Northumberland's Castles & Historic Houses

Northumberland's castles and historic houses are the place to discover both the county's battle-scarred history and the luxury living of wealthy landowners of bygone days. We've more castles open to the public than any other county in England, from the glorious tranquil ruins of Edlingham Castle to the exciting contemporary visitor attraction of Alnwick Castle, famous film set location of Hogwart's School in the Harry Potter movies and ancestral home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

The wild, unspoilt beauty of Northumberland's golden coast is home to spectacular fortifications perched on rocky headlands, including Bamburgh Castle, a living, working home even today, and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Warkworth Castle towers over the picturesque town of Warkworth whilst Lindisfarne Castle provides a truly iconic reminder of our rich history. Inland, castles, fortresses and pele towers pepper the Northumberland countryside. Magnificent examples include the castles of Ford & Etal's beautiful estate, Harbottle in the Northumberland National Park, Kielder Castle and Hadrian's Wall Country's Bothal Castle, Dilston Castle and Chapel and Aydon Castle. The brave can stay at the haunted Chillingham Castle or alternatively, sample the award winning luxury of Langley Castle Hotel.

Just as impressive are Northumberland's historic houses. Today, magnificent stately homes such as Belsay Hall, Cragside and Seaton Delaval Hall with their stunning grounds and gardens are open for visitors to explore. Others make luxurious places to stay, with roaring fires, fantastic cuisine, heavenly spas and great golf courses.