Bamburgh Castle

'Other beaches have rollercoasters - Bamburgh

has one of Europe's most dramatic castles'

The Sunday Times

Bamburgh Castle is one of England's most famous castles. Built on a basalt outcrop above majestic sand dunes, its ramparts tower over the shifting hues of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with stunning views of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands in one direction and the Cheviot Hills in another. It is perhaps the most photographed of England's castles and historic houses and is the likely site of Lancelot's Castle, 'The Joyous Gard'.

An 11th century Norman fortress, Bamburgh feted royal guests and English kings, one of whom - Edward IV - destroyed it in the Wars of the Roses. Lord Armstrong's Late Victorian restoration saved it from ruin, the castle providing a home to the Armstrong family to this day. Today, the life and works of the 1st Lord Armstrong are brought to life in the unique Armstrong Museum and Aviation Artifacts Museum housed in the old laundry building. The Castle is also licenced for civil ceremonies, making a stunning location for weddings.

'It's a coastline ravaged by nature and steeped in

history, there's a story round every single corner

...you're not just looking at a view, you're

standing in the footsteps of kings, and all on one

of the most dramatic coastlines nature has to

offer.'

Janet Street Porter, Britain's Favourite View, ITV1

Bamburgh village itself is packed with quaint shops, cafes and the commemorative Grace Darling Museum, commemorating Northumberland's gritty lifeboat heroine who rests in Bamburgh churchyard. The spectacular beach makes a perfect setting for walking, cycling and horse riding. The golden sands extend at low tide all the way to Seahouses and Budle Bay - a haven for birdwatchers with many species of wading birds to be seen.

For more information on Bamburgh Castle, including opening times, ticket information and contact details, please click here.

Useful Links

Bamburgh Parish Website