Discover Dunstanburgh Castle

Photo by Ben Gillespie (@photo8en)

The shattered ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle may have succumbed to the elements, but this remarkable castle still holds its own in the long line of Northumberland’s great coastal fortresses.

Route Section: Northumberland Coast

Grid Reference: NU 25684 21798

What3Words: eyelashes.shapeless.crate

Parking: Craster

Dog Friendly: Yes

About Dunstanburgh

Photo by Ben Gillespie (@photo8en)

When driving the coastal leg of your Northumberland 250 adventure, it’s difficult to miss the medieval ruins of this 14th-century castle, clinging to a remote headland overlooking the North Sea.

A dramatic 1.5-mile walk along the coast from the nearby village of Craster is the most scenic path to access this moody and weather-beaten castle.

There is plenty of parking spaces for visitors to Craster, although parking in the village itself is restricted. As you enter Craster follow the directions into the large car park beside and behind the Craster Tourist Information Centre and start your walk from here.

At the Castle, you can explore the great gatehouse and the imposing Lilburn Tower, which commands spectacular views north towards Bamburgh Castle. The castle is now owned by The National Trust and maintained and managed by English Heritage.

A Brief History

Photo by Ben Gillespie (@photo8en)

The fortification was originally built in 1313 by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster who at the time was one of the most powerful men in England. Captured and executed whilst fleeing to the safety of Dunstanburgh, the Earl is thought to have only visited the castle once.

During the Second World War, the iconic castle was used as an observation post to defend the Northumberland Coastline from German invasion. The site was refortified in 1939 with trenches, barbed wire, pillboxes and a minefield.

Don’t Miss

• An awe-inspiring walk along Northumberland's most dramatic stretch of coastline

• The great twin-towered keep

• Views of the shattered ruins from the wave-battered coastline

• Crab sandwiches at the Jolly Fisherman Pub in Craster