It’s a region that is no stranger to making the ‘best of’ lists for anything to do in the UK and now two castles in Northumberland have made it onto the list of the ‘most beautiful’ along with another North East landmark.
Given its rich history and stunning landscapes, it’s a never a surprise to us here at ChronicleLive when anywhere in Northumberland appears in rankings on places visitors to the UK should visit and now two castles in the area have been singled out for praise by globally renowned travel site Lonely Planet, in 2025 ratings first published at the end of January.
Just eight castles have made the cut and among them are both Alnwick and Bamburgh; places that need little introduction and, as well as being revered on a local level, have also been seen on the big screen, largely thanks to the Harry Potter franchise and the latest Indiana Jones movie, which was filmed there in 2021, as Hollywood A-lister Harrison Ford and his co-stars headed up to Northumberland to film.
Starting with Alnwick castle, Lonely Planet’s expert writes: “Located in Northumberland, Alnwick has been occupied by the Percy family, Dukes of the county, for over 700 years. From across the River Aln, the view has changed little since medieval times – an assortment of battlements and towers that check every castle wish list. Head inside for grand Italian palazzo rooms filled with priceless paintings and furniture. You’ll also get a glimpse into the private life of the Duke – a huge television, comfy beanbags, and family photos in the library show that this is still very much a lived-in home.”
The description of Alnwick Castle of course also mentions Harry Potter, adding: “If you think you recognize Alnwick, you’re probably right: It plays a starring role in the Harry Potter films as well in episodes of Downton Abbey.”
(Image: Charlotte Graham)
Moving onto Bamburgh Castle, a place also steeped in history and with its own fair share of celebrity visitors, the guide really puts in high esteem, reading: “If first impressions matter, nowhere makes a better one than Bamburgh Castle, on the northeast English coast. Even in Northumberland – nicknamed “the castle county of England” – Bamburgh literally stands above other fortifications, perched high on a rocky outcrop above a wide beach, the wild North Sea and a charming eponymous village.”
Alnwick and Bamburgh aren’t the only North East castles to make the top eight list, with them joined in the new rankings by Durham Castle, branded a ‘900-year-old beauty’ and ‘almost as magnificent’ as its famous Cathedral neighbour.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/alwick-castle-bamburgh-castle-northumberland-31165201
