Dunstanburgh Castle

The spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle sit on a rugged headland on the Northumberland coast, with towered walls, big skies, and sheer drops to the sea on the north side. It was begun in 1313 by Thomas of Lancaster, cousin and leading baronial enemy of Edward II of England, and it still has that bold, “message was sent” scale.

You reach it on foot from Craster via a beautiful coastal walk (around 1.3 miles) that crosses working farmland, so it’s very much a “keep to paths, mind the livestock” situation. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the whole headland, and keep an eye out for wildlife too, as the site is known for seabirds along the cliffs in spring and summer.

The castle is owned by National Trust and managed by English Heritage, with free entry for National Trust members (bring your card).