Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle was built at a time
when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had
become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research
carried out by English Heritage indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was hitherto
recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold.
The innovative gatehouse, for instance, competed with the new royal castles in Wales.
The earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was
defeated, being taken and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed eventually to John of Gaunt, who
strengthened it against the Scots by converting the great twin towered gatehouse into a keep. The focus of
fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but
subsequently fell into decay. Its impressive ruins now watch over a headland famous for seabirds.
Dunstanbugh Castle is owned by The National Trust and entry is free to NT members. The property is
maintained and managed by English Heritage.
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The Castle Gatehouse
Embleton Bay
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| How to find us: |
| By Car: | Parking in Craster village; approx 1½ miles walk. A charge is payable. |
| By Bus: | Arriva 401, 501 Alnwick-Belford with connections from Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle
(passing Metro Haymarket); alight at Craster 1½ miles.
Telephone: 01670 533128 for further details |
| By Train: | Chathill (U), not Sunday, 5 miles from Embleton, 7 miles from Castle; Alnmouth, 7 miles
from Craster, 8 miles from Castle. |
| Telephone: | Telephone +44 (0)1665 576231 |
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| Daily opening times: |
| 21 Mar-30 Sep |
10am-5pm daily |
| 1-31 Oct |
10am-4pm daily |
| 1 Nov-31 Mar |
10am-4pm (Thu-Mon) |
| Admission prices: |
| Adult |
£3.50 |
| Concessions |
£2.80 |
Children
Children under 16
Children under 5 |
£1.80
Free |
| EH Members |
Free |
Groups of over 11 persons
15% Discount |
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