Your top ten North East castles

May 22 2009 The Journal

WE didn't ask specifically for your favourite North East castles, but we got so many responses, we couldn't resist including them. Here are your favourites.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Your number one choice – and it's easy to see why. Occupying a spectacular position on the coastline between Craster and Embleton, Dunstanburgh is the largest ruined castle in Northumberland. Building was begun by the Earl of Lancaster in 1313 and today it is in the care of English Heritage and the National Trust. The castle provided the subject of many of Turner's paintings and he was said to have risen at dawn to capture it at its brilliant best.

Lindisfarne Priory

We had lots of votes for the Priory, one of the most important sites of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Founded by St Aidan in AD635, the site is best known for its connection with St Cuthbert, who lived and died there. The atmospheric ruins remain a scene of pilgrimage today and you can also visit the refurbished museum.

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage

The castle towers high above the River Coquet in Warkworth, south of Alnwick in Northumberland. This magnificent castle was a symbol of the power wielded by the Percy family, whose Lion badge remains prominent on many parts of the building. The family's influence was at its height under the first Earl of Northumberland and his son, Harry Hotspur.

Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle might not be on the tourist trail quite as much as some of the other names on this page, but it proved popular with our readers. It was built between 1100 and 1200 to defend a strategic crossing point on the River Tyne and has been continuously occupied for more than nine centuries. It was upgraded with a fine grand hall in the 15th Century and today visitors can explore this impressive fortress.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Tynemouth was once one of the largest fortified areas in England and it is hardly surprising given the strategic importance of the site, on a steep headland between the river and the North Sea. It was the site of a 7th Century Anglian Monastery but, after its destruction by Danish raiders, the current priory was refounded on the site around 1090. The site has been further fortified over the years, playing an important role in coastal defence against Napoleon and in two World Wars.

Belsay Hall

It is easy to see why Belsay, near Morpeth, remains such a favourite with our readers. As well as the medieval castle and a Greek Revival villa, there are also some 30 acres of stunning grounds to enjoy. Now there's extra reason to make a visit to Belsay, with the return of Lucky Spot, Stella McCartney's crystal horse sculpture which proved such a hit when it was a temporary exhibit at Belsay in 2004.

Aydon Castle

One mile north east of Corbridge in Northumberland, Aydon is regarded as one of the finest and most unaltered examples in existence of an English manor house. Originally built as an undefended residence, that soon changed with the outbreak of Anglo-Scottish warfare. It fell to the Scots twice during its eventful history before becoming a farmhouse in the 18th Century.

Berwick Barracks

Among the first purpose-built barracks in England when they were constructed back in 1717 to the design of the distinguished architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Today the attractions include an exhibition on the life of the British infantryman.

Bamburgh Castle

One of Northumberland's best-loved sights, Bamburgh Castle topped a recent poll of favourite castles in the county run in our weekly newspaper, Journal Extra. The first written reference to the castle, which is built on a basalt outcrop, was in 547. However, the Vikings destroyed the original fortification in 993 and it was replaced with a castle built by the Normans.

Alnwick Castle

This glorious medieval castle is instantly recognisable to millions of people as the scene for hit films such as Harry Potter and Elizabeth. The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, who are still proud to call the castle home, have worked hard to ensure it is still a living building and it is now a favourite for families as well as those fascinated by its history and fine art.