Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle is a ruin on a headland on the Northumberland coast. Building began in 1313 under Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a cousin of King Edward II. The castle later served as a Lancastrian stronghold in the Wars of the Roses until the Yorkists took it in 1464, after which it fell into decline. Parts of the walls and the gatehouse still stand, and the ruin inspired J. M. W. Turner.

The castle cannot be reached by car. A coastal path of 1.3 to 1.5 miles (about 2 to 2.4 km) leads from Craster, and the walk takes around 25 to 30 minutes each way. The grassy path is uneven and ends with a climb. Park at the National Trust car park on the edge of Craster, about 150 m from the harbour. The approach from Embleton may be cut off at high tide. There is nothing to buy on the headland, so take water and windproof clothing.