No castle can claim a more dramatic setting (Bamburgh Castle)

Member Name: jeffjen

Product:	Bamburgh Castle
Date:	16/08/09 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful castle and scenery

Disadvantages: None for me.

Standing majestically up here on the North East coast is Bamburgh Castle.

To anyone visiting Northumberland's beautiful coastline, Bamburgh Castle is a beautiful site, and there surely are few castles that can claim a more dramatic setting.
It sits on an outcrop of rocks overlooking the long sandy beach, and is a place I have visited many times over the years, as I love the remoteness of the coast here, and I also love to visit castles and cathedrals.
I can vividly recall one of my earliest visits, sitting on the huge canons here, and having my photograph taken with my Mum and Dad when I was around 5 years old.

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HISTORY
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There is evidence to believe that this fortress goes back to the Iron age, but the present castle began as a Saxon stronghold, and was later developed by the Normans and became one of the most powerful castles of the North Country.
During the Saxon period it acquired fame for being the resting place of the head and right hand of St Oswald!
Not much remains of the original Norman castle developed by the Earl of Northumberland in the 11th century, other than a portion of the mighty keep.

In 1095, the Earl of Northumberland fell out with William II, and Bamburgh was laid siege by the king, but this was unsuccessful. The Earl of Northumberland was eventually captured fleeing to Tynemouth and his wife surrendered the castle.
The castle remained a 'royal' castle for much of its life, however on one occasion it was taken by Scotland, but then regained by Henry II, who it is said completed the great keep, and the castle's three baileys.

During the War of The Roses, the castle was held by the Lancastrians, then in 1464 it was battered by canons after being captured by the Earl of Warwick, and it remined in ruins for over two centuries.

In the 18th century, Archdeacon Sharp restored the castle by investing his own money into it.
The castle saw further restoration throughout the Victorian era, followed by more work in the early 1900's, by Lord Armstrong.
Lord Armstrong is a Newcastle-born inventor, and maker of the renowned Armstrong gun, and bears most of the responsibilty for creating this awesome sight today that is Bamburgh Castle.

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VISITING BAMBURGH CASTLE
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Visitors to the castle are able to view a number of the castle's rooms, by taking the public tour.
Walking around the castle both inside and outside, with its breathtaking views over the beautiful coastline and nearby Farne Islands, is a great experience.
Inside, I particularly like the King's Hall with its medieval character, wood carvings and vaulted ceilings.
Also included in the tour is the Cross Hall, the Bakehouse, the Scullery, the Armoury and the Dungeon, as well as reception rooms. There are displays of armour, tapestries, arms and furniture throughout.
Whilst I was on the tour guides were very helpful and happy to answer any questions.
In what was once the Laundry room, is now a museum dedicated to the life and work of Lord Armstrong.

Walking around the outside of the castle along its mighty 150ft curtain wall and battlements always takes me back to my visits when I was younger. I have always loved visiting Bamburgh Castle, and although the inside is very interesting, the outside of the castle is my favourite part, and it also looks lovely when floodlit at night. I love views and scenery!
Walking along the beach below and looking up to this imposing structure is an awesome site. Don't forget your camera!

If you are lucky enough to visit on a warm summer day, then you may also wish to spend some time on the beach here. The Northumberland coast has beautiful beaches, with long stretches of golden sand, as it is here at Bamburgh.

A cafe and gift shop are also located inside the castle.

The castle is open daily from 1st March - 1st November from 10am - 5am.
Admission prices are Adults £7.50, Children (5-15yrs) £3.50 and Senior Citizens £6.50.
Group rates are available, contact 01668 214515 for details.

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GETTING THERE
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Bamburgh Castle is easily reached from the A1 in Northumberland, and is clearly signposted. You turn off the A1 at the B1342, where it is signposted and the castle is 4 miles down the road.
The postcode for sat nav is NE69 7DF.

Also nearby in the area is Holy Island, home to Lindisfarne Castle and Priory which is reached via a causeway at low tide.
I would throughly recommend a visit here too.

Bamburgh Castle remains one of my favourite places to visit, and I have never seen another castle in a dramatic setting as beautiful as this.

Summary: One of my favourite places to visit.