Castles in Northumberland that Enjoy Sea Views

6 August 2024

Northumberland is famous for its incredible coastline and historic castles. There are more than 70 castles in this region and luckily the best are around the coastline, each with their fascinating snippet of history and each with breath-taking sea views.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle has glorious views over the Northumberland coast to the Farne Islands and Holy Island. Located north of Seahouses and Beadnell, it has to be a favourite amongst the castles of this shoreline thanks to two things; firstly, it has been impeccably preserved and is architecturally magnificent, and secondly, it overlooks one of the most stunning beaches in the region, with powdery pale sands and turquoise waters. Together Bamburgh beach and its iconic castle are a match made in heaven.

It is a Grade I listed building, which began as a Celtic fort in 420, possibly controlled by the Bernica Kingdom, and after passing from the Saxons to the Vikings and through to the Normans was eventually bought by William Armstrong. It has been a pharmacy, a surgery, a free school and a private residence and features in LJ Ross novels. Make time for your castle visit and a good long coastal walk as the wildlife and vistas here are bountiful. Open every day at a charge.

Lindisfarne Castle

A little further north on Holy Island lies Lindisfarne Castle. Smaller than Bamburgh but also located in an idyllic setting and just as magical. A causeway links the mainland to this picturesque island that boasts some fabulous white sand and beaches with dunes. The castle was built in 1550 as a defence of the island against the Scots and the Vikings, and was then bought in 1901 by Edward Hudson and redesigned by Architect Edward Lutyens as a private residence. The National Trust has managed Lindisfarne Castle since 1944. As the castle lies on an island, opening times are influenced by tide times.

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Berwick Castle

Berwick Castle is the most northerly of the Northumberland castles and overlooks the beautiful town of Berwick upon Tweed, with stunning sea views in all directions and out to the sandy beaches of the North Sea and the Tweed Estuary. It was built in the 12^th century by the Scottish King David, then passed between the Scots and the English for various reasons, including to raise funds for the Third Crusade. The primary remains are that of the White Wall, and the Breakneck Stairs, but Berwick also possesses an impressive and unique Elizabethan Wall and old centre that is worth seeing. The castle is maintained by English Heritage and entry is free and open 24/7.

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle is located on a hill above the coastline and Warkworth Village. The castle and the village are found in a loop on the River Coquet which opens on to the North Sea. The castle is a fine example of 13^th century architecture, and its remains include a gatehouse and very well-maintained walls and towers on top of a mound (motte). Dating 1157-1164 its original timber structure was considered “feeble” but was improved upon and remains today. Owned by the famous Percy family and its derivations throughout the centuries, the castle was refurbished in the 19^th century and now managed by English Heritage. Below lies the wonderful Warkworth Beach and coastal walks with views over Coquet Island and the nature Reserve.

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Dunstanburgh Castle

To the South of Bamburgh, just above the golden sandy beaches of Embleton Bay lies the 14^th century Dunstanburgh Castle. It was originally built by the Earl of Lancaster as a show of wealth and played a key role in the Wars of the Roses. History apart, this is an awesome place to behold as Embleton Beach has been voted as the best beach in the UK by BBC Magazine thanks to its un-spoilt dunes, natural beauty and wildlife. Now managed by the National Trust and English Heritage the castle remains include several towers and tunnels to clamber around and photograph. Enter via the twin-towered keep, which has excellent views from the top. Don’t miss the gorgeous beaches below and the views from the immaculate golf course, not to mention the breath-taking coastal walks between Craster and Embleton.

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