Invading Romans and Vikings and feuding royal families are no more along Northumberland's coast, but what remains of those harder, bloodier times are a magnificent array of sturdy castles. Some reduced to atmospheric ruins, others in fine fettle, still family homes and filled with a treasure trove of antiques, paintings and suits of armour. With over 70 to choose from, we thought we’d put together a small round up to help you plan which to visit first. Each one gives a taste of the rich history and fascinating heritage of this stunning rural county.
Bamburgh Castle
Perched high on a rocky outcrop above a golden sweep of beach is the majestic Bamburgh Castle. Its dramatic views and treasure-filled rooms make this coastal fortress a must-visit. The first English castle to fall during the War of the Roses, it was restored by 19th-century industrialist Lord Armstrong, whose descendants still live within its mighty stone walls. Today they welcome over 200,000 visitors a year, who come to tour the dungeons, grounds, and impressive staterooms overflowing with antique furniture, suits of armour, ceramics and artworks. Finish your visit with a stroll along the dunes to soak up the superb views of the castle towering above the coast.
Stay a 20-minute drive away at Brunton House & Cottages, a big dower house and two cottages surrounded by superb gardens, a fishing lake and acres of glorious countryside, a short walk to the coast.
Chillingham Castle
Reputed to be the most haunted castle in Britain, those who dare can book a ghost tour, hunt or even a workshop showing how to use ghost hunting tools! Chillingham is steeped in history and warfare and occupied a strategic position during Northumberland’s bloody border feuds. Tied to the same family since the 1200s, the current custodians have expertly restored the castle’s extravagant medieval staterooms, stone-flagged banquet halls and gruesome torture chambers. When you’ve finished your ghost hunt, wander Capability Brown’s landscaped grounds with lake, fountains and tea rooms.
Stay next door at Chillingham Manor, a spoiling B&B with fabulous breakfasts and much comfort. Visit the haunted castle, say hello to a herd of rare wild cattle and walk for miles through the glorious Northumbrian landscape.
Alnwick Castle
Set in idyllic Alnwick, this magical castle, made famous by starring in the first two Harry Potter films, has changed little since the 14th century. The imposing ancestral home of the Percy family, the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland are the current custodians. Discover a sumptuous and extravagant interior with six rooms open to the public featuring a superb collection of Italian paintings, including a Titian and a few Canalettos. Outside, wander the parklands designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, have a cake and a coffee in the Courtyard Café then exit through the gift shop.
Stay a 10-minute drive away at Keeper’s Cottage, a charming 1820s cottage with long views, a lovely garden and generous extras. All around are miles of white sandy beaches with dunes.
Lindisfarne Castle
Reached only by a narrow causeway, this tiny tidal island gets cut off from the mainland twice a day, so remember to check the tide times before setting off. Stroll along the rocky coastline to the iconic 16th-century building, perched high on a rocky outcrop, and remodelled by Edwin Lutyens in the early 1900s as a holiday home for the founder of Country Life magazine. Explore a selection of perfectly preserved rooms and outside, discover the summer-flowering garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll, the historic Victorian industrial lime kilns, craggy shoreline walks to spot basking seals and a National Trust shop in the village.
Stay a 20-minute drive away at The Fuffins at Hunting Hall and soak up glorious views across Northumberland countryside from this peaceful and comfortable cottage with almost an acre of private garden.
Dunstanburgh Castle
The only way to reach the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle is by foot on a 1.5 mile coastline and farmland walk from Craster village. Constructed in 1314 on a magnificent scale and strengthened during the War of the Roses, it was once the largest and grandest fortification in the north of England. Left to crumble, parts of the original wall and gatehouse keep remain standing as a testament to its 14th century builders. The castle crowns one of the most beautiful stretches of dramatic coastline, filled with seabirds and wildlife, and the thunderous sound of tempestuous North Sea waves. Wander back to Craster for a pick me up.
Stay a 20-minute drive away at Lemmington Lodge, a hugely comfortable and warm timber-framed lodge with an enormous picture window giving you views over fields of sheep and the Cheviots. Beaches, castles and long walks are all around.
View all our special places to stay in Northumberland >
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Carmen McCormack
Guest Expert
Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.
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