Castles & historic sites of Northumberland

Northumberland's castles are world-class, iconic buildings that echo with violent and surprising pasts.

Castles and Historic Sites in Northumberland

Let's start with arguably the two most famous. There's Bamburgh Castle, an ancient site completely remodelled and rebuilt by Victorian entrepreneur Lord Armstrong, who also built Cragside House, Gardens & Estate.

Try standing on Bamburgh beach one sunny morning or sunset and marvel at the site of the fortress towering over the dunes looking out defiantly towards the North Sea.

Do the same at Embleton beach and you'll find yourself looking towards the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a fortress built in the 14th Century. It was a view loved by landscape artist Turner.

Coming inland, but staying in the north of the county, Alnwick Castle dominates its town and you may recognise it from its starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films.

You might think Northumberland's visible history begins with the Romans, but if you look carefully you'll find evidence of civilisation in the county long before the Mediterranean invaders arrived. Explore our Iron Age hillforts and ancient rock art.

Northumberland's countryside was a prize asset for the Scots and the English and as a result you'll find fortresses and pele towers peppering the county.

Fine examples can be found at Ford and Etal, Harbottle in the Northumberland National Park, and Aydon Castle near Corbridge.

As if that wasn't enough, we can offer you Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Holy Island, a range of significant battlefields and the mysterious carvings of ancient peoples who left their distinctive cup and ring marks on rocks around the county.