Dunstanburgh Castle
Dramatic 14th-century castle ruins perched on a windswept Northumberland headland, accessed via a scenic coastal walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Dunstanburgh Castle
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic 14th-century castle ruins perched on a windswept Northumberland headland, accessed via a scenic coastal walk.
"Stunning location for a castle, one of the best castles to visit on a good sunny and windy day!"
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the castle is on uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must for a pleasant experience.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind!
Northumberland's coast is windy. Pack layers and a windproof jacket for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dramatic Ruins
Clifftop headland
Explore the imposing 14th-century castle ruins, a testament to medieval power, perched dramatically on the coast.
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Embleton Bay Views
Adjacent to the castle
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the castle from the pristine sands of Embleton Bay, perfect for a picnic.
Twin-Towered Keep
Castle interior
Climb the main tower for panoramic views of the North Sea and surrounding coastline. Care is needed on the spiral stairs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Coastal Walk Essential
Weather-Wise Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the castle is on uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must for a pleasant experience.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind!
Northumberland's coast is windy. Pack layers and a windproof jacket for comfort.
🚗 Parking Options
Park at Craster for amenities or Dunstan Steads for a slightly shorter walk. Both have parking fees. +1
📸 Capture the Drama
The castle's silhouette against the sea is iconic. Visit during golden hour for stunning photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the castle is on uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must for a pleasant experience.
🌬️ Embrace the Wind!
Northumberland's coast is windy. Pack layers and a windproof jacket for comfort.
🚗 Parking Options
Park at Craster for amenities or Dunstan Steads for a slightly shorter walk. Both have parking fees. +1
📸 Capture the Drama
The castle's silhouette against the sea is iconic. Visit during golden hour for stunning photography.
💰 Free for Members
English Heritage and National Trust members get free entry. Check your membership benefits!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning location and dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, calling it one of the finest English Heritage sites. The coastal walk to reach it is a major highlight, offering breathtaking views. While the castle itself is largely in ruins, the climb to the top of the keep provides fantastic panoramas. Some note the lack of extensive interior structures and the consistently windy conditions.
"A lovely coastal walk to get up to the castle takes around 20-30 minutes from the harbour depending on how fast you walk. The views from the castle and on the walk up are stunning.
The castle doesn't have a great deal left but you can get up the main tower and the views from the top are fantastic.
The staff were great and informative. One told us that you can sometimes see dolphins off the coast.
There are toilets on site.
You will need to park on the road leading in to the coastal town and walk up to the castle."
Adam Barnard
"June 17th 2025 visit. English Heritage - free for members. Just a stunning location for a castle - one of the best castles to visit on a good sunny and windy day! Park near Dunstan Steads instead of Craster - and walk alongside the beautiful golf course. Some incredible history attached to this castle so get a guide book and find a sheltered place to sit and learn...! Brilliant all round. 5 out of 5."
David Hicks
"Undoubtedly one of the finest English Heritage sites to visit in the country. Stunning position on the cliffs and the castle ruins are visible for miles. You can walk from Craster (just over a mile), but we approached from Dunstan Steads (under a mile). Excellent views of the birds on the cliffs. At the castle the cliffs are mainly fenced off but there are warning signs of the sheer drop. Terrific views from the top of the castle - care needed on the spiral staircase though. There are toilets , and a small English Heritage shop - very helpful staff. Definitely worth making the effort to visit."
Roy Sirl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is a scenic coastal walk from the village of Craster (approx. 1.2 miles) or Dunstan Steads (approx. 0.8 miles). Parking is available in both locations, with Craster offering more amenities. +1
Yes, there are car parks in Craster and Dunstan Steads. Craster's car park is convenient and accepts card, cash, or app payments. +1
No, Dunstanburgh Castle is only accessible by foot via a coastal path. The walk is relatively flat and manageable for most visitors.
The walk is a beautiful coastal path, mostly flat with some uneven sections. It offers stunning sea views and takes about 20-45 minutes depending on your starting point and pace.
While there isn't direct public transport to the castle itself, you can take a bus to nearby villages like Craster or Seahouses and then walk. Check local bus timetables for routes from Newcastle or Alnwick.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Dunstanburgh Castle is managed by English Heritage. Entry is free for English Heritage members. Non-members can purchase tickets on-site or online.
Ticket prices vary for non-members. It's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date pricing. Members of the National Trust may also have free access.
The castle grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours, but specific opening times for the keep and visitor facilities can vary. Always check the English Heritage website before your visit.
Yes, National Trust members often have free entry to Dunstanburgh Castle, as it's managed by English Heritage. It's worth confirming this with both organizations before your visit.
Yes, there is a small English Heritage shop on-site selling guidebooks and souvenirs. Staff are generally helpful and informative.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the impressive ruins, climb the twin-towered keep for panoramic views, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. You can also visit nearby Embleton Bay.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available on-site. Some reviews mention a lack of running water, so be prepared. +1
Yes, you can climb the main tower (the twin-towered keep) for fantastic views. Be cautious on the spiral staircase.
Children will likely enjoy exploring the ruins and the open spaces. However, supervision is essential due to the cliff edges and uneven terrain.
Absolutely! The castle grounds and nearby Embleton Bay offer beautiful spots for a picnic with incredible views.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides the most dramatic light for capturing the castle's silhouette against the sea.
From Embleton Bay, the coastal path leading from Craster, and from the top of the keep itself offer iconic perspectives.
Yes, Dunstanburgh Castle is a popular spot for astrophotography, especially for capturing the Milky Way or aurora borealis.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the ruins or wildlife.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with English Heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach at Embleton Bay or within the castle grounds. The open spaces are perfect for letting kids burn off energy. Consider bringing a kite to fly in the famously windy conditions. The walk is manageable for most children, but younger ones might need a carrier or a break.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different vantage points: from Embleton Bay for a wide coastal shot, or from the top of the keep for panoramic views. The ruins themselves offer fantastic opportunities for detail shots. Don't forget to look up – the castle is also a prime location for astrophotography, with clear skies revealing the Milky Way.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dunstanburgh Castle
+2Today, the ruined castle stands as a dramatic silhouette against the North Sea, a popular destination for history enthusiasts and walkers alike. Its history isn't one of grand sieges but rather a tale of ambition and the shifting tides of power in medieval England. The sheer scale of the gatehouse and curtain walls, even in their current state, hints at the castle's former grandeur.
Exploring Dunstanburgh offers a glimpse into this past. While much of the interior structure is gone, the imposing outer walls and the iconic twin-towered keep remain. The site's remote and windswept nature adds to its atmospheric appeal, making it a compelling place to imagine medieval life on the rugged Northumberland coast.
Coastal Walks and Scenery
Alternatively, you can start from Dunstan Steads, which offers a slightly shorter walk (around 0.8 miles) and passes by a golf course. Both routes are relatively flat but can be exposed to the elements, so dressing appropriately is key. The Northumberland Coast Path winds through this area, providing ample opportunities for exploration and enjoying the dramatic natural beauty.
Beyond the castle, the adjacent Embleton Bay is a must-visit. Its pristine sandy beach provides a different perspective of the castle ruins and is an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; some visitors have even reported spotting dolphins off the coast!
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