One of the jewels in Northumberland’s crown for sure is the village of Bamburgh. With the magnificent castle towering over the village and coastline, miles of immaculate beach, cute tearooms, award-winning restaurants and steeped in history it is most definitely one of my favourite locations in our region.
Bamburgh Castle has stood for over 1400 years, once the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria you can see history everywhere you turn in this medieval village from the ancient St Aidens church to links to local heroine Grace Darling. Let me guide you through what not to miss in Bamburgh…
The reason so many visitors choose Bamburgh as a location to visit has to be the sheer magnificence of its castle. Believed to have occupied this site for over 10,000 years and once the historic capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria Bamburgh Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Sitting high on its rocky plateau its truly a breathtaking sight, Ive been visiting Bamburgh since I was a small child and I still do a ‘wow’ as it comes into view when driving into the village.
Visit the state rooms and grand Kings Hall to step back in time and imagine the scenes that have played out here over the centuries. The castle keep with its walls eleven feet thick to protect from attack and immense views across to the Farne islands and Holy Island from the nine acres of grounds here.
There is parking at the castle if you follow the signs at the foot of the hill or you can park in the council car park opposite the castle.
Admission for adults is £17.00, children are £8.50 (under4’s free), family tickets and concessions are available. Follow this link to the castle website to book tickets https://www.bamburghcastle.com/
Be aware the castle is a cashless site so remember your bank card or apple pay!
Dogs are welcome on the castle grounds but not in the castle itself, this year there has been a charity offering dog sitting services for visitors which is a great idea and hopefully something they implement more often.
The 12th century church at the top of the village is named after St Aidan who was called to Bamburgh in the 7th century by King Oswald to establish Christianity in the new kingdom of Northumbria. The church holds a beam said to be where St Aidan was leaning when he died, and has miraculously survived two fires!
In the churchyard of St. Aidens is where you will find the grave and memorial to Grace Darling. National heroine, Grace and her father rescued survivors of a shipwrecked SS Forfarshire that had become stranded on the rocks near her home of Longstone lighthouse in a terrible storm at nearby Farne Islands. Opposite the church is the Grace Darling museum where you can find out more of her incredible story.
Bamburgh has some wonderful places to stop for a bite to eat and drink, not least with a Michelin star restaurant!
The Potted Lobster
Michelin award winning bistro style restaurant with a relaxed vibe this is the place for stunning local seafood. Recently featured on the Hairy Bikers tv show its always a popular place, they have a dog friendly section and offer dairy and gluten free menus.
The Copper Kettle
Cute tearoom about half way down the main street, home cooked food, beautiful cakes and a popular stop for visitors. Dogs are welcome in the courtyard and they’re open 7 days a week.
The Lord Crewe Arms
Recently refurbished the Lord Crewe focuses on high quality local produce and seafood in their restaurant, think cosy open fire vibes and five star accommodation with views of Bamburgh castle. Dog friendly seating area and beer garden.
Wyndenwell
Cafe serving home cooked food, a popular stop for their ice cream and cake counter! I often make this my stop to pick up a coffee and sandwich to go and sit on the grass opposite the castle for a picnic.
There is a council car park opposite the castle and is usually your best bet to find a space in Bamburgh. Otherwise you can chance your luck and find a space on the main street there are a number of spaces in front of the shops and pubs and people park alongside the edges of the green in the middle of the village. There is parking for the beach, lighthouse and golf club along The Winding (a narrow lane just before the castle) and isn’t too far a walk into the village these can get busy during the summer but worth a try.
