Castles
Northumberland has 70 castles for you to explore, from mighty castles towering over towns and coastlines to amazing ruins, there is plenty for you to see. You can see some of the castles below which are nearest to the cottages
Jim Scott Photography has created The Northumberland Project which is an interactive photographic map detailing all of the castles in Northumberland – there are over 70 castles in the area.
Bamburgh Castle
The oldest castle dating back to the 11th Century and it has stood guard over the bamburgh coastline for over 14000 years. The castle is owned by the Armstrong family and is open to the public. With its beautiful staterooms and views which span over the coastline towards Lindisfarne, it is worth visiting whilst staying in Northumberland. One of the things we discovered last year was the Armstrong and Aviation Museum which tells you about the achievements of William Armstrong and has artefacts from the two world wars.
Further information here: – https://www.bamburghcastle.com
Alnwick Castle
The home of the Duke of Northumberland (and of Harry Potter!) is the second largest inhabited castles in the country. The Castle is steeped in history and construction started in 1096. It has also appeared in many tv and film programmes, such as the most recent Transformers, Harry
Potter and Downtown Abbey.
The grounds surrounding the castle were landscaped by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. He is renowned for creating some of England’s most beautiful landscapes and from the Terrace and Ramparts, you can view the characteristic features of his work. Capability Brown was born in Kirkharle in Northumberland.
Why not try out your wizardry skills whilst visiting the castle by taking part in one of the many events the castle runs throughout the year.
Further information here:- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the-history
Dunstanburgh Castle
Did you know – on a clear day you can see Dunstanburgh from Shepherds Cottage and Beadnell Bay.
Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland and is reached via a beautiful walk from the nearby village of Craster. The 1.3 mile walk along the rugged Northumberland Coast crosses working farmland. The castle was built in 1313, and the latest research indicates that it was built on a far grander scale than was originally recognised.
Enjoy views of the dramatic ruins from the wave-battered coastline
Further information here:-
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dunstanburgh- castle/
Warkworth Castle
Explore this mighty fortress sitting on the hilltop above the River Coquet. Explore the floors and rooms in the magnificent cross-shaped keep which was once home to ‘Harry Hotspur’, and see spectacular river and coastal views from the castle walls.
Warkworth Castle is set on the edge of the quaint town of Warkworth with its lovely river walk, lovely shops and many cafes and bars to enjoy.
Further information here:- www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage
Lindisfarne Castle
The location of Lindisfarne Castle is one of the main attractions and reasons for visiting. Set on a hill on the coastline of Holy Island, the castle was built to replace the priory and it started construction in about 1550, but wasn’t completed until 1570. For the next three hundred years, the fort (as it was known then) was home to temporary garrisons of soldiers on detatchment from the larger force based at nearby Berwick. Their main job was to man the guns and watch the horizon for trouble.
Further information here:-
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle
You must take care when visiting the island and the castle and take note of the Safe Crossing Times.
Chillingham Castle
This 12th Century castle boasts as being one of the most haunted castles in the country and if you are brave enough you can book onto one of their ghost hunts or stays. The castle is owned by the Wakefield family and they reside in part of the castle. Inside the castle you will come across many antiques and eclectic items from over the years. The castle has played a part in many tv and film productions, the famous film ‘Elizabeth’ staged many of its scenes here and the fireplaces used in the film are still in situ.
Vist:- https://chillingham-castle.com/
The other attraction at Chillingham is the wild cattle (which is a separate visitor attraction from the castle.)
They are the only wild cattle in the world, sole survivors of herds that once roamed the forests of Britain.
These animals are still potentially dangerous and can only be visited with the Warden, who will take you as close as safely possible and explain their more recent history and way of life.
Visit http://www.chillinghamwildcattle.com for more information.
Terms and Conditions
Electric Car Charging Locations:-
Visit zap-map.com
Access Statements –
Shepherds Cottage
The Bothy
Benthall House
Shepherds Lodge
The Sand Martin