Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

Built on the most magnificent scale, Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland. Earl Thomas of Lancaster, cousin of Edward II of England began construction of a massive fortress. By the time of his execution in 1322, the castle was largely complete. John of Gaunt improved the castle in the late 14th century as the Duke of Lancaster.

The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, and fell into decay. It continued to deteriorate and was robbed of stone for the building of other places in the area. The last private owner Sir Arthur Sutherland donated the castle to the Ministry of Works in 1929.

Turner painted Dunstanburgh many times, usually rising at dawn to do so. One of his oil paintings of the subject is in the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Another is in the National Gallery of Victoria.

Opening Times

2 Jan - 28 Mar 11
10am - 4pm
Thursday to Monday

1 Apr - 30 Sep 11
10am - 5pm
Monday to Sunday

1 Oct - 31 Oct 11
10am - 4pm
Monday to Sunday

3 Nov - 31 Dec 11
10am - 4pm
Thursday to Monday

Closed 1 January and 24 to 26 December. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £4.00
Children: £2.40
Concessions: £3.60
English Heritage member : Free

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01665 576 231

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