📌 Craster, Northumberland
★★★
If you visit Dunstanburgh Castle, be sure to explore the outer ward fully – including the part without a curtain wall on the north side, overlooking Castle Point. Peer over the modern fence in the spring and summer and you should be treated to the beautiful sight of razorbills and guillemots peering back, often from distances of no more than a few metres. Official figures are hard to find, but we estimate the colony numbers in the hundreds, with fulmars adding to the party a little further south along the cliffs. A nice surprise, and an extra dimension you don’t usually get on a castle visit. Ahh!
🌍 Location
📌 North end of Dunstanburgh Castle’s outer ward
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NU 258220
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.491310,-1.593821
❌ No public transport within 1 mi. Craster (1.5 mi) has a bus service
🚗 Nearest car park is at Dunstan Steads, 1 mi east of Embleton, 🧭 NU 245224 / 🛰️ 55.494805,-1.614573 (1 mi to north via coast path). Or walk from Craster (1.5 mi) as detailed here
📝 Key info
💬 Safe viewing is only possible with a ticket to Dunstanburgh Castle. For opening hours and admission charges see our page for the castle itself (link in text above).
Your blog on the Dunstanburgh Castle seabird colony is wonderfully detailed and paints a vivid picture of this unique experience. The inclusion of razorbills and guillemots adds a special charm to the visit. Thanks for sharing such a delightful and informative piece!
Thank you for your kind comments!