A Day at Bamburgh Castle: Discover Northern England’s Medieval Treasure

I’ve always dreamed of exploring Scotland, the land of misty Highlands, ancient castles, and whispered ghost stories. Despite all my travels, I had never set foot there until July. I started organizing a 15-day journey that would begin in northern England, with the impressive Bamburgh Castle as my first stop. In this post, I will share my experience at this charming medieval castle, and soon I will return to tell you more about this amazing trip through Scotland, famous for its whiskies, imposing castles, and breathtaking landscapes.

From Palma de Mallorca, I decided to catch a flight to Newcastle in northern England. The city, full of universities and very charming, captivated me from the start. Whenever I travel to the UK, I choose EasyJet, one of the most popular low-cost airlines and my favorite. The flight was smooth and on time, giving me a perfect start to what promised to be an unforgettable journey. Upon arrival, I rented a car at the airport, which is quite small and even reminded me a bit of John Lennon Airport in Liverpool. And that is where my adventure began.

The drive from Newcastle to Edinburgh takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Since I planned to stop at Bamburgh Castle, a must-see attraction for anyone driving from England to Scotland, I decided to leave the hotel early. First stop was Caffè Nero, my favorite café in England. I ordered an almond croissant and a cortado and sat at a table with a street view. I love sipping my coffee while watching the world go by, imagining the lives unfolding around me, someone jogging with determination, a couple strolling hand in hand, a book lover completely lost in a story. After savoring my coffee, it was time to hit the road and head to the next adventure.

Approaching the castle, my breath caught. The fortress loomed ahead like a scene from a medieval legend, its stone walls telling stories of centuries past. The view was absolutely breathtaking and made me even more excited to explore what awaited inside.

Bamburgh Castle, one of the most important castles in the United Kingdom, is an imposing medieval fortress, also famous for appearing in the series The Last Kingdom as the legendary castle of Bebbanburgh. Located in the picturesque village of Bamburgh in Northumberland, the castle offers stunning views that make the visit even more unforgettable.

I was incredibly lucky with the weather, which allowed me to fully enjoy the outdoor areas, the café, and the stunning view of the North Sea. As an extra treat, an elderly man was playing the bagpipes—what an experience! I spent a good 20 minutes there, taking in the scenery, listening to the music, watching people pass by, and soaking up the energy of a place so rich in history.

For fans of the hit series The Last Kingdom, Bamburgh Castle offers the chance to see up close the costumes and props used by the actors in an exhibition in the main hall. The wooden ceiling, intricately crafted, is a sight in itself. The exhibition runs until November 5th, so there is still time to check it out!

In the video, you can get a glimpse of the exhibition and the details of the wooden ceiling, which I absolutely LOVED. It is definitely worth seeing!

As you walk along the castle walls, you can explore its interiors. On the map provided at the entrance, you will find all the attractions you can visit. There are exhibitions with fascinating historical items that will enrich your experience even further.

As you wander through the various rooms of the castle, you come across daggers, swords, period clothing, and tableware, as well as paintings, furniture, and armor, each telling a piece of the castle’s rich history.

I made a quick visit to the dungeon, and it was spine-chilling! I went in and out quickly, lol. The castle has a reputation for being the most haunted place in all of England, and it is not hard to see why.

If you ask me when is the best time to visit the castle, I would say without a doubt summer. Although it is peak tourist season, the warm weather (usually around 18°C – yes, for English standards, that is warm!) offers the perfect opportunity to explore the castle’s outdoor areas and gardens. Even with the strong wind (I’m Brazilian, after all), I was able to walk through the gardens, enjoy a coffee, and sit to take in the view of the North Sea. The locals are so used to the weather that they barely notice it!

The great thing about visiting in summer is that you can take a lovely walk down to the beach and capture incredible photos of the castle with the stunning landscape in the background.

Autumn and spring are perfect for those who prefer milder weather and fewer tourists. In winter, I wouldn’t risk it, as the castle sits atop a rocky cliff. The wind is intense, and the cold can be freezing, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoor areas and the views.

A top tip came from an English friend, who assured me it was unmissable, and he was absolutely right! To make the most of your visit, I recommend booking tickets in advance. Adult tickets cost £15.50, and children and youth aged 5 to 16 are £7.65. Tickets can also be purchased at the castle’s ticket office, but be aware that the line can be long. Parking costs £4, but you can also park in the village and walk up. They even allow dogs in the outdoor areas, which is great for travelers with pets!

So, who hasn’t visited Bamburgh Castle yet and has now added it to their must-see list?

See you in the next post.