This is the land of castles and there are many to see, but we have selected, in no particular order, our ‘top 6 Castles’, which we highly recommend and hope you will enjoy visiting them as much as we do.
Alnwick Castle
Home to the Percy family who have lived in the Castle since 1309, as the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland. It is the second largest inhabited Castle in the country after Windsor Castle. Today though, the Castle is probably best known as a ‘location’ for the shooting of some of the Harry Potter films, particularly the ‘Quiddich’ sequences
for more information visit the Alnwick Castle Website
Warkworth Castle
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From its early development in the 11th Century, the Castle was extensively enlarged in 1139 by Henry, the son of the King of Scotland, who became Earl of Northumberland. The Castle remained in the Percy Family, whose lion badge can be seen carved on to many parts of this stronghold. The family maintained Warkworth Castle as their home until the 17th Century, when eventually they moved to Alnwick Castle.
The Castle enjoys a beautiful location in the last of the numerous bends of the River Coquet. Currently under the ownership of English Heritage, it is a short 10-minute walk from Riverview.
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View the Engish Heritage's page on Warkworth Castle
Or visit Warkworth Village's Website
Bamburgh Castle
Whether entering the village of Bamburgh from the North, South or from the West the Castle will be the first thing you see. It stands high above the village, road and the absolutely magnificent beach.
The Kingdom of Northumbria came into being sometime after the Roman legions left for home, with Bamburgh being named as both its capital and the location of the Kings Palace.
In more recent times, the most famous heroine of the village is Grace Darling, for her brave exploits at the age of 22 when together with her father, a lighthouse keeper, rescued 9 survivors from the ‘Forfarshire’ which ran aground on one of the Farne Islands in a terrible storm. She lived only 4 more years after this incredible rescue dying at the age of 26.
There is the Grace Darling Museum located in the village together with a monument to her in St Aidans’ church.
Visit the Bamburgh Castle Website
Dunstanburgh Castle
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The Castle was built in the year 1314 and is the largest Castle in Northumberland originally covering an area of 11 acres. The Castle stands in a wonderful location on a dramatic headland. The structure was extensively damaged in the 15th Century War of the Roses conflict and it was never restored. The remaining structure is extremely atmospheric. The Castle can be reached from both the South and North by way of stunning coastal walks. From the south, parking is available in the car park located just outside the village of Craster and a bracing coastal walk takes you to the Castle. On occasions sheep or cattle are allowed to graze on this land so dogs should be kept on their leads at such times. From the north there is a magnificent walk along Embleton Bay from Low Newton to the coastal path leading to the Castle. Depending on the length of walk you want, parking may be found in Low Newton if you feel really energetic, or the walk can be ‘halved’ by parking in the lane next to Embleton Golf Club.
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Part of Dunstanburgh Castle |
Lunch at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster is recommended or at our particular favourite venue, The Ship Inn at Low Newton, which has outside seating with a very pleasant view. Both are happy to accept dogs in the Bar.
Visit the National Trusts website for Dunstanburgh Castle
Chillingham Castle
Thought to be the most haunted Castle in England it has featured on a number of recent TV programmes including ‘Most Haunted’. The Castle started out as a Monastery dating back to the 12th Century and occupies a strategic location, being used as a ‘staging post’ for English troops on their way to fight in Scotland, and as a prison for captured Scottish soldiers. After the Second World War the Castle fell into disrepair. Sir Humphrey Wakefield purchased the property in the 1980’s and has been carrying out a painstaking restoration programme to restore it to its former glory. A visit is highly recommended to experience the ‘quirkiness’ of this very different type of Castle experience.
The Castle is also home to the famous wild herd of ‘white cattle’ which roam the 365 acre parkland.
Visit the Chillingham Castle Website
Lindisfarne Castle
Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island and is only accessible by crossing the 3 mile long Causeway which links the Island to the mainland. The causeway is cut off by the tide twice a day, so timings have to be considered when planning a visit. The Tide Timetables are ‘posted’ at both ends of the causeway as well as being available on the Internet.
The Castle was built in 1539 acting as a harbour defence. It is the most prominent feature on the island, being located on the summit of a ‘whinstone’ outcrop and is easily visible from locations along the coast.
The Castle was allowed to fall into disrepair before being purchased in 1902 by Edward Hudson who employed Edward Lutyens to oversee the restoration and return it to a private residence. The property is now owned by the National Trust who have opened the Castle to the Public.
While visiting the Island you may also wish to visit Lindisfarne Priory
Click here to visit the National Trusts webiste for Lindisfarne Castle |
