The Dunstanburgh Castle, a medieval fortress perched upon the rugged Northumberland coastline, is a sight to behold. Its towering presence overlooking the North Sea is simply awe-inspiring, beckoning visitors to take a journey through time. As you explore the castle’s majestic ruins and immerse yourself in the rich history that echoes within its ancient walls, you’ll be transported to a world of enchanting charm and dramatic vistas. Witness the perfect blend of history and nature’s splendour, and let Dunstanburgh Castle capture your senses with its magical allure.
| Location | Village Craster, Northumberland, England (Google Map Location) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | National Trust |
| Official Website | Dunstanburgh Castle |
| Rooms Available | No, only open for day visits |
History of the Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle, which means “the fort of the town by the rock,” was constructed in the 14th century by Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster, who was the wealthiest man in England at the time. The castle was built as a secure refuge from King Edward II, but Thomas was later executed by the king for his involvement in the barons’ rebellion. After being modernised by John of Gaunt, the castle served as a Lancastrian stronghold during the Wars of the Roses. Despite once being one of the largest castles in Northern England, it is now owned by The National Trust and maintained by English Heritage.
History of the Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle, which means “the fort of the town by the rock,” was constructed in the 14th century by Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster, who was the wealthiest man in England at the time. The castle was built as a secure refuge from King Edward II, but Thomas was later executed by the king for his involvement in the barons’ rebellion. After being modernised by John of Gaunt, the castle served as a Lancastrian stronghold during the Wars of the Roses. Despite once being one of the largest castles in Northern England, it is now owned by The National Trust and maintained by English Heritage.
The Dunstanburgh Castle – Architecture
The castle was constructed as a fortress to provide protection and is well-secured on all sides except for the north wing. This area is vulnerable due to the steep drop that leads directly to the North Sea.
After the execution of Earl Thomas, This Castle was passed down to John of Gaunt, who made several noteworthy changes to the castle’s layout.
To this day, the view of the castle with its twin towers and the gatehouse remains intact. The castle is a daring work of engineering with little detail adding to its beauty. The stained glass windows are one of a kind. The ruins of the gatehouse after the wars tell stories about everything this majestic castle has lived through.
The Dunstanburgh castle also has a very large inner bailey which was used for farming and grazing livestock. The Lilburn tower sits high above, built to serve as an observation post for persons approaching from the north.
Interesting Facts About The Dunstanburgh Castle
Popular Film Location: The castle’s evocative ruins have attracted numerous filmmakers, and it has been featured in several movies, including the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” starring Kevin Costner.
Haunting Legends: Legends and folklore surround Dunstanburgh Castle. One such tale involves the ghostly figure of Sir Guy the Seeker, a knight who is said to roam the castle’s grounds in search of his lost love.
Literary Inspiration: The castle’s picturesque ruins have served as a muse for various writers and artists throughout history. Notably, it inspired the renowned English romantic poet Algernon Charles Swinburne, who wrote the poem “By the North Sea” based on Dunstanburgh Castle.
Places to Stay
There are several options for accommodations near this Castle. Here are a few suggestions:
Craster Arms Hotel: Located in the charming village of Beadnell, it is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) from Dunstanburgh Castle.
The Bamburgh Castle Inn: Situated in Seahouses, it is about 6 miles (9.7 km) from Dunstanburgh Castle.
The Cottage Inn: Nestled in the coastal village of Dunstan, it is just over 1 mile (1.6 km) from Dunstanburgh Castle.
FAQs
1. Who owns Dunstanburgh Castle now?
The Dunstanburgh Castle is under the ownership and management of English Heritage, a non-profit organisation that takes care of historical sites and monuments all over England. They are responsible for preserving, conserving, and providing public access to the castle so that visitors can appreciate its beauty and historical importance.
2. Where is Dunstanburgh Castle located?
Dunstanburgh Castle is situated on the Northumberland coast in North East England near the village of Craster, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) northeast of Alnwick. It is prominently placed on Dunstanburgh Point, a remote headland overlooking the North Sea.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
