There’s one thing concerning the Northumberland coast that feels totally different. Quieter. Wilder. Much less fussed about proving itself.
The castles right here don’t stand on manicured lawns or beside teahouses – they rise from the dunes, stare down the waves, and carry centuries of salt, wind and battle of their bones.
This Northumberland coastal castles highway journey contains a string of spectacular ruins – and a drive by means of historical past, panorama and seascape.
Anticipate moody skies, sea air that hits in another way, and that beautiful gradual feeling that kicks in when you’re north of the vacationer path.
Route Overview
Warkworth → Alnmouth (optionally available cease) → Dunstanburgh → Craster (for lunch) → Bamburgh → Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Driving time (with out stops): Approx. 2 hours
Really useful journey size: 2–4 days
What to pack: Layers, waterproofs, digital camera, tide desk printout, binoculars for those who’re into birds
Professional tip: Test tide instances for Holy Island earlier than you set off – and take the gradual coastal roads when you possibly can. They’re half the enjoyable.
Finest time to go: Could to September – for entry to Holy Island, walkable trails, and a greater shot at respectable climate
This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks.
Begin: Warkworth Citadel – the underrated starting
Begin your highway journey simply off the coast at Warkworth Citadel – usually overshadowed by its extra well-known neighbours, however completely value a wander.
It was as soon as dwelling to the highly effective Percy household (assume Recreation of Thrones meets the Wars of the Roses).
The citadel’s shell nonetheless dominates the village, with chunky towers and crumbling battlements good for climbing and daydreaming.
The stroll from the citadel right down to the River Coquet is peaceable, and for those who fancy a little bit of a detour, you possibly can rent a rowing boat and paddle to the ruined Hermitage.
It’s carved into the riverbank rock, and it’s one of many extra uncommon historic websites within the area.
Tip: Warkworth village can be a fantastic espresso cease – Bertram’s does wonderful truffles and powerful flat whites.
Non-obligatory Cease: Alnmouth – color, calm & coastal views
A brief drive east brings you to Alnmouth, a picture-perfect coastal village with an enormous, open seaside and rows of cheerful, painted homes.
You received’t discover a citadel right here, but it surely’s a stunning pause between forts. Particularly if you would like a bracing seaside stroll or a gradual wander by means of quiet streets with the scent of seaweed and contemporary scones drifting by means of the air.
It’s additionally place to remain for those who’re breaking apart the route.
Think about reserving an evening at The Whittling Home, a boutique resort and restaurant providing elegant rooms, regionally sourced meals, and quick access to the seaside.
Cease 2: Dunstanburgh Citadel – ruins on the sting
Subsequent up is Dunstanburgh Citadel – a dramatic, brooding destroy perched proper on the sting of the North Sea.
However right here’s the twist: you possibly can’t drive to it. You park in Craster and stroll a couple of mile alongside the coast, which solely provides to the environment.
The stroll in is a part of the magic. The citadel slowly reveals itself, crumbling turrets silhouetted towards the sky, with waves crashing beneath.
Dunstanburgh feels wilder than the others – uncovered and uncooked – and it’s straightforward to see why it’s a favorite amongst each panorama photographers and historical past buffs.
Eat: Craster is known for its kippers, and The Jolly Fisherman does a top-tier lunch with sea views.
Cease 3: Bamburgh Citadel – huge, daring & border-ready
You’ll see Bamburgh Citadel lengthy earlier than you arrive. It dominates the skyline – a textbook fortress towering over sand dunes and seaside, like one thing out of a medieval epic.
It’s been constantly occupied for over 1,400 years and feels rather more full than most castles in Britain.
Inside, you’ll discover grand halls, artefacts from native historical past (together with the early aviation days of the Armstrong household), and views throughout the coast that’ll cease you in your tracks.
Outdoors, the seaside is among the greatest in England – huge, golden, and sometimes almost empty aside from a number of hardy canine walkers.
Keep: Bamburgh makes a fantastic in a single day cease – cosy pubs, boutique guesthouses, and one of the crucial scenic citadel backdrops you’ll ever sleep close to.
Attempt The Bamburgh Citadel Inn in close by Seahouses, providing snug lodging with sea views and a handy location for exploring the Northumberland coast.
Non-obligatory Detour: Seahouses – boats, chips & puffins
Just some miles south of Lindisfarne, Seahouses is a full of life little harbour city that makes a fantastic base for a detour to the Farne Islands.
It’s dwelling to puffins (Could–July), gray seals, and a few of the UK’s greatest birdwatching.
If the climate’s good, a ship journey is nicely value it. If it’s not, seize fish and chips from Neptune’s and benefit from the stormy sea views as an alternative.
For a close-up view of puffins and seals, e book a Farne Islands boat tour upfront. It’s one of many prime wildlife experiences in Northumberland.
Closing cease: Lindisfarne (Holy Island) – sacred shores & tidal timing
Lastly, head to Lindisfarne, also referred to as Holy Island – a spot that’s half historical past, half nature reserve, and totally atmospheric.
However right here’s the catch: it’s solely accessible by way of a tidal causeway, which floods twice a day.
Test the tide tables earlier than you go, and don’t get caught out (locals will snicker, kindly).
The island is sufficiently small to discover in a number of hours, however there’s loads packed in.
Uncover Lindisfarne Priory, the place Christianity unfold throughout northern England. Or the cute-as-anything Lindisfarne Citadel, perched on a volcanic outcrop and renovated by Edwardian architect Edwin Lutyens. Plus miles of shoreline teeming with birdlife.
Tip: For an in a single day keep, think about the Manor Home Lodge Holy Island, an enthralling spot with sea views, simply steps from the island’s predominant sights.
Closing ideas
This highway journey is about letting the shoreline set the tempo. Northumberland’s castles and seashores have a means of slowing you down and pulling you in, even when the climate’s gray.
Take time to wander down an additional lane, or sit on a headland watching the tide pull out. Take a stroll, seize a espresso, and let the ocean air do the remaining.
