Wonders of Northumberland - Dunstanburgh Castle

Photograph by Callum Thompson (@adventure_cal)

Dunstanburgh is one of the most dramatically situated castles in England, with almost sheer cliffs on the seaward side and crumbling, ruinous towers creating ragged silhouettes on the skyline. The sound of crashing waves and cries of resident seabirds further enhance the ominous atmosphere of this striking location.  The castle was constructed by a powerful Baron, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster in 1313 during a period when Lancaster’s relationship with the crown had become openly hostile. The latest archaeological research indicates the castle was built on a far grander scale than originally recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the King than as a military stronghold. Unfortunately for the Earl, he failed to reach the safety of Dunstanburgh when his rebellion against the crown was defeated and he was captured and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed to John of Gaunt, who strengthened Dunstanburgh’s defences against the Scots by converting the great twin-towered gatehouse into a keep. The castle was later the focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses – it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, subsequently falling into decay. 

For a castle of which little remains, Dunstanburgh holds its own in the line of Northumberland’s mighty strongholds. Most of what you can see today dates from the original construction in 1313 and is renowned to be haunted by the ghost of Sir Guy the Seeker. The ruins can be reached by a splendid 1.3 mile walk from the nearby village of Craster or a slightly longer 2.5 mile walk from Low Newton-by-the-Sea.