Address: Dunstanburgh Rd, Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TT, United Kingdom
Phone: +441665576231
Rating: 4.6
based on 333 reviews.
Accessibility
Pros:
"The walk is worth it even without going inside, absolutely beautiful views."
"It's worth walking on past the ruins and then viewing from the back especially from the beach and appreciating the sheer scale of what this must have looked like from all around the coast."
"The walk took us through the small village of Craster and a large field which had grazing sheep and cattle in, all the while being able to to see the sea."
"As you walk your eyes are drawn to the castle on top of the hill, but look around, the coast offers some wonderful sights."
"A pleasant walk from the harbour through fields of cows and sheep."
"Very pleasant walk on an easy grass path from Crater."
"Lovely walk along the Northumberland coast to reach the castle."
Cons:
"Don't bother if not fully able bodied as it's a trek from neighbouring Craster and when you get there the ground is very uneven."
"It is a good half hour walk from the car park."
"The only access is a walk of about a mile across fields of sheep and cows."
"Approach to castle and within difficult for most scooters."
"It's a very long walk from the car park to the castle, takes about an hour each way."
"Quite a walk regardless of which side you approach from."
"Not really suited for wheelchairs or buggies on either route."
Facilities
Pros:
"There are new toilets inside the castle."
"The castle contains loos and a place to get drinks. There are information boards throughout the site."
"Also note that although all the information states that there are no toilets, there are in fact excellent composting toilets."
"Despite older reviews there are now facilities for hot drinks, some refreshments and a loo once you get there."
"Toilets have now been installed behind the office so a coffee and snack are now an option!"
"Bathrooms are clean and are located behind the visitor center as well."
"Small shop on site and compost toilets on site now too."
Cons:
"The only negative comment is the lack of information boards, it is crying out for depictions of how it was in its day."
"A lack of toilets at the castle is an issue."
"There are no toilets at the castle so go before you leave the car park."
"There's also no public toilet."
"No running water on site, there's composting toilets but you can't wash your hands, sanitiser only."
"There isn't any shelter if it rains but there are a couple of porter toilets behind the little gift shop."
"It says there are no toilets at the castle, but when we were there there was a porta loo for those who are desperate."
Value
Pros:
"If you're not with the English Heritage or National Trust, the prices are very reasonable."
"Enjoyable ruin accessible for free for both National Trust and English Heritage members."
"Free to National Trust and English Heritage members or about £7."
"Free entry if you are a member of English Heritage or the National Trust."
"It's good it's cheaper than all the other castles in the area."
"We are with the national National Trust and are allowed in for free too..."
"Entry free for EH members and toilets on site."
Cons:
"Disappointed that it was pre booking only, even though it was not at all busy at the end of the day."
"Hmmm, don't get me wrong amazing views for sure #walkuptoo.. But castle?? Not what I'd say and to pay £10 in is asking a little too much for a view you can get from outside... Would be a lot better with good quality coffee shop and tables for people to spend time there."
"The price to enter the castle is ridiculous but that's a personal opinion. £8.50 per adult from memory."
"Beware that it's not free to enter, however."
"You may find it expensive to enter (especially for a family) if not English Heritage or National Trust members."
"This would have 4 stars but they charge actual money without actually making it worth paying."
"Beautiful castle and location but why there is a charge to visit a very ruined structure is just unreasonable."
Experience
Pros:
"The views are amazing. Go up the tower to see even better views."
"Dunstanburgh castle is one of the most Spectacular Ruins in the Country."
"Wonderful (if tiring) walk but great views and wonderful staff when we got there!"
"Desolate, windswept and imposing, this ruin is one of the largest castles in the UK."
"Just astounding location! Walk from Craster along the cliff paths will give you an immediate view and it's visual impact!"
"Fantastic scenic walk to castle. It is a ruin, but you can go up the tower where there are great views."
"The castle itself is fun for children to explore and provides lots of places for a nice picnic or coffee whilst contemplating the views."
Cons:
"Really just a ruin. Doesn't appear to be much left."
"Lovely castle but there's not much to see, it's very small, no cafe, only a small shop."
"There's not much left of the castle but it's been like that from the 15th century."
"Unpopular opinion but this wasn't as good as I expected."
"It was good but not for long. I don't think you could spend longer than 30 minutes there."
"There isn't a whole lot here but what remains makes for a fantastic landmark."
"The castle is very much a ruin but has great atmosphere."