And the good news is that there is still time to visit them before the end of the 2026 season.
Here is a list of 10 highly rated castles in this part of the county as ranked by the Tripadvisor ‘traveller favourites’.
5. Lindisfarne Castle
Dominating the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the 16th-century fortress is only accessible via a tidal causeway. Photo: Jane Coltman
6. Dunstanburgh Castle
The magnificent ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle sit on the Northumberland coast. The castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313. Photo: Catherine Davies
7. Berwick Castle and Ramparts
Berwick Castle was one of the most important fortresses during the Anglo-Scottish Wars, probably built by the Scottish King David in about 1124 and superseded by impressive, mainly Elizabethan town defences, which surround the whole historic town. The entire circuit can be walked. Photo: Kimberley Powell
8. Norham Castle
Norham Castle was one of the most important strongholds in the turbulent border region. It was besieged at least 13 times by the Scots, once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce. But it fell to James IV's heavy cannon in 1513 shortly before his defeat at Flodden Field. Some areas of the site are currently closed to the public for health and safety reasons. Photo: Jane Coltman