Dunstanburgh Castle
The walk is half the adventure (sheep, sea, a castle that gets bigger as you go), and at the end there's a shop selling medieval toys, which is either a reward or a trap depending on your wallet.
The short answer
Dunstanburgh Castle is in Craster (NE66 3TW). It's looked after by English Heritage and a paid attraction. Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) at the time of writing. Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%.
What you actually see
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster built it from 1313 on a remote Whin Sill headland, partly as a safe retreat from Edward II and partly to show off. John of Gaunt turned the great gatehouse into a keep in the 1380s, and the castle changed hands more than once in the Wars of the Roses. The National Trust owns it and English Heritage runs it.
Known for: Painted again and again by JMW Turner.
Tips before you go
Wear proper shoes and take a coat, because that path is exposed. Craster's car park machines take coins, so bring some.
Where Dunstanburgh Castle is
Craster, NE66 3TW. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Dunstanburgh Castle
The Craster Arms, Beadnell
4.9 miles north as the crow flies · Beadnell · Stay or eat here
Preston Tower
5.1 miles north-west as the crow flies · Chathill · Paid entry
Alnwick Castle
6.8 miles south-west as the crow flies · Alnwick · Paid entry
Bondgate Tower
6.9 miles south-west as the crow flies · Alnwick · Outside only · Free
Bamburgh Castle
9.4 miles north-west as the crow flies · Bamburgh · Paid entry
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
10 miles south as the crow flies · Warkworth · Paid entry
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Alnwick and the Coquet coast
Events at Dunstanburgh Castle
- Nothing listed at Dunstanburgh Castle in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Our guides that include Dunstanburgh Castle
Questions people ask about Dunstanburgh Castle
How much does it cost to visit Dunstanburgh Castle?
Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%. 20% off walk-up tickets if you arrive on certain local buses. Free for English Heritage and National Trust members.
When is Dunstanburgh Castle open?
Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) at the time of writing. Winter 2026/27 opening not published yet; check before you go.
Is Dunstanburgh Castle good for kids?
The walk is half the adventure (sheep, sea, a castle that gets bigger as you go), and at the end there's a shop selling medieval toys, which is either a reward or a trap depending on your wallet. Time needed: half a day, including the walk from Craster and back.
Is there parking at Dunstanburgh Castle?
No car park at the castle. Use the council car park in Craster (60 spaces, coin machines) and walk 1.3 miles along the coast.
Can you take a pushchair to Dunstanburgh Castle?
Partly. Pushchairs are allowed, but there are steps and uneven paths, and the walk in crosses grassy farmland.
Are dogs allowed at Dunstanburgh Castle?
On leads.
Is there a café at Dunstanburgh Castle?
Castle shop with hot and cold drinks, snacks and medieval toys; benches and picnic tables on site.
Are there toilets at Dunstanburgh Castle?
Two unisex toilets at the castle.
Is Dunstanburgh Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Dunstanburgh Castle famous for?
Painted again and again by JMW Turner.
Sources
All the castles
39 castles on a map
Open the map and filters →For the bairns
The printable passport
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