Perched high above the sea on a rocky outcrop, Bamburgh Castle is a popular photo stop for tourists making their way along the coast of Northumberland. But those who make the effort to explore the fortress itself will discover that it is much more than just a dramatic location. This is one of Britain’s most atmospheric historic sites, offering everything from history and archaeology to spectacular viewpoints and imaginative special exhibitions.
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A Picture Perfect Location
Of course, the location is part of the appeal: few castles command as spectacular a setting as Bamburgh. Rising 45 metres above the North Sea, it looks across the sand towards the Farne Islands, Lindisfarne and the wide horizons of the Northumberland coast. This is not just one of the most photographed castles in the country: its brooding silhouette has also attracted filmmakers, with many productions including Macbeth (2015) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) being shot here. It is also the real-life Bebbanburg of The Last Kingdom.
But the location is also central to the castle’s history. Its position on a volcanic dolerite outcrop overlooking the sea made it a natural defensive stronghold. The site was home to ancient kings, medieval lords and military rulers before becoming a family home.
The Remarkable History Of Bamburgh Castle
The first castle on the rocky headland was the citadel of Din Guarie, established by Celtic Britons. It was seized by King Ida of Bernicia in the 6th century CE but its strategic location made it a target for future attacks. The original fortress was eventually destroyed by Viking raids in 993 CE.
After the Norman Conquest a stone castle was built on the site, and a keep was added by Henry II. Bamburgh later played an important role in the Wars of the Roses, and in 1464 it became the first English castle to fall to cannon fire.
Centuries of decline followed until Victorian industrialist William Armstrong purchased the derelict fortress in 1894. Retaining as much of the original fabric as possible, he embarked on an extensive and ambitious programme of updating and restoration. The Armstrong family still owns the castle today.
Exploring The Castle
Despite the restoration Bamburgh retains much of its medieval character. The oldest remaining part is the 12th century keep but elsewhere the stone walls, towers and battlements create a sense of unity to the buildings. The site covers nine acres, with different areas of the castle and its grounds to explore.
State Rooms
The best place to start your visit is with the State Rooms. These begin with the kitchens and the King’s Hall, Armstrong’s magnificent interpretation of the medieval great hall. You then walk through a series of rooms full of stories about the family, their guests, and their contributions to engineering, science and society.
Special exhibitions are also held in these rooms; during my visit I enjoyed an Indoor Sculpture Trail of eclectic artworks and fantastical creations by local artists.
The Keep
The State Rooms lead to the original castle keep. Here you will find a large collection of armoury and the Court Room (the latter was once a guardroom, and now has a display of family portraits).
At the lower level of the keep is the Archaeology Museum. Ongoing archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered numerous finds from the Anglo‑Saxon period, and items on display include several gold artefacts and the 7th century Bamburgh Sword.
Armstrong And Aviation Museum
The castle also features a small museum dedicated to the first Lord Armstrong, showcasing his career as an engineer and inventor. It also contains a collection of aviation artefacts from the two world wars.
Castle Grounds
The castle grounds offer numerous viewpoints where you can look down at the beach, the sea and the surrounding countryside. There are also the remains of an old chapel, sculptures, stables, and the Clock Tower (the latter now housing a café).
It is hoped that tours of the castle roof will be available to visitors during 2027. I was given a sneak preview of this tour and enjoyed a birds-eye view of the buildings and panoramic views across the village and the countryside.
The Village Of Bamburgh
Bamburgh village, just beneath the castle, is also worth a visit. At the heart of the village is the historic Church of St Aidan, originally built in the 7th century and dedicated to the saint who helped to bring Christianity to Northumbria. Nearby is the Grace Darling Museum, which tells the story of the Victorian lighthouse keeper’s daughter who rescued survivors from the wreck of the SS Forfarshire.
Elsewhere in the village is the Walled Garden, opened in 2025 as part of the Bamburgh Castle Estate. This is fully accessible and includes a sensory garden, adventure playground and the Garden Café.
Practicalities For Your Visit To Bamburgh Castle
- Bamburgh Castle is 31 km from Berwick-upon-Tweed and 82 km from Newcastle. It is 27 km by road from Lindisfarne (Holy Island).
- There is a regular bus service from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bamburgh village.
- The castle has a large car park (charges apply).
- The approach to the castle is steep, but a free shuttle service is available from the car park. Some of the state rooms are fully accessible; the others can be explored via a video tour. (See the full access statement on the website.)
- Note that no cash is accepted: credit cards or contactless payment are required.
- Historic Houses members enjoy free entry to the castle.
- Refreshments are available from the café and a kiosk.
- Regular events include jousting, family activities and seasonal exhibitions. The castle also hosts a programme of special events during the year.
- If you would like to extend your stay, holiday apartments are available within the castle.
I visited Bamburgh Castle with the Newcastle Tour Company, who also offer a range of tours around Newcastle, including a Street Food Tour.
