Dunstanburgh Castle |
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Standing on a dramatic headland overlooking the North East coast, Dunstanburgh was once the largest castle in Northumberland, covering 11 acres. The site is part of the Great Whin Sill which is a natural escarpment which cuts across Northumberland.
Built in 1313, what remains from the ravages of time, weather and warfare is a gaunt ruin, a tantalizing glimpse of what this grand fortress was once like. The castle was built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster as a military stronghold against King Edward II. All the Earl's worst fears were realized when his rebellion failed and he was executed by Edward in 1322.
The castle, barely completed, was inherited by the new Earl of Lancaster, John of Gaunt. He strengthened
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Two rectangular towers remain of the south-facing defences, known as the Egyncleugh Tower and the Constable Tower, along with two turrets. The gatehouse stands on the west corner and would have been the original residential accommodation with the enclosed courtyard behind which would have been used for the troops.
The gatehouse was a four-storey high structure and would have been topped with turrets. One of the rooms in the gatehouse controlled the portcullis mechanism. On the hilltop is a turreted watch tower, called the Lilburn Tower.
During the Wars of the Roses, Dunstanburgh was besieged and was eventually captured by the Yorkists but later fell into neglect. Much of the stone was carried off and used for local houses and buildings.
Like all old buildings with a turbulent past, Dunstanburgh Castle is said to
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The last private owner was Sir Arthur Sutherland who gave the castle to the Ministry of Works in 1929. It is now owned by The National Trust and managed by English Heritage.
Dunstanburgh was captured on canvas a number of times by artist J.M.W. Turner who painted it as an atmospheric backdrop to scenes on the beach below. It still makes a great photographic opportunity in all seasons.
Visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll of seven miles in this outstanding area between the villages of Craster and Embleton. Enjoy the shoreline, the country tracks or the winding lanes around the area, with great views from the castle. It is also an ideal family visit which will capture the imagination of young visitors who can scramble freely and explore the ruins.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
2nd January - 28th March: Monday, Thursday - Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm. 1st April - 30th September: Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm. 1st -31st October: Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm. 3rd November - 31st December: Momday, Thursday - Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Closed 1 January and 24 to 26 December. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £3.60; Child £1.80.
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Directions
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9 miles north east of Alnwick, approached from Craster to the south or Embleton to the north (on foot only) Cycling: View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. Ordnance survey reference: 75:NU258220 |
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Dunstanburgh Castle Postcode for SatNav: NE66 3TT |
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