Bamburgh Named Best Village to Live IN UK

Bamburgh Village is named among the top 50 best places to live in the countryside, and proves it is a great place to rent one of our Bamburgh Holiday Cottages. Bamburgh made the list, which forms part of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, published this weekend. The annual supplements combine data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performance, with the local knowledge of writers to compile the definitive top 50 countryside locations. The beauty spots positive community spirit, good local shops and services, and access to attractive outdoor spaces were praised, while Bamburgh received the title of Britain’s best countryside place to live by the sea. The coastal village of Bamburgh is nestled below the historic and dramatic castle of the same name, and is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. With only about 300 residents, the community swells during summer months as tourists arrive, hoping to make the most of miles of unspoilt white sandy beaches.

Boden Catalogue Uses Bamburgh Beach

Check out the new Boden catalogue, lots of wonderful images of Bamburgh beach. Our holiday cottages at Bamburgh are the perfect place to enjoy a holiday at Bamburgh. http://www.boden.co.uk

What's on in Northumberland

KNIGHTS' TOURNAMENT Date: Sat 23, Sun 24 & Mon 25 Aug 2014 Property: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens Time: 11:00 - 17:00 Suitable for: Everyone Marvel at our noble knights as they take on the ultimate medieval tournament. Swords will be wielded, archery skills tested and helmets battered as these skilled men are put to the test in each nail-biting round. Who will reign supreme and become champion? Who will you support? Soak up the sights and sounds of medieval encampments as food is cooked on open fires and the past is brought to life as medieval folk go about their daily lives. Try your hand at archery and laugh at our silly jester. And let your little knights feel the weight of real armour and burn off energy in battle drills.

Discover castles, houses and open spaces then lose yourself in the dunes of the Northumberland Coast. There's always something to inspire your day out in the North East.

Cragside Tallest Tree in the UK
This impressive Scots Pine is one of  an incredible seven million trees planted by Lord and Lady Armstrong in the late 19th century at Cragside. It's officially the tallest of its type in the UK at an impressive 40 metres - that's the equivalent of a stack of ten double decker buses

Seaton Delaval's 300 year old Weeping Ash
t nearly 300 years old the hall’s spectacular weeping ash has remained standing through numerous calamities, including the fire which destroyed much of the hall in 1822. Now in its dotage, its limbs have had to be propped up and it prefers a ‘hug’ rather than being swung on.

Hollywood Star at Hadrian's Wall
Do you recognise this lone sycamore at Hadrian's Wall? If you do, it might be from its starring turn on the big screen, in 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. 

Wallington's Climbing Tree
The 45ft high Nootka Cypress evergreen’s trunk height and branches have made it an ideal tree for climbing for generations of children. Last year our kids council voted it the country's best tree to climb.

Easter in the Alnwick Garden

This Easter, hop into action and enjoy some magical family moments with the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Make this your Hoppy-est Easter ever! The Lindt Gold Bunny has escaped for a hoppy adventure in the The Alnwick Garden . Come and collect your activity pack and explore the gardens to discover where the Gold Bunny is hiding. Follow clues and learn about the other inhabitants of the gardens along the way. At the end of the hunt, hand in your completed clue sheet and receive a delicious Lindt Gold Bunny reward for a truly magical moment.

Castles, Kings, Ghosts and Wizards

Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. A legacy of its turbulent past, including the infamous Border wars which raged from the 14th to 16th centuries, Northumberland boasts over 70 castle sites. Many have long since disappeared, some, like Dunstanburgh Castle, are romantic ruins. See others in their fully restored glory - like Bamburgh Castle, as seen on Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland. Towering 150 foot above the sea, Bamburgh Castle looks every inch the mighty citadel it once was. The very foundation stone of England, Bamburgh was a royal city during the 8th century and the castle the royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria. In 1464 Bamburgh became the first castle in England to fall to gunpowder during the War of the Roses. Fallen masonry from this onslaught can still be seen on the village green beneath. Falling into disrepair afterwards, Bamburgh was later bought and restored by the innovative Victorian inventor and genius Lord William Armstrong into the mighty castle you see today. Head inland to Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, which stands guard over the River Aln. Home to the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick has been the Percy family’s home since the Norman invasion over 700 years ago. Alnwick boasts two famous Harrys – the impetuous knight Henry ‘Harry’ Percy, born here in 1364 and nicknamed ‘Hotspur’ because of his readiness to do battle. The other being none other than the boy wizard Harry Potter, a scholar at Alnwick, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. If you are planning a fun family day out in Northumberland then look no further than Warkworth Castle with its magnificent cross-shaped keep crowning a hilltop above the River Coquet. For chilly tales of torture chambers and ghosts go to Chillingham Castle, reputedly one of the most haunted castles in England.

Hollywood Stars Film Macbeth at Bamburgh

Oscar-nominated Michael Fassbender and actress Marion Cotillard are filming new film Macbeth at Bamburgh Castle Oscar-nominated film star Michael Fassbender is in Bamburgh as filming gets underway for the big screen adaptation of Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth. Taking the title role, Fassbender, recently watched by millions in the widely acclaimed 12 Years A Slave, has been taking in the sights of Northumberland’s impressive coastline. Joining the movie’s cast, alongside French actress Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, is Bamburgh Castle providing the backdrop to scenes as Macbeth’s home. Welcoming the superstars, fellow actors and a crew of almost 200, Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland has been turned into it’s very own shanty town as trailers and marquees have gone up in preparation for this week’s two-day filming. The grounds of the historic venue will feature in the film adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy which also stars Paddy Considine and David Thewlis.

Roman Soldiers and Jane Austen

This summer, step into England’s story as English Heritage brings to life Northumberland’s finest historic visitor attractions. Castle clashes, dressing up as highwaymen and pirates, gruesome Vikings and a day in the life of a Roman Soldier are just a few things families can enjoy in the North East and on Hadrian’s Wall. Or you might prefer to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Jane Austen, with a TV and film costumes display on show at Belsay Hall. Take your little Roman soldier to…. Children’s Roman Soldier School at Birdoswald Roman Fort Sat 20 Jul – Mon 26 Aug Find out how you can join our Centurion for some hands on fun, crafts and dressing up throughout the school holidays. A Soldier’s Life at Housesteads Roman Fort – various dates Find out what it was really like to live at the iconic Fort 2000 years ago. Dramatic presentations showing Roman life will costumed actors will make this event a must-see this summer. Archaeology Detectives at Chesters Roman Fort – various dates Unveil Roman secrets and get stuck into history this weekend. Gladiators at Chesters Roman For – Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jul Come along to a spectacular weekend of Gladiatorial combat and cheer your champion as fully armoured Gladiators take on their opponents in this ancient sport. Calling all Jane Austen Fans…. ‘Costumes from Austen’ at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens until 26 Aug To mark the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, visitors to Belsay can re-live the joy they experienced whilst watching the film by coming face-to-face with the famous white shirt worn by Colin Firth amongst other hugely well-known outfits. Fans of the Regency era will also be doubly-delighted by the huge range of events being held during the summer months. The sights and smells of Belsay’s Gardens are a must-do this summer. Bring your dog, a picnic and enjoy exploring the wonderful Quarry Gardens, Medieval Castle and Jacobean Mansion

Bamburgh Castle tops list of best places in the UK to eat lunch

Bamburgh Castle is the best spot in Britain to have lunch, survey by VisitEngland has found in a campaign to encourage people to eat outside more often.

By Hayley Dixon - Daily Telegraph

6:58PM BST 27 May 2013

Once home to ancient kings, the castle which looks out over the over the Northumbrian coastline is joined in the top ten by beaches in Wales, picturesque villages in the Cotswolds and rocky outcrops in Yorkshire.

The most popular places to enjoy al fresco dining whilst taking in our green and pleasant land were chosen after research found that where people ate their lunch has an impact on their productivity and general happiness.

Whilst eating at your office desk makes people depressed and has an impact on morale, the nation voted that picnicking in rural or coastal areas made them happiest.

Of the top ten UK lunching destinations, seven are close to or have a view over water, including the Elan Valley Reservoir, Mid-Wales and the Coast Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria. Only one, the Belfast City Hall, was in a built up area.

After months of nominations, short listing and voting, VisitEngland and Visit Wales, in partnership with Kingsmill, announced the Top Ten Lunch Spots in the UK as part of its campaign to encourage more people to eat outdoors.

Lindisfarne Gospels Return to the North

Written around 700 years ago on Northumberland’s Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the spectacular Lindisfarne Gospels are famous around the world, often described as one of the greatest landmarks of human cultural achievement.


The story of this beautiful illuminated manuscript is fascinating. Created at the medieval monastery on Lindisfarne by the artist scribe Eadfrith, the gospels are dedicated to St Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne. When Vikings raided the island the monks fled with the Gospels and St Cuthbert’s ‘uncorrupted’ corpse, travelling through Northumberland and beyond before reaching Dun Holm (Durham) where Cuthbert’s shrine can still be seen.

From 1st July to 30th September 2013, the Lindisfarne Gospels return to the North East to form the centrepiece of an exciting exhibition which will also include other medieval manuscripts and priceless treasures.
Visitors to the exhibition can then visit the Holy island itself with its romantic priory ruins and stunning castle, visible for many miles along Northumberland’s wild North Sea coast. You can also see St Cuthbert’s Cave, where the saint lived, or one of the fascinating St Cuthbert’s Churches, dotted across the county. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to recreate your own medieval pilgrimage across the sands to Holy Island, or to walk the 100 miles of St Cuthbert’s Way, through beautiful northern countryside.

Throughout the Gospel’s visit Northumberland will be celebrating with a series of events including concerts of original music, exciting Gospels inspired artwork and even a new play by renowned playwrights Trevor Wood and Ed Waugh called ‘A funny thing happened on the way to Durham’. Why not join us to celebrate the legacy of a medieval masterpiece, here in the ‘Cradle of Christianity’

Olympic torch to visit Bamburgh

THE Olympic torch is to pass through Berwick and Bamburgh on its way to Alnwick for a huge celebration on June 14th.

The torch will arrive in the area on Thursday, June 14, travelling down from Edinburgh, via Gordon, Greenlaw, Duns, Chirnside and Foulden, before crossing the border and in to Berwick then on to Bamburgh.

The Olympic flame will not be coming this way again in our lifetime. It is cliché but it is true – this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us all and I am sure that Northumberland residents will join together to show their support for the Olympics and to be a part of this exciting and memorable experience.”

Chris Calvert, director at Bamburgh Castle, said: “We hope to work with Bamburgh Parish Council to organise some kind of event around it. Now it has been announced we can see how we can maximise Northumberland’s exposure nationally and internationally.”

Sebastian Coe, chair of LOCOG, said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Northumberland will act as a host location for the Olympic flame, extending an invitation to people around the county to welcome the Olympic torch relay during its journey around the UK.

“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Northumberland to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”

Celebrating Northumberland’s Snowdrops

We all need cheering up at this time of the year, with Christmas a memory and cold weather seeming to stretch away forever. In Northumberland we keep our spirits up by enjoying stunning snowdrop displays. The annual Snowdrop Festival at Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is well known, with carpets of white tumbling though the gardens and woodlands. Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens also boasts an impressive display whilst new to the club this year is the Alnwick Garden. They’ve planted around 600,000 bulbs around their newly refurbished pond which we’re expecting to look spectacular. Why not join us to enjoy one of February’s greatest sights?

If you're feeling a little chilly in Northumberland this December and January. English Heritage has plenty to warm your spirit with seven stunning historic properties open every weekend in the county. Enjoy a season of festive events, blow away the cobwebs with bracing winter walks, stock up on Christmas gifts and goodies and marvel at gorgeous winter gardens.

According to travel writer Edoardo Albert, if hell is other people, then vast, empty Northumberland could be the entrance to the pearly gates. We think there’s plenty of exciting things to do in Northumberland, but if its tranquillity you crave – we can offer that too. Head for the Cheviot Hills – the least-visited part of the least-visited national park in England. But the Cheviots have more than just splendid isolation to recommend it. There’s geology (worn-down volcanoes and built-up silt), archaeological significance (hunters, gatherers, hill-forts), and history (the Romans came, looked around and went back behind the wall.) But mostly, says Edoardo, it’s a land of impressions, of cloud shapes cast upon hills of green and brown, the brief blaze of heather and the fleeting glory of hill meadows. Come stand on a cloud flecked hill and hear the voice of the wind – you’ll be the only one listening!

Fun for all the family in Northumberland

Northumberland has some of the most iconic historic sites in England, including internationally famous sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Whilst you stay at one of our cottages in Bamburgh, English Heritage has some of the most beautiful and captivating historic sites here, as well as an action packed programme of living history events.

There’s something for everyone at English Heritage properties, from the tranquil settings of Lindisfarne Priory and sweeping views at Warkworth Castle and dramatic coastal views at Dunstanburgh Castle to a fantastic family day out exploring Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. Discover exciting Roman history at some of the best preserved sites on Hadrian’s Wall at Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town.

So whether you want to be king or queen of the castle, find a knight in shining armour or just simply enjoy a picnic in a secluded spot, there are enough historical happenings on tap at many English Heritage locations across the county. Remember to take a visit to Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard which was one of the first in England to be purpose built.

Events run all year long, with trails for children, Roman soldier training, gallant gladiators and noble knights battling against each other, as well as dramatic open air theatre there’s never a dull moment!

Alnwick Castle and Garden

While staying at one of our Bamburgh Holiday Cottages why not visit the Alnwick Garden. Thanks to some lovely spring sunshine, the cherry blossom has arrivied early, and it’s almost MAD HATTER WEEK. From Monday 18th - Friday 22nd April, discover fancy hats, tiny cakes and family songs and games as The Garden becomes Wonderland. In a workshop to make a hat the Mad Hatter would be proud of, use buttons, feathers and your imagination. The Mad Hatter’s tea party wouldn’t be complete without cupcakes; everyone loves them. Decorate your own with icing and glitter.

Saturday 23rd April is ST GEORGE’S DAY. Come along to The Garden to meet bearded and frilled dragons, including a new baby! They'll also be St George’s Day crafts.

Then it’s on to EASTER, on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th April. Join Storytelling Laureate and world-renowned storyteller Taffy Thomas, as he gathers you round for heartwarming traditional Easter stories. After stories, decorate a pace egg and carry it to the top of Egg Hill to recreate the ancient art of egg-rolling.

OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM – 6PM Don’t miss new ranges of local produce in the Gift Shop, including delicious fudge in all kinds of wonderful flavours.

At Alnwick Castle, broomstick-riding lessons on the very spot where Harry and his friends took their first class. and workshops to make wands and charms, are followed by a whole weekend of fun inspired by George and the dragon. A combined ticket to Garden and Castle lasts two whole days, so you can enjoy it all.

Top 10 For Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh finished sixth out of twentyfour nominated beaches in the 2010 Cadbury Beach Awards. Beating some of the countries most popular holiday beaches. So maybe quantity does count, as long as it's miles of unspoilt sands and dunes in one of britains most beautiful locations!

Northumberland - come and stay

Welcome to Northumberland, a magical place filled with ancient castles, rolling hills and fabulous coastline, rugged moorland and friendly little market towns like Alnwick, Berwick, Hexham, Rothbury, Morpeth and Corbridge.

Northumberland is home to England’s most tranquil and inspiring National Park and England's largest resevor at Keilder Water and Forest Park. There are also two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty waiting to be discovered, the Northumberland Coast and the North Pennines AONB.

The vast majority of the remaining sections of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site can be found in Northumberland, with five of the eight excavated forts and endless stretches of unbroken wall rising and falling over dramatic landscapes.

Our holiday cottages at Bamburgh are ideally placed to take advantage of all Northumberland has to offer.

Lindisfarne Castle Garden Tour

For a great day out while staying at Bamburgh Holdiay Cottages, on the 15th July there is a talk by the Gardener at Lindisfarne Castle about The Gertrude Jekyll garden clsoe to the Castle. Jekyll was an influential British garden designer, writer, and artist. She created over 400 gardens in the UK including the walled garden at Lindisfarne Castle.

For more information head to the National Trust website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lindisfarnecastle/

St Cuthbert's Land Bamburgh Castle

As part of Archaeology week the Anglo-Saxons return bringing to life one of the country's top archaeological setting. Living History returns to Bamburgh Castle as part of Archaeology week. Experience the past brought to the present with displays, demonstartions and re-enactments. The weekend will also feature guided talks by the Bamburgh Research Project.

Ticket Type and Ticket Tariff
Child £4.00
Family £20.00
Adult£8.00
Concession £7.00

Opening Times
2010 (31/07/2010 - 01/08/2010)

Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 17:00