Plan your visit to Dunstanburgh Castle with North East Escapes. Walk from Craster to the dramatic ruins and find nearby Northumberland holiday homes. |
Visit Dunstanburgh Castle, The Ruined Giant of the Northumberland Coast
Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the most dramatically situated ruins in England, a vast and broken fortress on a headland of volcanic dolerite above the Northumberland coast that is accessible only on foot and that rewards the approach with a sense of discovery and remoteness impossible to replicate. It is the largest castle in Northumberland by area, and despite its ruinous condition the sheer scale of the gatehouse tower and curtain wall rising above the sea is awe-inspiring. Turner painted it, Constable painted it, and on a wild day with the grey sea churning below, it is easy to understand why.
Dunstanburgh Castle was built between 1313 and 1322 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, one of the most powerful magnates in England and a fierce opponent of Edward II. The enormous gatehouse that forms the most visible part of the ruins was designed not merely as a military structure but as a statement of political power, its scale and ambition reflecting Lancaster's rivalry with the king. Lancaster was executed in 1322 and never lived to see his castle completed. The castle passed through several subsequent owners including John of Gaunt, who strengthened the defences, before falling into decay during the Tudor period. English Heritage now manages the site.
The walk to Dunstanburgh from either Craster to the south or Embleton to the north is as much a part of the experience as the castle itself, taking you through a spectacular coastal landscape of rocky coves, dunes and cliff-top paths with sea views in both directions. The Craster approach, around a mile and a half each way, passes through the attractive fishing village famous for its oak-smoked kippers, and the castle appears at intervals as you walk north. The gatehouse survive to impressive height, and the extent of the curtain walls gives a clear sense of the castle's enormous original ambition. Lilburn Tower is the best-preserved of the secondary towers.
Dunstanburgh Castle is located near Craster, Northumberland, NE66 3TT. There is no road access to the castle; it is reached on foot only, either from Craster car park to the south (approximately 20 minutes walk) or from Embleton village to the north (approximately 30 minutes). English Heritage manages the castle, which is open daily from April to October and at weekends in winter. Craster village has a car park and excellent facilities including the Craster Arms pub and the Jolly Fisherman, both noted for their local crab and seafood.
North East Escapes has a lovely range of holiday homes near Dunstanburgh Castle in the villages and coastal areas of this part of Northumberland. Staying near Craster or Embleton puts you within walking distance of the castle and the spectacular stretch of coast between Howick and Beadnell, as well as within easy reach of Alnwick Castle, the Farne Islands and the rest of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our properties in this area are among the most popular with guests who love coastal walking, wildlife and the authentic character of this unspoilt corner of England.
