Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh, United Kingdom
A huge castle on a basalt crag above a wide, dune-backed beach. Walk the sands at low tide for the classic view.
Bamburgh Castle stands on a crag of dolerite, part of the Whin Sill, directly above the beach. A Celtic fortress (Din Guarie) already stood here; Ida of Bernicia is said to have captured it in 547, and the name Bebbanburh derives from Queen Bebba. The Norman castle dates from the 11th century; the keep was probably built under Henry II and finished by 1164. In 1464 the castle was besieged for nine months, with extensive use of artillery. William Armstrong had it restored from 1894 to 1905, and his descendants still own it today.
Inside you can see the state rooms and an armoury. According to Lonely Planet, the classic view of the castle is from the beach below, reached across the dunes. Countryfile describes the beach as Blue Flag award-winning, and the dunes behind it are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can see the Farne Islands on the horizon. It can be windy. Check opening times before you visit.
- Nearest town
- Bamburgh, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 55.6090, -1.7099
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Budle Farm CampsiteCampsite3 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravansDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Waren Caravan & Camping ParkMotorhome stopover3 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Beadnell BayCampsite7 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravans
- Barn at Beal campsiteCampsite14 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Proctors SteadMotorhome stopover16 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Coast & Castles Camp SiteCampsite21 km from Bamburgh CastleTentsCaravans
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bamburgh Castle?
Bamburgh Castle is in Bamburgh, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.6090, -1.7099. It is about 5 km from Seahouses.
Can you camp near Bamburgh Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fowberry farm, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 52 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bamburgh Castle?
Bamburgh Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Northumberland’s coast of castles.
What is there to see near Bamburgh Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lindisfarne (Holy Island) (9 km), Dunstanburgh Castle (15 km), Alnwick Castle (21 km) and Jedburgh Abbey (55 km).
When is the best time to visit Bamburgh Castle?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)