This is a stunning coastal castle on the site from which Angle Kings once ruled Northumbria. The present 11th century castle was a Norman stronghold - the first castle suffered from numerous Viking raid - and survived many sieges and welcomed many English kings as its guest.

During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, however, it was the first castle in England to succumb to gunfire when it fell to the artillery of Edward IV. This signalled the start of the castle's decline, and it was then owned by a succession of families. 

The castle was restored in the late 19th century and now houses an excellent collection of arms with guided tours giving an insight into the history of the castle. It's believed that Bamburgh Castle was the most likely site of Lancelot's castle, "The Joyous Gard", in Sir Thomas Mallory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" (one of the first histories of King Arthur).

One of the most panoramic castles in Britain, it holds superb coastal views overlooking mile upon mile of sands towards the Farne Islands and Holy Island.

Information Northumberland County Council

Back