Northumberland: A County of Grand Ancient Castles
Northumberland has more castles than anywhere else in England. Alnwick Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles, often called the ‘Windsor Castle of the North’. If you like period dramas, you’ll recognise the sumptuous Italianite rooms, in episodes of Downton Abbey.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. Also read about keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Bamburgh Castle (above) was once lived in by kings, who ruled over this county. Today it’s said to be the most haunted of castles! It has a stunning location overlooking the wide sandy beaches near the Farne Islands.
It’s also home to large seabirds called Fulmars, who for hundreds of years have nested on the battlements. Now protected by law, staff often rescue chicks who land on the roofs, unable to take off again.
Nearby is the town of Seahouses, which is where you can look out towards The Farne Island, home to thousands of puffins, seals and seabirds. The town did not exist, until the harbour was built.
Beyond that is Beadnell, a very pretty village by the sea, with sandy beaches and a unique west-facing harbour. It was originally two medieval hamlets, that grew into one single village.
Northumberland Has Over 70 Castles
Some are small and inland, others are large and overlook the sea. Some of the best-known are Alnwick Castle (the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle and the grand ruins of Dunstanburgh and Edlingham Castles.
