Discover Fascinating Stories on Our Coastline at these Castles and Museums
From seaside museums and brooding ruined castles to vital coastal defences, discover the fascinating stories from along our coast
The Lindisfarne Centre, Priory & Castle
The best place to start a visit to Holy Island is at The Lindisfarne Centre where visitors can learn about the island’s fascinating history and heritage. Enjoy interactive displays (with games and activities for the kids), learn about the world famous Lindisfarne Gospels and hear about the Viking raid of AD793. Explore the ruined Priory to understand more of the island’s 1,400-year history, and head to the iconic castle, once a garrison and then a windswept holiday home for Edward Hudson, who commissioned the architect Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll to refurbish the castle to meet his taste.
Marygate, Holy Island TD15 2SD
01289 389004
lindisfarnecentre.org
Alnwick Castle
The second-largest inhabited castle in the UK (Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films and a star of Downton Abbey, Transformers and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), Alnwick Castle holds more than 950 years of history within its walls. Previously a military outpost, teaching college and a refuge for evacuees, the castle has been home to the Percy family for more than 700 years. Open daily until 23rd October, visitors can take a guided tour, see The State Rooms and a replica Napoleonic cannon, and new this year, the Great Kitchen and grand larder rooms.
Alnwick NE66 1NQ
01665 511100
alnwickcastle.com
RNLI Grace Darling Museum
The RNLI Grace Darling Museum commemorates the life of Grace Darling – perhaps Victorian England’s greatest heroine. Grace heroically risked her life to rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire on 7th September 1838 and at this museum you can view letters, family portraits and the famous coble used in the rescue. As you leave, cross the road to see the monument to Grace Darling in the churchyard of St Aidan’s.
Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh NE69 7AE
01668 214910
rnli.org
Bamburgh Castle
The dramatic views are reason enough to visit the imposing Bamburgh Castle but it also holds more than 3,000 years of history, so you’ll want to spare a few hours to explore. The castle is home to William Armstrong’s unique collection of artwork, ceramics and objets d’art and there are plenty of myths and legends to discover here. Throughout summer you can see a selection of costumes and props from key characters used in the hit Netflix series, The Last Kingdom, but do check ahead as there is always something exciting going on at the castle over the holidays.
Bamburgh NE69 7DF
01668 214208
bamburghcastle.com
Warkworth Castle & Hermitage
Perched high above the picturesque village of Warkworth, in its heyday in the 15th century this castle was an impressive Baronial fortress-palace. Now in partial ruins, it remains a fascinating site to explore. Discover what life was like in the past here as you’re guided around by the castle’s medieval inhabitants. Five different routes lead you into every nook and cranny of the site and don’t miss the engaging audio tour, as you explore explore Warkworth’s Great Tower from its wine cellars and kitchens to its great hall and chapel. The Duke’s Rooms in the tower are regularly open to visitors, with volunteer guides. Leave time to venture to Warkworth’s unique and atmospheric Hermitage. A riverside walk and a ferry take you to this tiny rock-cut chapel in the river bank.
Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 0UJ
01665 711423
english-heritage.org.uk
Seaton Delaval Hall
One of architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest designs was home to the most mischievous and theatrical family (known for their parties and pranks) – and a totally unique history you need to know about. The hall still bears the scars of a fire 200 years ago but today visitors can learn all about the Delavals through stories and creative displays. Whilst there’s reduced access to the central block this summer we suggest visitors make the most of the gorgeous gardens where there is always something happening to keep the family entertained.
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QR
0191 237 9100
nationaltrust.org.uk
Dunstanburgh Castle
A spectacular ruin on a rugged Northumbrian headland, Dunstanburgh is a commanding presence. Begun in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster (cousin and enemy of King Edward II), the wealthiest nobleman in England at the time, the imposing structure was a physical manifestation of his rivalry with the Crown. Earl Thomas allegedly only ever visited Dunstanburgh once, but the castle was extensively modernised in the 1380s under John of Gaunt. It played a role as a Lancastrian stronghold in the Wars of the Roses but fell in to disrepair in the late 15th century. With towering walls, sheer drops and an abundance of local wildlife, Dunstanburgh Castle is a northern gem.
Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TT
01665 576231
nationaltrust.org.uk
english-heritage.org.uk
Woodhorn Museum
At what was once the largest pit village in the world, this former colliery is now a popular visitor attraction boasting an ever-changing events and exhibitions programme and the Ashington Group Collection of artworks, all proudly reflecting Northumberland’s mining heritage. Explore Coal Town, an interactive experience looking through the eyes of the Ashington community, browse the artwork in The Ashington Group Gallery and see the most powerful winding engine in the region, and the ventilation fan which took a direct hit from (but survived) the German bombing of 1941.
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington NE63 9YF
01670 624455
museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Travel back to Roman Britain in this reconstruction of the fort that defended the sea route to Hadrian’s Wall. Marvel at the reconstructed Roman buildings including the West Gate, Commanding Officer’s house and a soldier’s barrack block and get involved in the variety of unique events that take place here throughout the summer months (as well as free guided tours).
Baring Street, South Shields NE33 2BB
0191 277 1410
arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Blyth Battery
Open at the weekends, this fascinating volunteer-run museum is the remnants of a World War I coastal artillery battery that was refitted for use during World War II. The most intact and accessible battery in the North East and Yorkshire, its original purpose was to prevent landings by the German High Seas Fleet and to engage motor torpedo boats, but by the time of completion, it was also given responsibility for protecting the submarine depot ship Titania. In February 1940, the Battery was re-excavated, renamed Blyth Battery and within a month it was ready to protect the coast with two gun emplacements fitted with two six-inch BL MK.7 guns, manned by 110 men and five officers. Now you can visit the observations posts and searchlight building, discover military memorabilia from both wars and visit the 1940s house.
Links Road, Blyth NE24 3PQ
07904 778474
blythbattery.org.uk
Newbiggin Maritime Centre
Step into the rich history of this historic fishing village at this three-gallery museum. Explore the Mary Joicey all-weather lifeboat and the Girl Anne fishing coble, and discover the social history of Newbiggin including its fishing and mining communities. Newbiggin is also home to the UK’s oldest operating lifeboat station and the historic, 13th century St Bartholemew’s Church on the headland.
Church Point, Newbiggin by the Sea NE64 6DB
01670 811951
nmcentre.org.uk
Heugh Battery Museum
Hartlepool Headland is home to the only First World War battlefield in the UK. Heugh Battery Museum commemorates the Bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914 and visitors can also see a collection of military artefacts from throughout history. Conservation work means that some areas of the museum are not accessible this summer but you can join guided tours to learn about the part Hartlepool played in the war.
Moor Terrace, Headland, Hartlepool TS24 0PS
01429 270746
heughbattery.co.uk
National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Hop aboard Europe’s oldest floating warship, HMS Trincomalee, at National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool to experience what life was like at sea more than 200 years ago. Step on board and see if you have what it takes to be a sailor in the 1800s. Get hands on with Horrible Histories Pirates: The Exhibition where you can captain your very own ship and design your own pirate flag. Or find out more about what lies under the water in Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744 as you learn about the fascinating discovery and underwater excavation of HMS Invincible in this incredible interactive exhibition.
Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ
01429 860077
nmrn.org.uk
