The Three Most Historic and Photogenic Castles in Northumberland (Where to Capture the Magic)

Love photography, castle ruins and sweeping landscapes? These are the Northumberland castles you’ll want in your camera viewfinder, and the best spots to capture them. Northumberland is home to more castles than anywhere else in England. Some are rugged and remote, others are fully intact and dramatic in scale. But a few stand out as true icons, not just for their history but for their stunning photogenic beauty.

Lindisfarne Castle taken from the upturned fishing boats

In this blog, I’m sharing the three most photogenic castles in Northumberland, along with the exact spots and times of day where you’ll get the best light, angles and atmosphere. I’ve also included a few legends and stories to help you feel the full magic of each place, because the best photos don’t just show a scene, they tell a story.

Alnwick Castle photographed from Lion Bridge

Alnwick Castle: Dramatic Arches, Riverside Reflections and a Bridge Made for Fairytales

Alnwick Castle is one of the most impressive castles in England. Known around the world as a filming location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Robin Hood, it’s a dream to photograph. Its medieval towers, sweeping grounds and historic interiors offer photo opportunities in every direction.

But for me, the real magic happens outside. One of the best photo spots is the Lion Bridge, a stone structure that frames the castle perfectly in the background with the River Aln curving below. In autumn, the surrounding trees catch golden light and turn the whole scene into a painting.

Alnwick Castle photographed from the meadows along by the River Aln

Another stunning viewpoint is from the meadows opposite the castle, especially in late afternoon, when the warm light hits the western towers. Golden hour here is pure magic. I also like to get down early morning, when I can have the whole place to myself.

Walk to the end of Lion Bridge then go through the swing-gate on your right taking the path along the riverbank. From here you'll have so many opportunties to capture the castle reflected in the slow moving waters of the river. Get in amongst the reedbeds to add a bit of foreground interest to your images, you might even be lucky enough to capture a heron fishing, or swans gliding up the river.

Alnwick Castle at 5am on a sunny morning in June

Legend: It’s said that a mysterious white lady wanders the ramparts on foggy nights, and some believe she’s the ghost of a noblewoman who died defending the castle during a border raid.

Top Tip: Visit early morning for crowd-free shots, or golden hour in the evening for warm light and long shadows.

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: On-site, paid parking near the entrance, or park at the market square in town

• Best Photo Spots: Lion Bridge, riverside meadows, castle courtyard

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour (April to October)

• Café: Yes, within the castle grounds, and plenty of places to eat in Alnwick

• Child Friendly: Yes – lots to explore

Bamburgh Castle, taken from the pond located in the sand dunes, South of the castle

Bamburgh Castle: Iconic Silhouette, Coastal Views and Poppy Fields

Bamburgh Castle is a photographer’s dream. Set high on a rocky outcrop with views out to sea, it dominates the coastline like something from a legend, which is fitting, because this is a castle with a long and bloody history.

The best-known photo of Bamburgh is taken from the sand dunes to the south. But for a lesser-known and equally stunning angle, head to the pond behind the castle. On a still day, you’ll get a mirror-like reflection of the fortress in the water, especially beautiful in spring or at sunset. Park at the Links Road car park and walk up through the dunes to get to the pond.

The Rubik's Cubes on Bamburgh Beach

Another often over-looked area to photograph the castle is heading North on the beach away from the more crowded areas. Keep walking till to arrive at the Rubik's Cubes, these are old anti-tank defences from the second world war. Just a few hundred yards up from the anti-tank defences you'll along find Stag Rocks and the most Northerly land-based lighthouse in England.

Stag Rocks against the backdrop of Black Rocks Point Lighthouse

In June and July, the poppy fields near the castle burst into full bloom, creating a vibrant red carpet that contrasts beautifully with the stone walls and sea sky. It’s one of the most dramatic natural displays in the county and a favourite with local photographers.

Legend: Some say Bamburgh is haunted by a lost knight who died in a tragic duel. On stormy nights, his armour is said to clang faintly in the wind, echoing along the battlements.

A rainbow after a stormy downpour, during a visit to Bamburgh Castle

Top Tip: Sunrise is spectacular on a clear morning, especially if you set up in the dunes to catch the castle silhouette against the sun coming up over the sea.

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Large car park opposite the castle or the Links Road car park South of the village

• Best Photo Spots: Sand dunes, back pond, poppy fields, the Rubik's Cubes

• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise in summer, golden hour year-round

• Café: Yes, inside the castle and in the village

• Child Friendly: Yes – perfect for families and dogs on the beach

Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island

Lindisfarne Castle: Holy Island’s Most Atmospheric Photo Stop

Perched on a rocky crag on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle is unlike any other. It looks more like a painting than a real place, especially when captured from behind with the shoreline and soft sky wrapping around it. This is where photography becomes art.

The best view is from the field and shoreline behind the castle, where you can capture it from a lower angle with sea thrift, weathered rocks and moody skies framing the shot. This spot at sunset is especially haunting, as the colours shift from soft pinks to deep blues and the tide glistens below.

The road leading up to the castle also makes for a great photograph, as the road to leads you into the image of the castle. Another great place to take your awesome castle shot from is next to the upturned fisherman's boats that line the shore near the harbour.

Get down low and use the cobbled road to draw you into the image

Because Holy Island is cut off by the tides, the light and mood here are always changing and so are the photo opportunities. Misty mornings, moody skies or golden sunshine all create very different scenes, and I’ve photographed them all. A lot of people tend not to photograph the castle from its front walls facing out to sea. At low tide you can walk the shoreline around to the lime kilns and get a very different viewpoint of Lindisfarne Castle, plus the lime kilns themselves are really well worth exploring too.

The castle photographed from the lime kilns looking back to the island

Legend: It’s said the ghost of a monk walks the shore near the castle at dusk, whispering prayers for the ancient priory lost to Viking raids.

Top Tip: Always check the tide times before visiting. Being stranded is no fun, but arriving during low tide gives you the longest window for light and exploration.

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Car park near the village, then a short walk

• Best Photo Spots: Rear field/shoreline, causeway view, castle slope, upturned boats and lime kilns

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset or misty mornings for atmosphere

• Café: Yes, in the village near the priory, plus 3 great food pubs too

• Child Friendly: Yes, but watch for tides and weather

  
  

Holy Island Castle, one of the most iconic castles in Northumberland

Final Thoughts and What’s Your Next Northumberland Adventure?

I hope this blog has helped you discover new ways to see and photograph Northumberland’s most iconic castles. Whether you’re a hobby photographer or just want a few beautiful memories from your trip, these spots offer some of the best views in the country.

If you’re planning your own Northumberland 250 route, these castles make perfect stop-offs for both history and scenery.

If you love history and impressive buildings you might also enjoy: “3 Haunted Castles That Shaped Northumberland’s Bloody History” or “The Most Impressive National Trust Gardens You Must See in Northumberland”

Join our Northumberland 250 Adventures Group to share your castle photos, get new location ideas, and be part of a friendly community of explorers, photographers and travellers. Join here: Northumberland 250 Adventures | Facebook

Need a Helpful Guide? Our 377-page full-colour road trip guidebook is packed with photo tips, maps, hidden viewpoints and local legends. A must-have for photographers and day trippers alike. Grab you copy here..

Our extensive Northumberland 250 guide, written by two adventure loving authors

See you behind the lens,

Debby & Jeff