Castles And Coastlines

With rich history, dramatic scenery and fabulous food, Northumberland is a delight for all the senses

- Rebecca Gamble

With the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle behind me and as I look out towards the glittering North Sea, the view of the Northumberland coastline is nothing short of spectacular.

Standing on a high coastal bluff, the castle was built for Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (c1278-1322), and was begun in 1313. The gentle mile-long walk up to the defensive fort from the pretty harbour village of Craster is delightful, with sheep grazing on one side and the waves lapping the shore to the other. The ragged silhouette of the Great Gatehouse is still an awe-inspiring landmark as I approach, seven centuries after its construction. While much of the once-formidable fortress is long gone, some of the structures such as Constable’s Tower and Egyncleugh Tower are imposing sights, while the east wall marks the boundary between the castle’s outer bailey and the craggy shore below.

Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England, so exploring them is a must for any visitor. And in sharp contrast to the rugged charm of Dunstanburgh Castle, just 20 minutes’ drive away lies the magnificent Alnwick Castle (alnwickcastle.com), the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor.