Bamburgh Castle Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle sits within view of one of Britain's best beaches. Bamburgh Beach may lack sun and turquoise waters, but Bamburgh compensates with its spectacular setting and bountiful wildlife - ornithologists, photographers, kite fliers and fishermen will all find something to entertain on this sweeping stretch of powdery sand backed by dunes. Enjoy views of the Farne Islands in the North Sea from Bamburgh beach on a clear day.

The beach and Bamburgh Castle. — The beach and Bamburgh Castle

History

The site of Bamburgh Castle has a long history. The basalt crag on which it stands was originally an ancient Celtic fort, before passing to the Anglo-Saxons and then sacked by the Vikings.

The core of the present castle is Norman and was controlled directly by the monarchy after a revolt by Robert de Mowbray, Earl of Northumbria in 1095.

Henry II is believed to have constructed the keep of the castle which had a strategic role in the border wars with Scotland in the 13th and 14th centuries.

In 1464 the castle was pounded by artillery during the Wars of the Roses and became the first castle to fall in that conflict.

The castle changed hands several times during the following centuries until it was purchased by the wealthy Victorian industrialist William Armstrong in 1894.

The much decayed structure was largely demolished and the castle-mansion we see today rose in its place. The building is still owned by the Armstrong family.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland. — Bamburgh Castle is built on a basalt crag above a grassy green

King's Hall

A highlight of any visit to the castle is the huge King's Hall. With a superb teak ceiling made from wood from Thailand and leaded windows the hall is full of priceless paintings, antique furniture, ceramics and suits of armour.

The State Rooms reveal the history of the castle, its owners and visitors. The latter include members of the Royal Family along with politicians, actors and authors.

The armoury in the 12th-century keep has more armour and weapons on display such as crossbows, pikes, halberds and muskets on display.

Museums

The castle is also home to a couple of museums. The Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum displays many of William Armstrong inventions.

Regarded as the father of modern artillery, Armstrong was also a prolific inventor and engineer in other fields, developing and manufacturing hydraulic cranes, breech-loading artillery and even later warships. Armstrong's home Cragside in Northumberland was also the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.

The Archaeology Museum displays many important Anglo-Saxon finds including the exquisite golden Bamburgh Beast, shields and swords.

The Victorian Stables, built by Armstrong, is now a dog-friendly bar.

Visitors are free to wander the 9-acre grounds which contain cannons, the ruins of St Peter's Chapel and various child-friendly activities.

Bamburgh Attractions

As well as its castle and beach, the village of Bamburgh to the RNLI Grace Darling Museum. Locally-born Grace was the lighthouse keeper's daughter on Farne Island who rowed out and saved the crew of the SS Forfarshire in a storm in 1838. The museum exhibits the original boat and a documentary film retells the heroic story. Grace is buried in the church nearby in an elaborate tomb visible to passing ships.

To stay or to dine in the village try the excellent Mizen Head or The Sunningdale on Lucker Road. The Lord Crewe Hotel is another recommended option.

The castle itself has a number of self-catering holiday homes and can also be hired out for luxury weddings.

A journey along this part of the Northumberland coast could also include Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Alnwick Castle, Lindisfarne and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Bamburgh Castle was originally a Norman castle. — Bamburgh Castle was originally a Norman fortress

Access & Hours

Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh
Northumberland
NE69 7DF
Tel: 01668 214208
www: bamburghcastle.com

Open 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Adult admission: £6.00

Child admission: £3.00 (aged 5-16)

Family day pass (2 adults and up to 3 children): £16.00

Car parking £4.00

View of Bamburgh Castle from the small fishing port. — View of Bamburgh Castle from the small fishing port

By public transport the castle is a two-hour journey from Newcastle. Berwick-upon-Tweed is the nearest railway station on the line to Inverness Station from where X18 Max buses run to Bamburgh.

Renting a car is another option for getting around this rather remote part of northeast England. By car Bamburgh is about an hour from Newcastle on the A1.