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Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle
View of the gatehouse from the south (c) English Heritage
Dunstanburgh Castle - View of the gatehouse from the south (c) Dunstanburgh Castle - View of the Castle with rocks in foreground covered in Orange Lichen (c)

Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research carried out by English Heritage indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was hitherto recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold. The innovative gatehouse, for instance, competed with the new royal castles in Wales.

The earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was defeated, and was taken and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed eventually to John of Gaunt, who strengthened it against the Scots by converting the great twin towered gatehouse into a keep. The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but subsequently fell into decay. Its impressive ruins now watch over a headland famous for seabirds.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.60
Children:
£1.80
Concession:
£3.10
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Free to National Trust members

How do I get there?

Address:
Northumberland - NE66 3TT
Road Access:
8 miles NE of Alnwick; on footpaths from Craster or Embleton -11⁄2 miles flat coastal walk
Train Access:
Chathill (U), not Sun, 5 miles from Embleton, 7 miles from Castle;Alnmouth, 7 miles from Craster, 81⁄4 miles from Castle
Bus Access:
Arriva 501 Alnwick - Bamburgh, with connections fromBerwick-upon-Tweed railway station and Newcastle (passing MetroHaymarket); alight Craster, 1 1⁄2 miles
Map Location:
Telephone:
01665 576231

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Picnic area Hazardous Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders
Facilities Details:
Parking (in Craster village; approx 11⁄2 miles walk. A charge is payable).

Further Info

Owned by the National Trust, maintained and managed by English Heritage
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