England: Northumberland: Bamburgh: Bamburgh Castle

Town, Postcode, Attraction

Bamburgh Castle is a bold castle in a prominent position on the Northumberland coast overlooking the village of Bamburgh. Much of the early history of the site (a basalt outcrop pictured left) is mainly inteligent guess work based upon legends and ancient texts such as the Irish annals. It is assumed that the site has featured some sort of fortification since the time of the "Din Guarie", becoming the capital of the area, which we know as Northumberland, at some time in the 5th Century. We do know, almost for certain as the information came from written documents, that it was captured and held by Ida of Bernicia (an Anglo-Saxon leader) in 547.

In 993 the Vikings, during one of their many raids, completely destroyed the fortified building. Shortly afterwards the Normans constructed a castle on the site which stood strong for hundreds of years. As well as facing dangerous human enemies, such as William II who failed to capture it in 1095 and several attacks by the Scottish, it faced the more formidable enemy of mother nature. Constantly pounded by the sea and powerful winds even strong cliff faces eventually give way so any structure near to the sea must be constantly maintained. Unfortunately, after changing hands several times, and the disastrous finances of Sir William Forster (the castle was sold to settle his debts after death), the castle fell into disrepair.

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Page Contents (Scroll down to view more)
About Bamburgh Castle
Getting To Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle Hotels & Accommodation

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More About Bamburgh Castle

During the 18th century some attempts were made at restoration but the sea had done it's worst and the stone had literally rotted in many places. In 1894 the Victorian inventor, shipbuilder and arms dealer, William Armstrong purchased Bamburgh Castle and set about it's restoration with vigour. Unfortunately when I say restoration I do not mean the type of careful restoration work that is carried on many historic buildings today, Armstrong's methods were far more severe. In fact much of the original Bamburgh Castle was utterly demolished to make way for the sprawling castle we see today and little of the original remained.

Bamburgh Castle is now a Grade I listed building and the Bamburgh Research Project continue the work archaeological work of Dr Hope-Taylor who, in 1960, discovered Anglo-Saxon (dated at around 600AD) treasure, including the Bamburgh Sword and the tiny rectangular golden plaque with an engraving of a strange creature upon it known as the Bamburgh Beast. Students can partake in a 10 week dig during the summer months.

A great many people believe that Bamburgh Castle is the most beautiful castle in Britain and it is certainly photographed by many each year (though I personally feel that Eilean Donan, at Loch Duich in the Highlands of Scotland is far more spectacular). The castle is open to the public who can explore much of the 9 acre site.

You will find that the visitor is well catered for at Bamburgh Castle with a museum and cafeteria as well as the inevitable Castle gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and locally produced items. It is even possible to have your wedding at the Castle which makes two licensed rooms and the King's Hall available for your party of guests.

Opening Times

Opens: 10am
Closes: 5pm

1st March-1st November

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Getting To Bamburgh Castle
The best way in which to get to Bamburgh Castle is by car, taxi cab or bus.
Road The A1 the easiest way to get to Bamburgh Castle by road from the North or South.
Bus & Coach Bus services which by the castle are numbers 401, 411, 500, 501, 505 and 515.
Rail Unfortunately the village of Bamburgh does not feature a train station so the nearest railway station is about six miles away in Chathill. Other nearby stations are Berwick-Upon-Tweed (21 miles away) and Alnmouth (22m).
Air The nearest international airport to Bamburgh is Newcastle on Tyne (Over 30 miles away).

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Hotels Near Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh hotels closest to the castle first

Name	Miles	Location	Star
The Victoria Hotel 1 Front Street, Bamburgh, Northumberland, England, NE69 7BP Rooms from: £80.00*	0.2	Bamburgh	2 Star
Wyndgrove House 156 Main Street North Sunderland, Seahouses, NE68 7UA Rooms from: £75.00*	2.8	Seahouses	4 Star G
Old Station House B&B Station House, Belford, NE70 7DX Rooms from: £75.00*	3.6	Belford	3 Star G
Purdy Lodge Adderstone services, Adderstone, Belford, NE70 7JU Rooms from: £58.95*	4.3	Belford	2 Star
Market Cross Guest House 1 Church Street , Belford, NE70 7LS Rooms from: £75.00*	4.6	Belford	5 Star G
The Blue Bell Hotel 8 Market Place, Belford, NE70 7NE Rooms from: £110.00*	4.6	Belford	3 Star
The Hemmel B&B 30 Swinhoe Road Beadnell, Chathill, NE675AG Rooms from: £50.00*	4.6	Chathill	3 Star G
The Stables The Stables Warenford, Belford, NE70 7HL Rooms from: £60.00*	4.9	Belford	3 Star G
The Granary The Granary, Wandylaw, Chathill Northumberland, Wandylaw, NE67 5HG Rooms from: £80.00*	6.5	Wandylaw	4 Star
The West Wing The Stables, Wandylaw, Chathill, NE67 5HG Rooms from: £80.00*	6.5	Chathill	4 Star G
Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa Doxford Hall, Chathill, NE67 5DN Rooms from: £80.00*	6.6	Chathill	4 Star
Birdsong Cottage Bed & Breakfast Birdsong Cottage , Alnwick , NE67 5HW Rooms from: £69.00*	7.2	Alnwick	4 Star G
Chatton Park House Chatton Park House, Chatton, Alnwick, NE665RA Rooms from: £130.00*	8.1	Alnwick	5 Star G