Discover English history all the way to the Celtic Britons at the impressive Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
While many (or most) castles in England are now managed by English Heritage or other preservation organisations, some are still privately owned. One of England’s most spectacular private castles is Bamburgh Castle in the North East of England. Not only is it an impressive castle, but it is also a castle that has gone through all of England’s history.
While in the north of England, discover York – the main historic city in the north of England (which also inspired Winterfell from Game of Thrones). The country that has the highest density of castles in Europe is Wales (there are countless medieval castles to discover there).
The story of one of England’s most imposing coastal castles
Bamburgh Castle is located on the Northumberland coast. There has been some sort of defensive structure at this site since at least the 6th century. Its site was originally the location of a Breton Celtic fort which was called Din Guarie (it may also have been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bernicia between 420 and 547). For a time it was contested between the British and the Anglo-Saxons, with the Anglo-Saxons finally taking control in 590.
The old fort was destroyed by the Vikings in 993, and later the Normans built a new castle which today forms the core of the current castle. It is a castle with a Breton, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman and modern English history. Another Norman castle that has survived to the present day is Warwick Castle – which is also a living museum ideal for families to visit.
- The owners: Armstrong family since 1894
The castle was purchased by industrialist William Armstrong in Victorian times. He completed restorations on the castle, and it remains the property of the Armstrong family today.
Bamburgh Castle has featured in countless films over the years (including transformers the last knight). After visiting the castle, one will see why it was a favorite movie.
What to expect inside historic Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is worth a visit, even for those who have seen many European castles before.
In the Staterooms, discover fascinating artefacts and heirlooms left behind by generations past at the castle – they reflect hundreds of years of history. The King’s Hall is built on the historic site where the medieval Great Hall once stood. The King’s Hall is a masterpiece of the Victorian era and its ceiling is even made of teak imported from Thailand.
The keep is the oldest part of the castle still standing today. Its massive walls are 11 feet thick at the front and 9 feet wide in other places. It is built on a massive plinth which prevented attackers from digging under the castle in an attempt to collapse the walls.
The armory is one of the main attractions of the castle. Here, visitors can see a chilling collection of battle-scarred weapons on display in the 12th-century castle keep. Discover pikes, composite bows, muskets, halberds and even a history of projectile weapons.
The castle is one of Britain’s most important Anglo-Saxon sites. The castle’s long history highlights the Archeology Museum’s impressive display of early English history.
Plan a visit to Bamburgh Castle
the Bamburgh Castle is considered one of the finest (or finest) coastal fortresses in England and is open to the public. Explore the castle perched 150 feet above the coast that has dominated the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years.
The castle is offering new micro wedding packages from £500
At the castle, explore the treasure-filled cabins, such as the castle’s impressive King’s Hall. Discover the castle’s 14 cabins and the Armstrong & Aviation Museum.
The chateau is open all year round and dogs are allowed in the grounds outside the chateau.
- Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (winter hours 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and weekends only)
Visitors can grab refreshments at the Tack Room Café and stalls in the inner castle district.
England is full of great castles to visit and explore; the one that should be at the top of the list is the 13th-century Chillingham Castle, said to be England’s most haunted castle. People can even spend the night in some ancient castles – in fact, the most popular Airbnb room is in a castle in Ireland.
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