Northumberland Castles Gazetteer
- Map of Castles in Northumberland
- Map of ALL Castles in England
- Map of all attractions in Northumberland
Northumberland is home to some of the finest medieval castles in England, particularly along the coast, where fortresses such as Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh are situated in striking locations overlooking the sea.
Dunstanburgh Castle is, without doubt, one of the most striking and evocative medieval castles in England. The castle sits atop high cliffs on a promontory overlooking the North Sea. The striking remains are all the more evocative when you consider that they can only be reached by a mile-long footpath along the coast from Embleton to the north or a slightly longer path from Craster to the south. The castle is the largest in terms of area in all of Northumberland.
Dunstanburgh Road, Craster, Northumberland, England, NE66 3TT
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The enigmatic ruins of a 14th-century fortified manor house, located in a picturesque valley setting. The castle was built around 1295 by William de Felton. Much of the castle has been levelled to the foundations, but the much damaged solar tower still stands - though it is a wonder that it does! The foundations of the hall house, gatehouse, and the barbican can be seen. The castle is in the care of English Heritage and is accessible at any time. Beside the castle is the small medieval church of St John the Baptist, Edlingham.
Edlingham, Northumberland, England, NE66 2BW
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Heritage Highlight: 15th century solar tower
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On the edge of Elsdon village stands an early Norman motte and bailey castle, sometimes known as The Mote Hills. Elsdon Castle is one of the best-preserved in Northumberland. The motte stands 15 metres high and is about 80 metres in diameter. There are sizable earthworks on two sides, and a steep cliff on a third side, providing a natural defence.
Elsdon, Northumberland, England
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An early 14th-century castle built by Robert Manners to guard a crossing of the River Till, in the very north of Northumberland. The castle was first and foremost a dwelling, but its location in the troubled borders region between Scotland and England meant that it was subject to attack, so shortly after building it was fortified and strengthened with a gatehouse, curtain wall, and guard towers.
Etal, Northumberland, England, TD12 4TN
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Heritage Highlight: Twin towered 14th century gatehouse
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Although it is now a romantic Edwardian home converted by Sir Edward Lutyens in 1903, this wonderfully evocative structure began life as a Tudor fort under Henry VIII. For atmosphere, it is hard to top.
Holy Island, Northumberland, England, TD15 2SH
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The first castle in the historic market town of Morpeth was built in the 11th century, as part of the Norman expansion of control over the north of England. That early motte and bailey castle was demolished in 1215 and almost nothing now remains.
3a Austin House, Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth, Northumberland, England, NE61 2PP
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Norham Castle is an imposing Norman fortress built on the banks of the River Tweed around 1121 by Ranulf Flambard, the powerful Bishop of Durham. The castle stands on the site of a much earlier prehistoric fort. The Bishop's fortress was rudimentary; little more than an earthen ringwork with a timber palisade around a ceremonial hall. It was meant primarily to protect the Bishop's estates in the region.
Castle Street, Norham, Northumberland, England, TD15 2JY
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A medieval treasure of a fortress, built by the de Umfraville family between 1100 and 1120 to guard a ford across the River Tyne at Prudhoe. The castle has been in continuous use for over 9 centuries. The original castle was besieged on two occasions by Scottish invaders and subsequently strengthened with the addition of a stone keep and great hall.
Castle View, Prudhoe, Northumberland, England, NE42 6NA
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Heritage Highlight: Perhaps the earliest oriel window in England
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Thirlwall Castle is a 12th-century castle atop a high man-made mound overlooking the River Tipalt. The castle was built almost entirely using stones from Hadrian's Wall, which runs nearby.
Greenhead, Northumberland, England, CA8 7HS
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Wark in Tynedale Castle is a 12th-century motte and bailey fortification, probably built by the Earl of Northumberland in 1139. A subsequent castle replaced that early one in 1165. There is little remaining beyond the motte, and farm buildings now stand on the site.
Wark on Tyne, Northumberland, England, NE48 3LS
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