Overview: History, highlights, and the famous coastal walk
Dunstanburgh Castle stands as one of the most atmospheric and photographed ruins in Northern England. Perched on a remote basalt headland, it dominates the Northumberland coastline with its jagged silhouette. Built in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster as a show of power against his cousin King Edward II, the castle later witnessed heavy fighting during the Wars of the Roses, a conflict that ultimately led to its ruinous state.
Unlike many other historic sites, visitors cannot drive directly to the castle. It is accessible only via a scenic coastal walk, making a visit here as much about the journey and the rugged landscape as the history itself. Highlights include the massive Twin-Towered Gatehouse, the Lilburn Tower, and the stunning views towards Embleton Bay.
Dunstanburgh Castle operating season and hours
The castle is managed by English Heritage and has seasonal operating hours. It is crucial to check the schedule before travelling, especially during the winter months.
- Main Season (April – October): Open daily, typically from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
- Winter Season (November – March): Opening days are often reduced to weekends only (Saturday and Sunday), from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
- Closures: The site is closed on 24–26 December and 1 January.
Admission fees and membership access
English Heritage uses a frankly infuriating pricing system, where entry can cost six different prices depending on what season it is and whether you include a Gift Aid donation. The prices below are for super-saver tickets – basically available in low season or booked well in advance.
Tickets can be purchased upon arrival or, ideally, booked in advance on the English Heritage website for a 15% discount. Notably, members of both major heritage organisations enjoy free entry.
| Ticket type | On-the-day price (Super-saver, without donation) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £7.20 | Prices may vary slightly by season. |
| Child (5-17 years) | £4.00 | Children under 5 enter free. |
| Concession | £5.90 | Senior citizens (65+) and students. |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) | £18.40 | Offers a significant saving for families. |
| English Heritage Members | Free | Must show valid membership card. |
| National Trust Members | Free | Must show valid membership card at the ticket kiosk. |
Is it worth paying for English Heritage membership?
Entry prices for English Heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, can seem extremely expensive. This is clearly a deliberate ploy to push visitors towards taking out annual English Heritage membership.
Membership gives free access to more than 400 sites across the country, and costs £82. That is, unless you get a special deal – there was a 25%-off Black Friday deal in November 2025, for example.
Whether that £82 is worth it depends on how many sites are near you (there are lots in the south of the country, not so many near me in Yorkshire). And, critically, whether you’re going to visit them with children.
Each member can take up to six children with them free of charge. Given the steep one-time entry fees, an adult member with two children is likely to recoup the cost of their membership by visiting just two or three sites within the year.
For an individual without children, I’d say English Heritage membership is worth it only if you’re planning to blitz a few sites in one year. For an individual with children, membership is a smart investment that will likely pay itself back within one school holiday. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
The real question is whether it’s worth renewing English Heritage membership after a year. That’s debatable, as you’re unlikely to go to many of these sites twice. I eventually renewed after I was offered 20% off the price. I’ll probably recoup the membership price visiting two sites in summer next year, even if I’ve ticked off most of the best ones near me.
If you buy membership through this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The walk from Craster: Essential travel advice
There is no vehicle access to Dunstanburgh Castle. Visitors must park in the nearby fishing village of Craster and walk to the site.
- Parking: Use the main car park in Craster village (postcode NE66 3TW). Parking charges apply and the car park can fill up quickly in summer.
- The Walk: The route is approximately 1.3 miles (2 km) each way along a grassy coastal path. It takes roughly 30–40 minutes to walk one way.
- Terrain: The path crosses open farmland and can be muddy or uneven. Sturdy walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Accessibility, facilities, and dog policy
Due to its remote location and ruinous nature, facilities at the castle are limited.
- Toilets: There are no toilets at the castle itself. Visitors should use the public toilets in the Craster car park before setting off.
- Accessibility: The site is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain of the approach path and the castle interior.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome in the castle grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Five great things to do in Northumberland
- 🏛️ Discover Roman Britain on a full day tour along Hadrian’s Wall.
- 🎬 Visit the filming locations for Vera on a day tour from Newcastle.
- 🌊 Take a guided Pilgrims Path walk across the sands to Holy Island.
- 🏰 Explore Harry Potter’s Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle.
- 👻 Learn about Hexham’s gruesome, dark side on a storytelling tour.
Nearby attractions for Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh is perfectly situated for exploring the best of the Northumberland coast.
- Craster Village: The charming fishing village where the walk begins, famous for its kippers (smoked herring).
- Embleton Beach: The castle can also be approached from the north via a slightly longer coastal walk (approx. 1.5 miles) from the village of Embleton.
- Bamburgh Castle: Located further north along the coast, this is one of the most recognizable and magnificent castles in the UK.
- Alnwick Castle: The home of the Duke of Northumberland, located about 8 miles inland from Craster.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long is the walk to the castle? | The walk is approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from the Craster car park and takes about 25–30 minutes each way over uneven terrain. |
| Are there toilets at the castle? | Yes, there are two unisex toilets available at the administration building near the castle entrance. |
| Are the ruins fully accessible? | No. The walk to the castle and the internal ruins are over rough, uneven ground, making the site generally unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. |
| Does English Heritage membership cover entry? | Yes, English Heritage members and National Trust members both receive free admission to Dunstanburgh Castle. |
| Is there any public transport? | Yes, the Arriva X18 bus service runs from Alnwick and other points, stopping in Craster village, which is the starting point for the coastal walk. |
More Northumberland travel
Other Northumberland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Planning a visit to Homesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
- Lindisfarne Priory visitor tips.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Alnwick Castle.
- Kielder Observatory visitor guide.
- A first time visitors’ guide to Bamburgh Castle.
