Northumberland's many castles

Fantastic fortresses

The only time you want your holiday to end in ruins is when you visit Northumberland. It's home to more castles than any other county in England, explore famous fortresses, ghostly grounds and opulent state rooms.

The county filled with castles

From mighty castles that tower over towns, to once-grand, romantic ruins, Northumberland boasts over 70 castle sites for you to explore.

With a legacy of a turbulent history, they're scattered along our coastline, perched on rugged islands, and sitting in the hearts of cobbled market towns.

See small-scale remains, fully restored sites that dominate the coast, magical grounds where you can ‘fly’ a broomstick, and even a haunted castle.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK; home to the Percy family for over 700 years and film location for Downton Abbey and Harry Potter's Hogwarts.

Bamburgh Castle

Experience a different level of Northumberland at England's finest fortress Bamburgh Castle, home of the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Built on the most magnificent scale, Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland.

Etal Castle

Set in the charming village of Etal, this Northumberland castle is the ideal location for a family day out.

Warkworth Castle

Set in a quaint Northumberland village, this hill-top fortress and hermitage offers a fantastic family day out.

Chillingham Castle

A medieval castle with stunning views of formal gardens and the Cheviot Hills. Perfect for architectural and naturalist/historical enthusiasts.

Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle has many a story to tell so a family day out to this Northumberland fortress is truly worthwhile.

Lindisfarne Castle

Iconic Tudor Fort converted into an intimate holiday home in 1903 for Edward Hudson by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. With charming Gertrude Jekyll walled garden and stunning coastal views to Bamburgh and the Farne Islands - an unusual holiday home by the sea. Please check our website for opening times and causeway safe crossing times http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle/

Get closer to our castles

Discover which of our towns and villages are closest to our spectacular castle sites, from tiny fishing villages to historical market towns.

Bamburgh

A pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners, and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn. These are just a few of Bamburgh’s draws, not to mention its coastal setting in the county's AONB.

Alnwick

From broomsticks to bookshops, tree houses to cherry blossoms, and jousts to dragons, you can't miss the magic of the cobbled market town of Alnwick when you visit Northumberland.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Cobbles, castles, beaches, and boat trips await you in historical Berwick-upon-Tweed. Teetering on the border of England and Scotland, secrets of a bloody, conflict-filled history linger in its Elizabethan town walls and ruinous castle remains.

Craster

The famous smoked kippers popular with the Royal Family, the ruins of what was once a magnificent fortress, local art, a tranquil cove, and bird spotting are just a few of the things that will make your visit to Craster so memorable.

Ford and Etal

There's plenty for you to see at these quaint Northumberland villages, including a magnificent castle, a steam light railway, and stunning scenery. Walk for miles to take in the view, or kick back with some delicious food.

Low Newton

Low Newton's charming Embleton Bay, its white fisherman's cottages, its local produce, and its stunning stretch of Northumberland coastline are all reasons to visit this small, yet remarkable, place.

Stay near Northumberland's castles

Pick a place in one of our nearby market towns or along our coastline. Or, be king or queen of the castle and stay in one overnight. Book an elegant getaway at Langley Castle Hotel, or trick or treat yourself to a haunted stay at Chillingham Castle.

Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Chatton Park House Bed & Breakfast

Chatton Park House Adult Only is an multi award winning luxury Northumberland estate, offering 5 star accommodation in its own grounds.

Guide Price £159.00 Per Night

Alnwick Self Catering

Chatton Park Lodge

Chatton Park Lodge is a beautiful detached stone cottage set in its own grounds, surrounded by a private walled garden

Guide Price £1,673.00 Per week

Alnwick Inn

The Hogs Head Inn

At the award-winning Hog’s Head Inn you'll find a contemporary inn serving homemade food all day, and cosy en-suite rooms.

Bamburgh Accommodation

Budle Bay Bothies

Two Shakes - dog-friendly coastal, farm-stay glamping without compromise on the Northumberland England Coast Path! Book now https://budlebaycroft.co.uk/availability#availjump

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Holy Island Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland inn to Holy Island, The Lindisfarne Inn is open all day for food, drinks, and cosy accommodation.

Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Old Rectory Howick

Luxury Country House B&B, with private parking only 400 yards from the Northumberland Coast, set in its own grounds.

Guide Price £90.00 Per Night

Craster Self Catering

Dunstan Hall

A Grade II* listed Country Hall, sleeping 18, it’s the perfect large house for family celebrations or community groups.

Guide Price £2,506.00 Per week

Alnwick Self Catering

Village Farm

We are a family run business which provides great family holidays, as well as "get away from it all breaks" for all ages and have 30 years of experience on which to call when we welcome you to Village Farm.

Guide Price £280.00 Per week

Bamburgh Self Catering

Blue Poppy House

A great property for get togethers, dogs and children are also, welcome with plenty of space for all to enjoy.