Discover Northumberland's Roman forts, ruined castles and coastal priories with English Heritage
Looking for castles 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 our coastline. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a full family holiday, here's our guide to the very best of them.
The sites
Twelve English Heritage sites across Northumberland (plus one just over the county line), from Roman forts to ruined castles. Here's your guide to every one of them.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Three homes, one thousand years of history, all on a single site. 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
Aydon Castle
One of the finest fortified manor houses in England, hidden away in a peaceful wooded setting above the Cor Burn. A rare survivor, built for comfort as much as defence.
Explore Aydon Castle
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
Prudhoe Castle
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
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
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
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 a walk along the frontier.
Explore Birdoswald Roman Fort
Brinkburn Priory
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
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
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 coastal walk to its gates is half the adventure.
Explore Dunstanburgh Castle
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
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 2027.)
Explore Berwick Barracks
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
