Dunstanburgh Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Craster, England
Dunstanburgh Castle is a medieval fortress in ruins along the Northumberland coast, featuring a distinctive twin-towered gatehouse and substantial stone walls that define its perimeter. The remains cover a large area and show how castles were built to control and defend a strategic coastal position.
The fortress was founded in 1313 by Thomas of Lancaster as a political statement against King Edward II, and later saw fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses. These conflicts marked the building and left visible traces that remain in the ruins today.
Locals and visitors see the fortress as a symbol of medieval power and resilience along this stretch of coast. Walking through the remaining walls, people connect with the stories of those who lived and defended this place centuries ago.
To reach the fortress, a coastal walk of about 1.3 miles (2 km) from Craster village is required, with parking available there. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are advisable, as the exposed coastal path can be windy and the ground uneven.
An Iron Age fortification once occupied this site, and its foundations were later incorporated into the castle's design. This demonstrates how different periods recognized the strategic value of this coastal location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
