Top 9 Castles around Newton-By-The-Sea

Dunstanburgh Castle is best accessed by foot. You can enjoy a picturesque 1.3-mile (approximately 2 km) coastal walk from the nearby village of Craster, or from Embleton. This scenic walk is considered a significant part of the experience, offering views of golden sand dunes and wildlife.

Yes, both Dunstanburgh Castle and Bamburgh Castle are considered family-friendly. Dunstanburgh offers an engaging walk to impressive ruins, while Bamburgh Castle, an intact and imposing structure, provides a rich historical experience that appeals to all ages.

The castles around Newton-by-the-Sea offer spectacular coastal views. From Dunstanburgh Castle, you'll find breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea, Embleton Bay, and the rugged coastline. Bamburgh Castle, perched on a rocky plinth, also provides impressive vistas of the surrounding beach and sea, with several dedicated viewpoints like View of the Northumberland Coast from Bamburgh Castle offering prime photo opportunities.

The area around Newton-by-the-Sea is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Low Newton Beach – View of Dunstanburgh Castle loop'. There are also mountain biking and road cycling routes available. For more details on routes, explore the easy hikes, MTB trails, and road cycling routes guides for the region.

The spring and summer months are ideal for visiting the castles, as the weather is generally milder and the coastal walks are particularly enjoyable. During spring and summer, you can also observe seabirds nesting on the cliffs around Dunstanburgh Castle.

Many of the coastal walks in Northumberland, including the path to Dunstanburgh Castle, are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with ground-nesting birds or livestock, and to check specific site regulations before your visit.

While there are no cafes directly within the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, the nearby villages of Craster and Embleton, which serve as starting points for the walk, offer cafes and pubs. Bamburgh Castle is located near Bamburgh village, which has several options for food and drink.

Dunstanburgh Castle has a rich history, built between 1313 and 1322 by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, as a defiant statement against King Edward II. It was later transformed into a keep by John of Gaunt and served as a Lancastrian stronghold during the Wars of the Roses, where it was besieged and damaged by cannon fire. Its imposing ruins tell a story of medieval power struggles.

Yes, Dunstanburgh Castle is open to the public. While it is a ruin, you can explore its massive three-storey Great Gatehouse, extensive curtain walls, and other towers like the Lilburn Tower. The castle is owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage. For current opening times and visitor information, you can check the English Heritage website.

Bamburgh Castle is located approximately 10-12 miles north of Newton-by-the-Sea, making it a short drive or a longer, scenic cycle ride along the coast.

While Dunstanburgh Castle and Bamburgh Castle are popular, the walk to Dunstanburgh often disperses crowds, offering a more tranquil experience, especially outside of peak hours. The remote coastal location of Dunstanburgh contributes to a sense of peaceful exploration.

Given the coastal and often exposed nature of the castles, it's advisable to pack layers of clothing, including waterproofs and windproofs, regardless of the season. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for the approach to Dunstanburgh Castle. Don't forget a camera to capture the stunning views and perhaps binoculars for wildlife spotting.