Dunstanburgh Castle

17/12/2025

🏰Did You Know?
That's not flooding - it's a lake!

In the 14th century three freshwater meres surrounded Dunstanburgh Castle. These were part-defensive moat, part-ornamental landscaping, and the water was diverted from a local spring to keep them full.

In the 21st century, winter rains bring the North mere back to life for a few months, and we can see the past with our own eyes.

With the castle open to the public every weekend this winter (as well as 27th Dec to 1st Jan) there are plenty of opportunities to see it for yourself!

13/11/2025

🐏DUNSTANBURGH NEWS: We have sheep!🐏

This winter, 11 male Manx Loaghtan sheep are going to be calling Dunstanburgh Castle home! Some quick facts include:

🌱The Manx Loaghtan comes from the Isle of Mann and is considered a rare breed.

🌱 One Manx Loaghtan sheep can have up to six horns!

🌱Our Manx Loaghtans are specialist conservation grazers - specifically chosen to manage our grassland through controlled grazing.

The new arrivals can be seen throughout the winter during opening hours (weekends only), with ON-LEAD dogs welcome as usual.

This begins the next stage of our ambitious Grasslands Project, which connects English Heritage, the National Trust, Natural England, Flexigraze, and the Northumberland Coast Natural Landscape (whose volunteers can be seen hard at work in our last post!).

Come and say hello this weekend, and see them for yourselves!

📸 Photo generously provided by a NCNL volunteer.

07/11/2025

🐏DUNSTANBURGH NEWS🐏
Introducing our Grassland Project!

At Dunstanburgh, we want to help struggling native species to thrive - like native wildflower meadows!

This year, for the first time ever, our winter visitors will be able to see some un-EWE-sual guests at Dunstanburgh, as we step into the next part of our project...

Over the summer we cut and baled part of the meadow (pictured below), and the gaps are already starting to fill with native plants that didn't have space to thrive before.

Come visit us one weekend and see the changes (and our ram-azing guests!) yourself!

27/10/2025

❗MEMBER'S WEEK ❗

As you explore the Northumberland Coastline this week, be sure to come and see us here at Dunstanburgh Castle!

Along with the awe-inspiring views and fascinating history, this week our English Heritage Members can:

🛒 Claim an exclusive 20% discount on all items in store.

👫Bring 1 additional person, completely free of charge.

🎁Receive a 20% reduction on Gift of Membership prices.

Running from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November inclusive, we look forward to seeing you there!

28/08/2024

Join Craghoppers, Tom Ryan and Will Wyeth as they explore the spectacular walk along the Northumberland Coastal Footpath from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, and discover the history behind the magnificent castle!

Join Craghoppers, Tom Ryan and Will Wyeth as they explore the spectacular walk along the Northumberland Coastal Footpath from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle,...

06/06/2024

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, one of the defining events in modern history.

Across the country, a selection of our historic sites will be lighting beacons to honour the contribution and sacrifice of those who served and gave their lives.

16/05/2024

Did you spot the Northern Lights over Dunstanburgh Castle last week?

We'd love to see your pictures! Please share them with us in the comments 👇

Well I knew it was never going to be easy tonight choosing this weeks winner especially after nature’s show this week. Congratulations to Chameleon 360 this weeks winning photo with the over Dunstanburgh Castle. Were you lucky enough to see them too? Well done to this weeks winner and our new weekly page banner and huge thanks as always for your amazing entries

30/04/2024

A glorious walk and a glorious castle! 🏰

Come and join us for an explore 👉 www.english-heritage.org.uk/dunstanburgh

06/10/2023

Unfortunately, Dunstanburgh Castle will be closed today due to high winds. We are very sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience caused. If you have pre-booked you will automatically be refunded within 10 working days.

We hope you can visit us another time.

02/07/2023

Dunstanburgh Castle is closed owing to high winds today Sunday 2nd July 2023. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.