The village has been named one of the UK's most beautiful places to visit and it's easy to see why, with a magnificent castle, golden beach and amazing views
Travel Catherine Addison-Swan and Samantha Mallac 13:15, 22 Apr 2025
Bamburgh, one of Northumberland's crowning jewels, was named among the UK's "most beautiful" spots thanks to its award-winning castle and breathtaking beach.
Formerly the heart of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, this picturesque village appeals to anyone with an interest in history and a love for beautiful natural surroundings. A trip to Bamburgh promises an idyllic day out, whether visitors choose to delve into the depths of its historic castle or bask on the sandy beach, soaking in views of Holy Island and the distant Farne Islands.
Staysure's travel gurus have joined the chorus of praise, adding Bamburgh to their lineup of the top 50 UK beauty spots. The coastal village has its majestic Bamburgh Castle to thank; this 1,400-year-old fortress still dominates the shoreline and provides a glimpse back in time for visitors.
Venture into the castle and you'll be greeted with myriads of wonders: an armoury replete with scar-worn weaponry, state rooms showcasing a rich collective of artefacts and heirlooms, plus museums dedicated to archaeology and aviation. Sprawling over nine acres, the castle's lands reveal chapel ruins, antique cannons, excavation sites, and seascape panoramas offering beautiful vistas.
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Bamburgh Castle welcomes visitors seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. Tickets are priced at £18.75 for adults and £9.40 for children, reports Chronicle Live.
But there's more to Bamburgh than just its castle. The village is also home to the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, which chronicles the heroic tale of the local lighthouse keeper's daughter - otherwise known as 'Amazing Grace' - who saved nine men from a catastrophic shipwreck of the Forfarshire on the nearby Farne Islands in 1838.
Visitors to this free museum will be able to see the 21-foot rowing boat used by Grace and her father during the remarkable rescue that pivoted her to national fame, as well as personal artefacts and portraits of the Darling family.
Another must-visit attraction in Bamburgh is undoubtedly the stunning Bamburgh Beach, an ideal spot for scenic walks throughout the year with its pristine sands. After soaking up the views, you can stroll up to the village's main street, where a collection of cafes awaits, including the renowned Copper Kettle Tearoom.
There's also a selection of restaurants offering fresh locally-sourced seafood, with The Potted Lobster topping the list on Tripadvisor.
Bamburgh serves as the perfect base for exploring more of Northumberland's breathtaking coastal attractions, from the enchanting Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its 16th-century castle to the Farne Islands, home to thousands of puffins and other seabirds. These can be reached via boat trips from the delightful nearby village of Seahouses.
To fully immerse yourself in your Northumberland adventure by extending it into a mini-break, you might want to consider some of the unique cottages that have been transformed into holiday rentals in Bamburgh through platforms like holidaycottages.co.uk and Sykes Holiday Cottages. If you're looking for inspiration, some of the top-rated options include:
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- Mistletoe Cottage - Sleeps 2, 7 nights from £700
- Finn Cottage - Sleeps 4, 7 nights from £722
- Glebe Cottage - Sleeps 4, 7 nights from £763
- Darling Cottage - Sleeps 6, 7 nights from £812
- Bamburgh Coach House - Sleeps 4, 7 nights from £838
- Stone Cottage - Sleeps 4, 7 nights from £865
- Peppercorn Cottage - Sleeps 4, 7 nights from £984
- Windy Edge Cottage - Sleeps 5, 7 nights from £1,010
- Coastguard Cottage - Sleeps 8, 7 nights from £1,483
- The Boat House - Sleeps 8, 7 nights from £1,581
