Britain is an anglo Saxon castle known for its rich archaeological history and ancient structures found throughout the countryside. Apart from Scotland, some of the most beautiful castles have been found in the UK. Bamburgh Castle only adds to that list.
Bamburgh Castle is England’s finest coastal fortress that overlooks the North Sea in the village of Bamburgh, England. The Anglo-Saxon castle is reputed to be the most haunted place in all of England and is said to be built on top of a site that was once occupied by a fort of the Roman Empire.
The current structure dates back to the 11th century when it was built by Norman invaders. However, there is evidence that an earlier Saxon structure existed on the site, making Bamburgh Castle one of the finest examples of Anglo-Saxon architecture in existence. It is currently owned by the Armstrong family and it’s open to the public.
The castle was built by anglo Saxons using sandstone blocks that were quarried from a nearby hill. The castle has a total of nine floors, including the basement, and is surrounded by a moat.
There are several towers, including the keep, which is the tallest tower and offers commanding views of the surrounding area. There is also an impressive Great Hall, which was used for banquets and other gatherings.
Bamburgh Castle History
The Bamburgh Castle’s location was previously known as Northumbria, the largest of the seven kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. This castle has been the scene of many historical events.
In 1464, the castle was captured by the Scots and was not returned to English control until 1482. In 1568, the castle was again besieged, this time by rebel Catholic forces. The most recent siege occurred during the English Civil War in 1648 when the castle was held by Royalist forces.
Today, this medieval castle is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, including the keep, Great Hall, and towers. The castle also houses a museum that contains a collection of weapons and armor, as well as a number of artworks.
What to do at Bamburgh Castle

There is plenty to see and do at Bamburgh Castle. You can explore the grounds, which include the keep, towers, and Great Hall. You can also check the Bamburgh castle interior or visit the museum. There are also several events held throughout the year, such as jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and archery competitions.
The Bamburgh grounds are just as picturesque as the castle itself. There is a lovely green field in front of the castle where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch or take a leisurely walk. There are also beautifully manicured gardens, a children’s play area, and plenty of spots to sit and relax. The views of the castle from the grounds are simply stunning.
Here are some of the places you should check out:
The Kings Hall

Kings Hall at Bamburgh Castle is an Anglo-Saxon masterpiece that has been well preserved. It was built in the early 7th century and is one of the most impressive examples of Anglo-Saxon architecture in the country.
The hall is a two-story building with a large rectangular hall on the upper floor. The lower floor was probably used for storage or as a stable. The hall is surrounded by a series of smaller rooms, which may have been used for living quarters or as workshops.
The exterior of the hall is decorated with carved animals and figures, including dragons and eagles. The carving is believed to have been added in the late 7th or early 8th century. The hall was probably used as a royal residence and would have been an impressive sight for anyone visiting the castle.
The Kings Hall is just one of the many buildings at Bamburgh Castle. The castle also has a Norman keep, which was built in the 12th century, and a Victorian house, which was built in the 19th century. The castle is surrounded by a moat and has a drawbridge, which was used to defend the castle against attack.
The State Room

The stateroom at Bamburgh Castle is a magnificent sight to behold. It is decorated with beautiful Anglo-Saxon architecture that is sure to take your breath away. The room is also quite spacious, providing plenty of room for you to move around and admire the intricate details of the carvings.
Vaulted ceilings and wooden structures give this room a romantic and masculine atmosphere that envelopes all visitors to the castle. A stained glass window at the very top of the main wall is balanced by two pictures of former castle occupants who once resided there. The beauty and simplicity of the Stateroom nod to the creators and renovators who worked on the castle in the early 17th century.
The Keep

The Bamburgh Castle keep is a Norman fortress that was built in the 12th century. It is the oldest surviving structure at the castle and is now open to the public.
The keep is a square tower that is over 60 feet high. It has walls that are over 12 feet thick and tower over the rest of the castle, the keep served as a final line of defense against attack. It was also used as a residence for the lord of the castle and his family. The keep has a number of rooms that would have been used for different purposes, including a great hall, kitchen, and chapel.
Located below it is a well that goes down through 43 meters of solid rock and allows access to fresh drinking water. The entrance into the Keep is bottle-shaped so that defending soldiers could ride directly into the building without dismounting in case of an attack. The keep will make you want to take picture after picture and will have you marvel at the intricate design and solid materials.
The Armoury

The armory at Bamburgh Castle is a fascinating place that is sure to interest anyone who loves history. It is home to a number of different pieces of armor that were once used by the lords and ladies of the castle.
The armory has a wide variety of different helmets, shields, and weapons that were used during the anglo Saxon period. There are also a number of suits of armor that you can try on, which is sure to be a hit with the kids.
The armory also has a number of interactive displays that will teach you about the different types of armor and how they were used in the anglo Saxon kingdom. You can also learn about the history of the castle and how it has been used over the centuries.
The armory is a great place to learn about the history of Bamburgh Castle and to see some of the amazing artifacts that have been found on the site.
Archaeological Museum

The archaeological museum at Bamburgh Castle is a great place to learn about the history of the castle and to see some of the amazing artifacts that have been found on the site.
The museum has a number of different exhibits that will teach you about the different periods in which the castle was used. You can learn about the Anglo-Saxon period, the Norman period, and the Victorian period.
You can also see a number of different artifacts that have been found on the site, including armor, weapons, and pottery. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Bamburgh Castle and to see some of the amazing artifacts that have been found on the site.
The Cross Hall
The Cross Hall at Bamburgh Castle is a beautiful room that is decorated with a number of different crosses. The hall is located on the first floor of the castle and is used as a meeting room and dining room. It has a number of beautiful features including an oak ceiling, carved fireplace, and stained glass window.
The Library
The library at Bamburgh Castle is a sight to behold. It is a perfect example of Anglo-Saxon architecture and craftsmanship at its finest. The room is large and airy, with high ceilings and beautiful arched windows. The walls are made of thick, sturdy stone, and the floors are made smooth.
The library contains literature from the 17th and 18th centuries and is a sight to behold. It is a perfect example of Anglo-Saxon architecture and craftsmanship at its finest.
How to get to Bamburgh Castle

To get to Bamburgh, you can drive or take the train. The closest train station is in Alnmouth and the castle is about a mile from the station. There are also several buses that run from Newcastle and other nearby towns. If you are driving, the castle is about a three-hour drive from London.
When to visit the Castle
The best time to visit Bamburgh Castle is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. However, the castle is open year-round and there are plenty of events and activities to keep you busy no matter when you visit.
Other attractions near Bamburgh

There are a number of different attractions near Bamburgh castle that are worth checking out. The first is Bamburgh beach, which is a beautiful stretch of sand that is perfect for a summer day. The beach is located just a few minutes from the castle and is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The second is the Farne Islands, which are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Bamburgh. The islands are home to a number of different bird species, and they are a great place to go for a nature walk.
Finally, if you are looking for a place to stay while you are visiting Bamburgh, there are a number of different hotels and bed and breakfasts located in the area.
Where to Stay

There are a number of different hotels and bed and breakfasts located in the area around Bamburgh Castle. If you are looking for a place to stay while you are visiting the area, here are a few of our recommendations.
The first is the Bamburgh Castle Hotel, which is located right next to the castle. The hotel has a number of different room types to choose from, and it also has a restaurant and bar.
The second is the Seahouses Hotel, which is located in the town of Seahouses. The hotel has a number of different room types to choose from, and it also has a restaurant and bar.
Final Thoughts
Bamburgh Castle is a great place to visit for a day trip or a longer vacation. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you are looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, or you are looking for a place to learn about different periods in history, Bamburgh Castle is the perfect destination.
FAQs
How old is Bamburgh Castle?
The legendary Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh Castle has stood tall over the northeast coast of England for over 1,400 years old.
Who owns and lives in Bamburgh Castle?
The well-known Armstrong family has owned the castle since 1894 and still owns and lives in the castle to this day.
Related Resources
- Best Tourist Destinations
- Best Beaches in the United Kingdom
- Most Beautiful Places in the United Kingdom
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Simon Brotherton
Thursday 31st of July 2014
I visited myself last year and it's every bit as picturesque and engaging as this blog would have you believe. Great stuff