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Dunstanburgh Castle

Castles

Dunstanburgh Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Dunstanburgh Castle

Recommended by 95 hikers out of 99

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Northumberland Coast National Landscape

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Location: Craster, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Dunstanburgh Castle

4.7

(22)

207

hikers

1. Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle loop from High Newton — Northumberland Coast

16.9km

04:23

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(35)

565

hikers

2. Craster Harbour – View of Dunstanburgh Castle loop from High Newton by the Sea

12.5km

03:13

60m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(32)

405

hikers

3. View of Dunstanburgh Castle – Dunstanburgh Castle loop from Craster

12.9km

03:21

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

mkirby

May 31, 2023

Standing proudly on a remote headland in Northumberland, Dunstanburgh Castle emerges as a remarkable testament to a turbulent era.

During a period marked by strained relations between King Edward II and Earl Thomas of Lancaster, the castle took shape. Construction commenced in 1313, with recent archaeological findings revealing its grandeur far exceeded initial estimations. It is believed that Lancaster intended for the fortress to serve as a symbolic gesture of his opposition to the king, rather than purely as a military stronghold.

Tragically, Lancaster's plans were thwarted when he failed to reach Dunstanburgh during his rebellion. In 1322, he was apprehended, subsequently meeting his fate at the hands of executioners. The castle, however, endured, passing into the possession of John of Gaunt, who bolstered its defences to counter potential Scottish incursions. One notable modification was the transformation of the imposing twin-towered gatehouse into a formidable keep.

As the Wars of the Roses engulfed the land in conflict, Dunstanburgh Castle found itself at the centre of fierce battles. It witnessed two sieges and fell into the hands of Yorkist forces on both occasions. Yet, as the years passed, the castle succumbed to neglect and gradual decay, its once formidable stature fading into history's embrace.

Mario

April 11, 2021

Impressive cliff face to the rear of the castle

The Wandering Fiona

April 17, 2021

Beautiful view of a large cliff with different formations of stone.

Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 20 December

7°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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Location: Craster, North East England, England, United Kingdom

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Dunstanburgh Castle

1. Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle loop from High Newton — Northumberland Coast

2. Craster Harbour – View of Dunstanburgh Castle loop from High Newton by the Sea

3. View of Dunstanburgh Castle – Dunstanburgh Castle loop from Craster

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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