Plan your day out
Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England, with over 70 castle sites. Ranging from well-preserved fortresses to haunting ruins, you are guaranteed to find out more about the county’s turbulent past as a border region. All within close distance to Elm Bank Coastal Park, find out more about the castles we recommend you visit.
bamburgh Bamburgh Castle
Spanning nine acres of land, Bamburgh Castle has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years, it is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Bamburgh Castle is open for you to visit all year round and once you have explored the grounds, you can visit their beautiful Clock Tower café for a selection of hot and cold food for you to enjoy the grounds. You also don’t need to leave your fluffy friends behind, well behaved dogs are welcome as long as you keep them on a short lead at all times.
Address: Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7DF
Lindisfarne Castle’s origins go back to the old borderlands, and from the 1550s up until 1893, the castle was garrisoned by the government, which at one point mounted 21 cannons. Located on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle offers a perfect mix of adventure and discovery for visitors of all ages. From birdwatching to seal spotting and skimming stones along the beach, there is something for everyone.
Address: Holy Island, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH
Alnwick Alnwick Castle & Garden Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK, it has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set and of course, as a family home.
There’s plenty for you to do at Alnwick Castle every day. Alongside special events and performances, you can also join guided tours to learn about the castle’s history or its role as a filming location. Amongst many activities, you can try your hand at archery, or even learn to fly a broomstick in the very spot where Harry Potter first soared.
Address: NE66 1NQ
First built in the 12th century, Norham Castle was one of the great English strongholds along the River Tweed, a barrier against the Scots. The Scots besieged it nine times, capturing it on four occasions, however the remains of the impressive great tower still stand today.
Norham Castle is set high on a grassy mound, commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed. Unfortunately, parts of the site are uneven and can become muddy so the site is not suitable for wheelchairs. There is a car park onsite with plenty of spaces.
Address: Castle Street, Norham, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, TD15 2JY
cornill-on-tweed Etal Castle Etal Castle was built in the mid 14th century as a defence against Scottish raiders. The castle is set in the beautiful village of Etal by a ford over the River Till, and is the ideal location for a family day out.
Entry to the site can be made from the village or the car park at the rear of the site, as the ground is grassed and uneven, not recommended for wheelchair users. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead so you don’t need to leave them behind!
Address: Etal Castle, Etal, Cornill-on-Tweed, TD12 4TN
If you’re interested in visiting any of these castles, why not extend your stay and visit them all by booking a stay with us at Elm Bank Coastal Park. You can also visit all the other local treasures around Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Book now and start exploring.
