Bamburgh Castle
A proper clifftop fortress with one of the county's best beaches directly underneath, so the day splits itself: castle in the morning, sandcastles after lunch.
The short answer
Bamburgh Castle is in Bamburgh (NE69 7DF). It's privately owned and a paid attraction. Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) until 8 November 2026. Tickets: Until 8 November 2026: adult £19.95, child (5 to 16) £10, family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £58.50, under 5s free. There's enough under a roof for a wet day.
What you actually see
People were on this crag of Whin Sill rock long before the Normans: it was Din Guarie, then Bebbanburg, a royal seat of the Anglo-Saxon kings. In 1464, after a nine month Wars of the Roses siege, it became the first British castle to be taken by gunfire. The industrialist William Armstrong bought it in 1894 and finished restoring it in 1905, and the Armstrong family still own it.
Known for: Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom; also Macbeth (1971 and 2015) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Tips before you go
The £6 parking is on top of the ticket, so budget for it. If money is tight, the view from the dunes costs nothing and is arguably the best bit anyway.
Where Bamburgh Castle is
Bamburgh, NE69 7DF. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Bamburgh Castle
The Craster Arms, Beadnell
4.6 miles south-east as the crow flies · Beadnell · Stay or eat here
Lindisfarne Castle
5.0 miles north-west as the crow flies · Holy Island · Paid entry
Preston Tower
6.0 miles south as the crow flies · Chathill · Paid entry
Dunstanburgh Castle
9.4 miles south-east as the crow flies · Craster · Paid entry
Chillingham Castle
9.5 miles south-west as the crow flies · Chillingham · Paid entry
Alnwick Castle
13 miles south as the crow flies · Alnwick · Paid entry
All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Bamburgh and the north coast
Events at Bamburgh Castle
Until Mon 26 Oct
Uhtred of Bebbanburg tour
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh · £39.95 adults, £19 children 5 to 16, under 5s free (includes castle admission)
A 90 minute guided walk with Ragnar Lundgren through the real history behind Uhtred of The Last Kingdom, with all-day castle entry included. Some paths are steep and uneven, so it is not suited to limited mobility. Organiser ↗
Until Sun 1 Nov
The Last Kingdom props and costume display
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
Costumes and props from the Netflix series set in Bebbanburg, including Uhtred's sword and shield, shown in the King's Hall. Included with a castle ticket, and the Wessex Throne is there for photos. Organiser ↗
Until Sun 1 Nov
Tails and Tales indoor sculpture trail
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
An indoor trail of theatrical sculptures around the castle, each one hiding a common saying for children to work out. Included with admission and a good one for a wet day. Organiser ↗
Sat 24 Oct to Sat 31 Oct
Gory Stories at Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
Grisly tales from the castle's past told through the Halloween half term week. Organiser ↗
Saturday 24 October 2026, 11:00 (also Sun 25 Oct, Sat 31 Oct and Sun 1 Nov)
Halloween crafts for kids
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
Drop-in clay modelling in the room after the gift shop, where children make Halloween ornaments and small sculptures to take home. Included with castle admission. Organiser ↗
Monday 26 October 2026, 11:00 (also Thu 29 Oct)
The Doctor Will See You Now
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
A costumed doctor shows off grim historical medicine and old instruments in the Keep Hall, and may rope in volunteers. Included with admission. Organiser ↗
Saturday 31 October 2026, 12:30
Allstar Choir Halloween performance
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
A 45 minute seasonal set from the All Stars Choir in the King's Hall on Halloween. Included with a castle ticket. Organiser ↗
Sat 14 Nov to Sun 3 Jan
A Christmas Carousel
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
The castle's state rooms are dressed as scenes from well-known Christmas songs and carols, designed by Charlotte Lloyd Webber's team. It is included in standard admission and under fives go free. Organiser ↗
Sat 28 Nov to Tue 22 Dec
Father Christmas Experience
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh · £19.95 per child, plus castle admission for everyone in the group
Children meet Father Christmas in a grotto inside the castle and get a gift made for Bamburgh. It was listed as sold out at the end of September 2026, so watch the castle site for returns. Organiser ↗
Saturday 28 November 2026, 11:00
Spices, Salves and Seasonal Scents workshop
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
The Historical Herbalists lead a two-hour session making mulled wine sachets, spiced vinegar and a 17th century winter salve from old recipe books. Materials, refreshments and castle entry are included; tell staff about allergies beforehand. Organiser ↗
Our guides that include Bamburgh Castle
Things to Do in Northumberland With Kids: Where to Start
Santa in Northumberland 2026: Trains, Grottos and What They Cost
Rainy Day Things to Do in Northumberland (That Aren't Soft Play)
October Half Term in Northumberland 2026: What's On and What's Shut
Northumberland With a Dog: Beaches, Castles, Walks and Pubs
Northumberland in Winter 2026/27: What's Open, What's Shut, What to Do
Questions people ask about Bamburgh Castle
How much does it cost to visit Bamburgh Castle?
Until 8 November 2026: adult £19.95, child (5 to 16) £10, family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £58.50, under 5s free. From 14 November 2026: adult £21, child £10.50, family £61.50. No English Heritage or National Trust discount.
When is Bamburgh Castle open?
Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) until 8 November 2026. Closed 9 to 13 November while the Christmas displays go up, then daily 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Weekends only 4 January to 12 February 2027, then daily again from 13 February.
Is Bamburgh Castle good for kids?
A proper clifftop fortress with one of the county's best beaches directly underneath, so the day splits itself: castle in the morning, sandcastles after lunch. Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the castle, then the rest of the day on the beach.
Is there parking at Bamburgh Castle?
On-site car park £6 a day, not included in the ticket.
Can you take a pushchair to Bamburgh Castle?
Partly. Prams and pushchairs are not allowed in the State Rooms, so bring a carrier for little ones.
Are dogs allowed at Bamburgh Castle?
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome in the grounds; assistance dogs only in the State Rooms.
Is there a café at Bamburgh Castle?
Clock Tower Café and the Tack Room Takeaway.
Is Bamburgh Castle worth visiting on a rainy day?
Yes, there's enough under a roof to make it a decent wet-day option.
What is Bamburgh Castle famous for?
Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom; also Macbeth (1971 and 2015) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
All the castles
39 castles on a map
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