Top 11 Castles in Northumberland: A Guide to the Region’s 11 Most Impressive Fortresses

As someone who has always been fascinated by history, I have always been drawn to the castles of Northumberland. These impressive structures have stood for centuries, witnessing countless battles, sieges, and political upheavals. This article will provide an overview of Northumberland’s castles, their history, notable features, and popular culture references.

Northumberland is home to some of the most impressive castles in England, each with its own unique story to tell. From the imposing fortress of Alnwick Castle to the ruined remains of Dunstanburgh Castle, these structures are a testament to the region’s rich history and heritage. In this article, I will delve into the fascinating history of Northumberland’s castles, exploring their origins, construction, and use over the centuries.

Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of architecture, or simply looking for a day out with the family, Northumberland’s castles have something for everyone. From exploring the battlements and towers to learning about the legends and ghost stories that surround these structures, there is always something new to discover. So join me as we delve into the fascinating world of Northumberland’s castles.

Key Takeaways

• Northumberland is home to some of the most impressive castles in England, each with its own unique story to tell.
• These castles have stood for centuries, bearing witness to countless battles, sieges, and political upheavals.
• From exploring the battlements and towers to learning about the legends and ghost stories that surround these structures, Northumberland’s castles have something for everyone.

Overview of Northumberland Castles

Northumberland is home to some of the most impressive castles in the UK. The region’s castles have played a significant role in the country’s history, and many of them are now popular tourist attractions.

Some of the most famous castles in Northumberland include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and Warkworth Castle. These castles are not just historic sites but also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

In addition to these well-known castles, Northumberland has many other castle sites that are worth exploring. These include Chillingham Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, and Norham Castle, among others.

Many of these castles have been well-preserved and offer visitors a glimpse into what life was like in medieval times. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, see the castle’s architecture and learn about the castle’s history.

Northumberland’s castles are also popular filming locations. Alnwick Castle, for example, was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Bamburgh Castle has also been featured in several films and TV shows.

Overall, Northumberland’s castles are a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, and stunning views. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, Northumberland’s castles are sure to impress.

History of Northumberland Castles

Northumberland is known for its rich history of castles, with many dating back to the medieval period. These castles were built for various reasons, including defense, power, and prestige.

The Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century brought about a wave of castle building in Northumberland. Many of these early castles were motte and bailey castles, with the keep (or main tower) on top of a raised mound (motte) and a courtyard (bailey) below.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, many of these early castles were replaced by more substantial stone structures. These castles were often built on strategic sites, such as hilltops or river crossings, and were designed to withstand attack from enemy forces.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Northumberland’s castles saw a decline in military importance. Many were converted into stately homes or abandoned altogether. However, some castles continued to play a role in the region’s history. For example, during the War of the Roses, Alnwick Castle was held by the powerful Percy family, who supported the Lancastrian cause.

One of the most famous figures associated with Northumberland’s castles is Earl Thomas of Lancaster. He was a powerful nobleman who owned several castles in the region, including Bamburgh Castle. However, he fell out of favour with King Edward II and was eventually executed for treason.

Today, many of Northumberland’s castles are open to the public and are popular tourist attractions. They offer a glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and provide a unique insight into the lives of the people who lived there.

Famous Castles

Northumberland is home to some of the most impressive castles in the UK. From mighty strongholds to remote headlands, the county’s historic sites are a testament to its rich history and heritage. Here are some of the best castles to visit in Northumberland:

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is a stunning fortress that sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Northumberland and is considered one of the best-preserved castles in the country. The castle has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 6th century.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is a magnificent castle that has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Lindisfarne Castle

Lindisfarne Castle is a small but charming castle that sits on a rocky island off the coast of Northumberland. It was originally built in the 16th century as a fortification against Scottish raids and was later converted into a holiday home for the famous Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle is a ruined castle that sits on a remote headland on the Northumberland coast. It was built in the 14th century by the Earl of Lancaster and was later used as a stronghold by the Percy family. Today, the castle is a popular destination for walkers and history enthusiasts.

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle is a well-preserved castle that sits on the banks of the River Coquet. It was built in the 12th century and was later used as a residence by the Percy family. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular destination for visitors to Northumberland.

Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle is a medieval castle that is famous for its ghostly legends and paranormal activity. It was built in the 12th century and was later used as a royal hunting lodge. Today, the castle is open to the public and offers guided tours and ghost hunts.

Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle is a ruined castle that sits on a hill overlooking the River Tyne. It was built in the 12th century and was later used as a residence by the powerful Umfraville family. Today, the castle is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Aydon Castle

Aydon Castle is a well-preserved castle that dates back to the 13th century. It was built as a fortified manor house and was later used as a stronghold during the Border Wars between England and Scotland. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular destination for visitors to Northumberland.

Norham Castle

Norham Castle is a ruined castle that sits on the banks of the River Tweed. It was built in the 12th century and was later used as a stronghold by the Scottish army. Today, the castle is a popular destination for walkers and history enthusiasts.

Etal Castle

Etal Castle is a ruined castle that was built in the 14th century as a stronghold against Scottish raids. It was later used as a residence by the Manners family and is now open to the public as a museum.

Ford Castle

Ford Castle is a well-preserved castle that dates back to the 14th century. It was built as a stronghold against Scottish raids and was later used as a residence by the Heron family. Today, the castle is a popular destination for visitors to Northumberland and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Notable Features of Castles

Castles in Northumberland are known for their unique features that make them stand out from other castles in England. As I explore the castles in this region, I have noticed some notable features that are worth mentioning.

Great Hall

Most castles in Northumberland have a great hall, which was the most important room in the castle. It was used for dining, entertaining guests, and holding important meetings. The great hall was usually located on the first floor of the keep, and it was the largest room in the castle. It was often decorated with tapestries, paintings, and other works of art.

State Rooms

State rooms were used for receiving important guests and holding formal meetings. They were usually located on the ground floor of the keep, and they were decorated with expensive furnishings and works of art. The state rooms were often used by the lord of the castle and his family.

Torture Chamber

Some castles in Northumberland had a torture chamber, which was used to extract information from prisoners. The torture chamber was usually located in the basement of the keep, and it was a dark and damp room. The instruments of torture included the rack, the thumbscrew, and the iron maiden.

Cross-Shaped Keep

One of the most distinctive features of some castles in Northumberland is the cross-shaped keep. This type of keep was designed to provide better defense against attackers. The cross-shaped keep had four wings that radiated from a central courtyard. The keep was usually located in the centre of the castle.

Castle Grounds

Castle grounds were used for various purposes, such as farming, hunting, and recreation. They were usually located outside the castle walls, and they were surrounded by a moat or a wall. The castle grounds were often used by the lord of the castle and his family for leisure activities.

Outer Bailey

The outer bailey was an area outside the castle walls that was used for various purposes, such as housing soldiers, storing supplies, and accommodating guests. The outer bailey was usually protected by a wall or a moat, and it was often located near the castle entrance.

Castle Walls

Castle walls were the most important defense feature of a castle. They were usually made of stone and were several feet thick. The castle walls were often surrounded by a moat or a wall, and they were protected by towers and battlements.

Twin-Towered Keep

The twin-towered keep was a type of keep that had two towers instead of one. The towers were usually connected by a bridge or a walkway. The twin-towered keep was designed to provide better defense against attackers, and it was often used by the lord of the castle and his family.

As I have explored the castles in Northumberland, I have noticed that each castle has its unique features that make it stand out from the others. These features reflect the history and culture of the region and provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in these castles.

Castles Featured in Popular Culture

Northumberland’s castles have been featured in popular culture, including films and television shows. One of the most famous examples is Alnwick Castle, which was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films. It was used as the exterior for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two films. The castle’s interior was also used for some scenes, including the scene where Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow.

Another popular television show that featured Northumberland’s castles is Downton Abbey. Alnwick Castle was used as a filming location for the show’s 2014 Christmas special. The castle was transformed into Brancaster Castle, the home of Lady Rose’s in-laws. Other Northumberland castles, including Bamburgh Castle and Chillingham Castle, have also been featured in various films and television shows.

In addition to their appearances in popular culture, Northumberland’s castles are also important heritage sites. Many of the castles have a rich history and have been standing for hundreds of years. Visitors can explore the castles and learn about their history, architecture, and significance to the region.

Overall, Northumberland’s castles have played a significant role in popular culture and continue to be important heritage sites. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter or Downton Abbey, or simply interested in history and architecture, Northumberland’s castles are a must-see.

Visiting the Castles

Northumberland is home to some of the most impressive castles in the UK. A visit to the castles is a must-do activity when in the area. I have visited many of the castles in Northumberland and found them to be fascinating and full of history. Here are some tips and information to help you plan your visit.

National Trust Properties

Many of the castles in Northumberland are owned and managed by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity that works to protect and preserve historic properties and areas of natural beauty. Visiting a National Trust property is a great way to support their work and learn about the history of the area.

Free Entry

Some of the castles in Northumberland offer free entry. This is a great way to see the castles without having to pay an admission fee. However, it’s important to note that some of these castles may have limited access or opening times, so it’s worth checking before you visit.

Day Trips

Northumberland is a great place to take a day trip. Many of the castles are located within easy driving distance of each other, making it possible to see several in one day. Some of the most popular castles to visit include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and Warkworth Castle.

River Coquet

The River Coquet runs through Northumberland and is home to several castles. The river is a great place to take a walk and explore the area. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

Low Tide

Some of the castles in Northumberland are located on the coast and can only be accessed at low tide. It’s important to check the tide times before you visit to avoid getting stranded.

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are located off the coast of Northumberland and are home to several castles. The islands are a great place to take a boat trip and explore the area. It’s important to note that the islands are only accessible during certain times of the year, so it’s worth checking before you visit.

River Tweed and River Tyne

The River Tweed and River Tyne are two of the most important rivers in Northumberland. They are home to several castles and are a great place to take a walk and explore the area.

In conclusion, visiting the castles in Northumberland is a great way to learn about the history of the area. Whether you’re interested in National Trust properties, free entry, day trips, or exploring the rivers, there is something for everyone.

Additional Points of Interest

Northumberland is a county in northern England that is home to many castles, manor houses, and historic sites. In addition to the castles mentioned earlier, there are many other points of interest that visitors should consider exploring during their stay.

One such point of interest is the village of Bamburgh, which is located near Bamburgh Castle. This picturesque village is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a beautiful beach that is popular with both locals and tourists.

Another must-see attraction in the area is Lindisfarne Priory, located on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This historic site was founded in the 7th century and was an important centre of learning and religion for many centuries. Visitors can explore the ruins of the priory and learn about its fascinating history.

For those interested in horticulture, a visit to the walled garden at Alnwick Castle is a must. This beautiful garden is home to a wide variety of exotic plants and is a popular destination for visitors of all ages. After exploring the garden, visitors can enjoy a scoop of ice cream from the nearby ice cream parlour.

Finally, if you have time to venture a bit further afield, the Lake District is a beautiful area of northern England that is well worth a visit. This stunning region is home to a variety of scenic walks, picturesque villages, and historic sites, including a number of castles and manor houses.

Overall, Northumberland is a fascinating region of England that is rich in history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring castles, historic sites, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.

Ghost Stories and Legends

Northumberland is home to some of the most haunted castles in Britain. From the mysterious apparitions that wander the halls of Chillingham Castle to the ghostly screams that echo through the corridors of Alnwick Castle, there are plenty of spine-tingling tales that will send shivers down your spine.

One of the most famous haunted castles in Northumberland is Chillingham Castle. It is said to be Britain’s most haunted castle and has been the subject of numerous ghost tours. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a chilling presence throughout the castle. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghosts of prisoners who were tortured and killed in its dungeons.

Another haunted castle in Northumberland is Alnwick Castle. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who drowned in the nearby river. Visitors have reported hearing her ghostly screams echoing through the castle’s corridors. The castle has also been the subject of numerous ghost tours, where visitors can learn about the history and legends surrounding the castle’s ghostly inhabitants.

Other haunted castles in Northumberland include Bamburgh Castle, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died of a broken heart, and Dunstanburgh Castle, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a medieval knight.

In conclusion, Northumberland is home to some of the most haunted castles in Britain, each with its own unique ghost stories and legends. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a visit to one of these haunted castles is sure to be an unforgettable experience.