Dunstanbourgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle is a 1.3 mile walk along the coast from Craster; the village is the nearest access point.

It was built in the early 14th century by Earl Thomas of Lancaster; the castle was intended both as a refuge and a statement of power, since the Earl was opposed to the Crown. Subsequently, Dunstanburgh's defences were expanded in the 1380s by John of Gaunt in the light of the threat from Scotland and the peasant uprisings of 1381. It is now owned by the National Trust and run by English Heritage; we are members and go in to explore (see pictures and captions).

The castle was used as an observation post against invasion during WWII and we see some of the pill boxes as we leave and walk along the rocky shore towards Embleton Bay; once again, there are beautiul views as we look back.Read more