Multi-Day Castles Tour

England and Scotland fought for three hundred years across their shifting border, leaving a legacy that shaped the North East’s strong and passionate identity. The region holds the greatest concentration of castles in England, each reflecting centuries of conflict, power and resilience. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne are among the most iconic. The mighty fortress of Bamburgh has been occupied for at least three thousand years, rising to fame as a crucial stronghold during the Dark Ages and later as a medieval royal castle. Its dramatic presence has gained renewed attention through the series The Last Kingdom. Just nearby, Lindisfarne—also known as Holy Island—stands as a place of immense historical and spiritual importance. It is the site where the Viking age began with the infamous raid of 793 AD and home to one of Britain’s most significant early monasteries.

Further along the Northumbrian landscape lie the castles of Alnwick and Warkworth, two magnificent strongholds once owned by the influential Percy family, powerful landowners tasked with defending England’s northern frontier. Alnwick Castle is now celebrated not only for its medieval grandeur but also for its appearances in major films and television series, including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. Completing this journey through the region’s heritage is Bishop Auckland, where the Bishops of Durham eventually settled, leaving behind an impressive castle rich with stories of religious leadership, cultural influence and historical transformation. Today, the site also houses the Faith Museum, offering a deep exploration of the history of belief across the British Isles.