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6 Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh, Northumberland; NE69 7DF
On a stunning basalt crag, Bamburgh
Castle (Mar–Sep: open daily; http://www.
bamburghcastle.com) looks across the
sea to the Farne Islands. Originally
built by the Normans, it was all but
destroyed in the 15th-century Wars of
the Roses by Edward IV. Restoration
began in the mid-18th century, and
was later continued by Sir William
Armstrong (see p209) in 1894. It is still
the Armstrong family home, but
visitors can tour 16 rooms of armour,
antiques and paintings, including the
magnificent King’s Hall and Cross Hall,
and the armoury, bake house and
scullery. There is also a small museum.
Above left Bistro restaurant Lilburns in the
centre of Alnwick Above right The imposing
Bamburgh Castle, the Armstrong family homeSHOPPINGCraster Kippers
At Craster, the Robsons produce their
famous oak-smoked kippers, using the
best herrings and traditional methods.
L Robson & Sons Ltd, NE66 3TR; 01665
576 223; http://www.kipper.co.ukEAT AND DRINKALNWICK
The Art House inexpensive–moderate
Restaurant and Gallery in Bondgate
Tower serving soups, sandwiches,
burgers and salads at lunch time, and
more ambitious food for dinner.
14 Bondgate Within, NE66 1TD; 01665
602 607; http://www.arthouserestaurant.com
Lilburns inexpensive-moderate
With a handy location just off Bondgate
Within, this bistro has a pleasant family
atmosphere and serves good food.
7 Paikes Street, NE66 1HX; 01665 603 444AROUND DUNSTANBURGH
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel moderate
This hotel restaurant, 3 km (2 miles)
north of Craster on the B1339, serves
good pub fare including home-made
soups, Northumbrian meat, smoked
salmon and Whitby scampi.
Embleton, NE66 3UN; 01665 576 111;
http://www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.ukDRIVE 20: Wild Northumbria
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50DAY TRIP OPTIONS
Kielder Water and Alnwick make ideal
bases for exploring the area.Family Day by the Lake
Kielder Water 1 is the perfect place for
a day trip or to stay in a lodge, learn to
fish, sail or horse ride; go cycling or
walking by the lake and then soak tired
muscles in the spa.Castles and Coast
Staying at Alnwick 4 , see the Castle
and Garden, then head to Amble 3
for a walk to Warkworth Castle and a
beach picnic. Return to Alnwick via the
ingenious Cragside Estate 2 , with its
grand interiors and outside adventures.
Reverse the driving instructions to get to
Amble and Cragside; return on B6341.Castles and Christianity
Walk to see the ruins of Dunstanburgh
Castle 5 , then drive to the impressive
Bamburgh Castle 6. Carry on to
Lindisfarne Island 7 for a walk around
the island, castle and priory. Vary the
order of these, depending on the tide.
Follow the instructions for the drive.
Return via the A1.5 Dunstanburgh Castle
Craster, Alnwick; NE66 3TT
From the fishing village of Craster the
massive, brooding ruins of this grand
edifice are visible rising out of the
sands atop a cliff. The castle was not
built for convenience, so wear strong,
waterproof shoes to walk along the
beach and be prepared for a scramble
up to Dunstanburgh Castle. It was
begun in the 14th century by the Earl
of Lancaster, and enough survives of
its walls, watchtower and gatehouse
to fire the imagination and transport
the visitor back some 700 years.
ª Return inland, turning right on the
B1339 and then B1340 to Bamburgh.
7 Lindisfarne Island
Northumberland; TD15
Also known as Holy Island, this tidal
islet is inaccessible by car at high tide
(see opposite), adding to the thrill of a
visit to the cradle of English
Christianity. Lindisfarne Monastery
was founded in AD 635, and was a
powerful centre of Christianity.
Prepare to be captivated by this
place of pilgrimage. Tour the ruined
priory and clamber up to the castle
and walled garden, walk around the
headland and harbour, and sample
the famous crab sandwiches and
Lindisfarne mead. A nature reserve,
the island is a great place to see
migrating birds and grey seals.ª Take the B1342, then right on A1 and
right for Lindisfarne. Park on the island.Left The crumbling ruins of Dunstanburgh
Castle, north of Craster village