Roman forts, ruined castles, coastal priories: looking for castles in Northumberland to explore, history to uncover or a day out the whole family will love? Northumberland is packed with English Heritage sites, from world-famous stretches of Hadrian's Wall to castles clinging to the Northumberland coastline. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a full family holiday in Northumberland, here's our guide to the very best of them.
The 13 English Heritage sites in Northumberland
Thirteen English Heritage sites in total - twelve across Northumberland plus one just over the county line.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Three homes, one thousand years of history, all on a single site near Belsay in mid-Northumberland. Wander the ruined medieval castle, admire the grand neoclassical hall, then lose an afternoon in 30 acres of quarry gardens, woodland walks and rare plants.
Explore Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Housesteads Roman Fort
The most complete Roman fort in Britain, and one of the most spectacular points along Hadrian's Wall. Explore the barracks, hospital and famously well-preserved communal latrines.
Explore Housesteads Roman Fort
Lindisfarne Priory
Follow in the footsteps of the monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago, on the tidal island of Holy Island. Explore the atmospheric ruins, then take in the wild coastal beauty that surrounds them.
Explore Lindisfarne Priory
Chesters Roman Fort
The best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain, with the remains of bathhouses, barracks and a superb on-site museum of Hadrian's Wall finds.
Explore Chesters Roman Fort
Tynemouth Priory
Just south of the Northumberland border in North Tyneside, Tynemouth Priory is well worth the short trip. Perched on a headland with sweeping views over the North Sea and the mouth of the Tyne, it has 2,000 years of history behind it, from Anglo-Saxon monastery to wartime gun battery.
Explore Tynemouth Priory
Corbridge Roman Town
Step into one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Britain, once a bustling supply base for troops on Hadrian's Wall. Walk the original streets and browse one of the finest collections of Roman finds in the country in the on-site museum.
Explore Corbridge Roman Town
Warkworth Castle
One of the most impressive fortresses in the north of England, Warkworth's mighty keep still towers over the village and River Coquet below it. A favourite with Shakespeare, who used it as a setting in Henry IV.
Explore Warkworth Castle
Birdoswald Roman Fort
The longest continually excavated site on Hadrian's Wall, sitting alongside some of the best-preserved sections of the wall itself. A superb spot for walking Hadrian’s Wall.
Explore Birdoswald Roman Fort
Dunstanburgh Castle
Standing on a wave-battered headland between Craster and Embleton, Dunstanburgh is one of the most dramatic ruins in the country. Reachable only on foot, the Northumberland coastal walk to its gates is half the adventure.
Explore Dunstanburgh Castle
Prudhoe Castle (open on selected days)
A romantic ruin high above The Tyne Valley, with a rare surviving medieval gatehouse and moat. Prudhoe was the only Northumberland castle never taken by the Scots.
Explore Prudhoe Castle
Brinkburn Priory (open on selected days)
A beautifully restored 12th-century church tucked into woodland by the River Coquet. A true hidden gem, with striking stained glass and a tranquil riverside setting.
Explore Brinkburn Priory
Aydon Castle (open on selected days)
One of the finest fortified manor houses in England, hidden away in a peaceful wooded setting above the Cor Burn near Corbridge. A rare survivor, built for comfort as much as defence.
Explore Aydon Castle
Berwick Barracks
England's first purpose-built barracks, in a town shaped by centuries of Anglo-Scottish history. (Currently closed while works transform the site into a cultural hub, reopening in 2027.)
Explore Berwick Barracks
