Castles in Northumberland: a guide
With over 70 sites to explore, the castles of Northumberland are impressive feats of Roman and medieval engineering, standing as potent reminders of the county's frontier history.
Many of these castles remain perfectly intact, despite weathering over the years. While many of them lie in ruins, they still provide inspiration to any history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts or fantasy fans. So, whether it be ‘flying’ a broomstick in the movie-famous castle of Alnwick or ghost-touring around the grounds of Chillingham Castle, you can be sure there is something suited to your adventurous needs. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of some of the best castles Northumberland has to offer to help you get ready for your visit. Rest assured that all of the castles listed below are within reach of both our Berwick Holiday Park in the very north of the county, and Haggerston Castle Holiday Park a little further down the coast.
Alnwick Castle
Address: Alnwick NE66 1NQ
If you’re looking for a castle in Northumberland that has medieval drama, intrigue and ties to the Harry Potter franchise, then Alnwick Castle is the place for you. Constructed in the Norman era, Alnwick Castle is still the second largest inhabited castle in the UK and is officially home to the Duke of Northumberland.
Built as a motte and bailey castle, Alnwick Castle overlooks and guards the river Aln, and was the subject of many sieges throughout its 700 year history. The castle is open to the public throughout the summer and has a great variety of activities for you to get stuck into. Inside there are superb state rooms and the Fusiliers Museum, while outside there are stunning grounds to wander about in. For Harry Potter fans, ‘broomstick’ training is on offer, as well as the opportunity to see where the Weasley family car crashed in the film.
If that's not exciting enough, there is also the recently restored Alnwick Gardens to tour nearby, with an array of walled gardens, mazes and even a poison garden of deadly flora. Alnwick Castle in all its lavish glory is truly a sight to behold, and should not be passed up by anyone looking to appreciate the castles in Northumberland.
Chillingham Castle
Address: Chillingham, Alnwick NE66 5NJ
Chillingham Castle is a fascinating, supposedly haunted castle with a long history dating back to the 1600s. It's built on the site of an old monastery, less than a half hour’s drive from our Haggerston Castle Holiday Park.
Aside from its spooky inhabitants, the castle is fulls of wonders, with rooms displaying magnificent pieces of tapestry, suits of armour and medieval weapons to marvel over. The volunteers here are very friendly and well-informed of the castle's history, so you can get some insider knowledge while you're at it. There is even a wonderful 18th century garden for you to wander, so plenty of time can be spent around the grounds too. Make sure to enjoy beverages in the cafe after a long day of exploration.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Address: Dunstanburgh Rd, Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TT
If you’re looking for a potent reminder of medieval conflict in Northumberland, look no further than the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, situated between Craster and Embleton.
Taken care of by the National Trust, these well-preserved ruins are known for their views overlooking the coast, and are well worth the 1.5 mile walk up from Craster to get there. Walk around the castle ruins, explore the gatehouse and climb to the top of Lilburn Tower to get an even better vantage point of the rugged coastline.
Warkworth Castle
Address: Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Morpeth NE65 0UJ
Warkworth Castle is another one of Northumberland’s ruined medieval castles, sitting atop a loop of the River Coquet. The cross-shaped keep is a fine example of the architecture of its time, and its many rooms and floors are perfect for any family to explore. Experience life as the previous Dukes of Northumberland lived it, as well as the infamous knight ‘Harry Hotspur’, deemed to be a rebel lord by Shakespeare, and a thorn in the Scottish raiders' sides. To get the best value for money on a ticket and guaranteed entry, book online ahead of your visit and you will not be disappointed.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Address: Belsay, Morpeth NE20 0DX
Currently Belsay Hall is welcoming visitors once again, after the completion of conservation work to repair the roof. Also open to the public is the medieval castle where you can climb 56 spiral stairs to admire the panoramic views atop the defensive ‘pele’ tower, or explore the maze of rooms with traces of exquisite medieval paintings throughout.
Belsay’s vast 30-acre gardens are also great to get lost in, including the Quarry Garden with its unique micro-climate and manifold exotic plants. These gardens are also home to one of the largest collections of Rhododendrons in the UK and are a great breath of fresh air for you and the family to wander around in.
Edlingham Castle
Address: B6341, Edlingham, Alnwick NE66 2BW
Edlingham Castle is located on the east end of the village of Edlingham, on low-lying ground beside the Burn, a tributary of the River Aln. Dating from the 14th century, the hall house was built in 1300 by Sir William Felton in a time of relative peace in Northumberland.
The most prominent feature at Edlingham is the solar tower which is still standing today. Gain a small glimpse into the medieval life that was lived here through the large fireplaces and portcullis that remain, complete with information boards to browse, as well as a nearby 11th-century church for you to visit. Dogs on leads are welcome here, but be wary that some surfaces are uneven, so bring your best pair of outdoor shoes to ensure the safest possible experience.
Norham Castle
Address: Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2JY
Set high on a grassy mound in the border country, just a 13-minute drive from Haven Berwick Holiday Park, Norham is known for being one of the most picturesque castles in Northumberland. So, be sure to bring your best camera and photographic eye along!
An important stronghold in the region, first built in the 12th century, the castle was the site of frequent attacks by the Scots and once for nearly a year by the famous Robert Bruce. Browse the accessible ruins with your friends, family or dog in tow and make a day of it in the sunshine.
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.