Northumberland Castles
A magnificent border fortress dating back to the 11th Century, extensively restored by Robert Adam in the mid 19th century with its riverside setting landscaped by Capability Brown. It is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family, the largest landowners in the County, who have lived here since 1309. The Percy's organised many of the defences against Scots raiding parties in the days of the Border Reivers.
The castle now contains one of the best privately owned art collections in Britain, focussing on Renaissance art and including works by Titian, Van Dyke and Canaletto, as well an exquisite collection of Meissen China.
Alnwick NE66 1NQ Tel: 01665 510777 Email
One of England's finest fortified manor houses, dating from the late 13th century and situated in a position of great natural beauty. It was fortified by its original owner, a wealthy Suffolk merchant, but this did not prevent it being pillaged and burnt by the Scots in 1315 and seized by English rebels two years later. Its survival, remarkably intact, can be attributed to its later conversion to a farmhouse and it still provides a splendid impression of how a minor baron may have lived during the reign of Edward I.
Corbridge, NE45 5PJ Tel: 01434 632450
 Bamburgh Castle
Stunning coastal castle on the site from which Angle Kings once ruled Northumbria. The present 11th century castle was a Norman stronghold which survived many sieges and welcomed many English kings as guests. During the Wars of the Roses, however, it was the first castle in England to succumb to gunfire when it fell to the artillery of Edward IV.
The castle was restored in the late 19th century by Lord Armstrong and now houses an excellent collection of arms and artwork as well as a tea room and gift shop.
Belsay Castle 
14th century castle on a remarkable estate, home to the Middleton family, which also includes a 17th century manor house and 19th century country house (Belsay Hall), set in 30 acres of landscaped grounds.
Belsay, near Ponteland, NE20 0DX Tel: 01661 881297
Stunning medieval fortress with Tudor additions which has benefited from a major restoration programme. It has been the continuous home of the Lords Grey and their relations for over 600 years.
Features include a torture chamber, antiques shop, woodland walks, furnished rooms, topiary garden and traditional crafts displays. The castle is becomingly increasingly well known for its ghosts and regularly hosts all night ghost vigils - especially at Halloween.
Chillingham, Alnwick, NE66 5NJ Tel: 01668 215359. Email
Holy Island. Accessible only across a causeway at low tide so please check the Tide Timetables. Built on the orders of Henry VIII in 1550 (using stones taken from Lindisfarne Priory) to protect Holy Island from attack by the Scots, the castle was converted into a private home by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1903.
The rooms are filled with a fine collection of antique furniture, mostly oak, of the early 17th century. Ornaments and pictures are in harmony creating a unique and picturesque home.
The castle's small walled garden was designed by Gertrude Jekyll and has been newly replanted according to her original design.
Norham village, off the A698, 7 miles south west of Berwick. The remains of one of the strongest of all border castles guarding a bridge across the River Tweed, with an outstanding Norman keep. Built by Bishop Pudsey in the 12th century, Norham was the northern outpost of the Prince Bishops of Durham who were given control over this part of Northumberland, known as Norhamshire.
Norham, Berwick on Tweed TD15 2JY Tel: 01289 382329
Preston Tower
The Tower, built in 1392, is one fo the last few remaining Pele Towers in the country. The rooms are as they were when the tower was built and two of them furnished in a contemporary style. There is also the grounds and woodland walks that are open to stroll around
Warkworth, Morpeth, NE66 0UJ Tel: 01665 71142
Large ruined castle on the outskirts of Prudhoe on a wooded hillside overlooking the River Tyne. It once protected the Umfravilles and the Percys, the two great Northumbrian families who lived here. An exhibition and video in the attached Georgian manor house tells the history of Northumberland's many castles and their place in the Border wars.
Prudhoe, NE42 6NA Tel: 01661 833459
Standing on a hill and dominating the village of Warkworth, the dramatic ruins of Warkworth Castle provide an evocative image of medieval strength. Norman in origin, the castle was taken over by the Percy family (of Alnwick Castle) in 1332. Later that century, Henry Percy, the first Earl of Northumberland, allowed the castle to be the home of his eldest son, Harry Hotspur.
Chathill. NE67 5DH Tel: 01665 58922
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Alnwick Castle
Chillingham Castle
Lindisfarne Castle