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Dunstanburgh Castle

📍 Northumberland, England

4.6 ★★★★½ 4,500 reviews

About

Dunstanburgh Castle is a 14th-century fortification on the coast of Northumberland in northern England, between the villages of Craster and Embleton. The castle was built by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster between 1313 and 1322, taking advantage of the site's natural defences and the existing earthworks of an Iron Age fort. Thomas was a leader of a baronial faction opposed to King Edward II, and probably intended Dunstanburgh to act as a secure refuge, should the political situation in southern England deteriorate. The castle also served as a statement of the Earl's wealth and influence and would have invited comparisons with the neighbouring royal castle of Bamburgh. Thomas probably only visited his new castle once, before being captured at the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 as he attempted to flee royal forces for the safety of Dunstanburgh. Thomas was executed, and the castle became the property of the Crown before passing into the Duchy of Lancaster.

Getting There

🚂 Alnmouth Station

East Coast Main Line, then taxi to Craster (7 miles)

🅿️ Craster Car Park

Pay & display in Craster village, then 1.3 mile coastal walk

🥾 Coastal Path

Also accessible from Embleton (1 mile walk from the north)

Terrain & Accessibility

♿ Not Accessible🥾 Walk Required🌬️ Exposed Headland📸 Photogenic

Dramatic 14th-century ruin on a remote Northumberland headland, accessible only on foot. The 1.3-mile walk from Craster is spectacular but uneven. One of England's most atmospheric ruins. Very exposed to weather. English Heritage.