bares its formidable chest.
The atmospheric setting of this castle on a remote heathland on the Northumbrian Coast makes it one of the most enchanting places we have visited.
Especially when the clouds gather above the wave-battered coastline and the sky gets dark, you start to believe the legendary tale of Sir Guy the Seeker and his ghost.
Dunstanburgh Castle is managed by English Heritage and National Trust members enter free with a valid membership card.


Walking
Dunstanburgh Castle is reached via a beautiful walk from the nearby village of Craster.
This 1,3 mile walk along the rugged Northumberland Coast crosses working farmland.
But do keep on walking and follow the coastline towards Low Newton.
This exhilarating 7,7-mile circular walk offers great views of Dunstanburgh Castle from all angles.
Very few people walk around the back of the castle to see the spectacular view of the remains of Northumberland’s volcanic past.
The shoreline rocks look like embryonic hexagonal columns. It actually looks a bit like the Irish Giant’s Causeway.
You can walk further along the coast and explore Beadnell Bay just beyond Snook Point.
This 10,5-mile circular route starting at Low Newton will take you towards Dunstanburgh Castle first. It then passes two beautiful sandy beaches before ending at Beadnell Harbour.
This route follows the St Oswald’s Way.


St Oswald’s Way
St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance walking route, exploring some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history of Northumberland.
The route links some of the places associated with St. Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people.
From Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in the north, St. Oswald’s Way follows the stunning Northumberland coast, before heading inland across beautiful countryside to Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall in the south, a distance of 97 miles (156 km).
Section two of the Way starts at Bamburgh Castle and follows the coast southwards past Beadnell Bay to Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Embleton Bay.
After this, St. Oswald’s Way passes the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, before arriving at the fishing village of Craster.
Northumberland Coast Path
The Northumberland Coast Path follows this stunningly beautiful coastline for 100 kilometres (62 Miles) from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.
Stage three (10 miles) starts in Craster and heads north along the rocky cliffs towards Dunstanburgh Castle.
Cool Places to Explore
Alnwick Castle | Holy Island of Lindisfarne | Bamburgh Castle | Alnmouth | Howick Hall Gardens | Farne Islands Natural Nature Reserve | Lindisfarne Castle | Wallington Hall & Garden | Cragside.