27 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Northumberland

Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed country house in Northumberland, England. It is near the coast just north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Located between Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval, it was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718 for Admiral George Delaval; it is now owned by the National Trust. The 18th-century gardens of the hall are Grade II* listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The Newbiggin Maritime Centre is situated in the beautiful seaside fishing village of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. Discover life in a historic fishing village through the Mary Joicey and Girl Anne interactive exhibitions and varying range of thought provoking exhibits. The Newbiggin Maritime Centre is passionate about offering engaging, creative and unique learning activities.

Norham Castle was built in 1121 by Ranulph Flambard, Bishop of Durham to protect the extensive land owned by the church in the region. It is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The castle saw much action during the wars between England and Scotland.

Preston Tower is a beautifully complete late 14th-century pele tower and a wonderful example of medieval construction. The Tower presents a vivid reminder of what life was like for those who dwelt in the battleground that was the border with Scotland. The tower was built in 1392, when warfare between England and Scotland was endemic. At the time of Agincourt in 1415, it was one of 78 pele towers in the county.

Prudhoe Castle is a Norman castle, which was for a long time involved in the border wars between England and Scotland. It was built by the de Umfraville family: the Norman Sir Robert de Umfraville was granted the freedom of Redesdale by William the Conqueror. For much of its history the castle was owned by the Percy family. It is now run by English Heritage. The castle is unique in being the only medieval defensive fortification in the whole of Northumbria to avoid capture by the Scots.

Thirlwall Castle is a 12th-century castle on the bank of the River Tipalt, close to the village of Greenhead. Originally a simple tower the proximity of ready prepared stone quarried from Hadrian's Wall allowed the Thirlwall family to build a structure beyond their modest wealth and was doubtless something of a status symbol for a family aspiring to move up the social ladder.

Warkworth Castle is a medieval fortress in a loop of the River Coquet, built by the powerful Percy family, Earls of Northumberland. It was built in the mid-twelfth century either by Prince Henry of Scotland or by English forces after Henry II seized back control of Northumberland. The castle was besieged during the Wars of the Roses and was garrisoned during the seventeenth century civil war.