If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bamburgh then you’ll find plenty to fill a day in this beautiful Northumberland village. From exploring its enormous castle and sweeping sandy beach to discovering traditional stone cottages, cosy cafés and spectacular coastal scenery, Bamburgh is one of the must-see places to visit in North East England.
Located on the Northumberland coast Bamburgh is suitable for almost every type of visitor. Couples can enjoy long coastal walks, families can combine a visit to the castle with time on the beach, and history lovers can discover more about Bamburgh’s fascinating past. There are also accessible options for visitors with limited mobility.
If you’re planning a Bamburgh day trip, this guide covers the best things to do in Bamburgh, where to eat and grab a coffee, parking, public transport, accessibility and where to stay if you decide that one day simply isn’t enough.
Where Is Bamburgh?
Bamburgh is a small coastal village in Northumberland in North East England, close to the Scottish border.
It sits on the Northumberland coast between Seahouses and Berwick-upon-Tweed, making it an excellent stop on a wider Northumberland road trip. The village is instantly recognisable thanks to Bamburgh Castle, which stands on a rocky outcrop above the beach.
If you’re exploring Northumberland for the first time, Bamburgh is one of the places I’d make time for. You get history, coastline, walks, good food and one of England’s most impressive castles all within a relatively compact area.
How to Spend a Day in Bamburgh
Morning: Explore Bamburgh Castle
If you have a full day to spend in Bamburgh then I’d recommend arriving reasonably early if you can and heading straight to Bamburgh Castle so you can enjoy it in peace before it gets too busy.
The village is popular during weekends, school holidays and sunny summer days, so arriving earlier also gives you a better chance of getting parked.
Bamburgh Castle towers over the village and North Sea and has been associated with centuries of Northumbrian history. The site was once the royal centre of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria, while the castle you see today contains everything from grand State Rooms to collections relating to aviation and engineering.
It’s also known to television fans as the real-life location associated with Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom.
I suggest you plan for between two to three hours if you want to explore the castle without rushing and take in both the views and all the interesting information.
At the time of writing, Bamburgh Castle is generally open from 10am to 5pm during its main season, with last castle entry at 4pm, although winter opening differs. Current adult admission is £19.95, with family and child tickets available. Because prices and opening hours change we do recommend that you check Bamburgh Castle’s official visitor information before travelling.
Stop for Coffee in Bamburgh Village
After exploring the castle, head into the village for a coffee and something sweet.
There are lotsof coffee shops to choose from but we recommend the The Copper Kettle Tea Rooms on Front Street. This is a traditional tearoom with warm and welcoming staff, they serve lovely tea and coffee as well as cakes, biscuits and something more substantial if you want lunch.
If you’d rather stay within the castle grounds for refreshments then The Clock Tower Tea Rooms offers food and drinks to castle visitors.
Afternoon: Visit the Grace Darling Museum
After a little pit stop and some coffee, we suggest you make your way to the RNLI Grace Darling Museum.
Grace Darling became one of the most famous figures in Victorian Britain after taking part in the rescue of survivors from the wrecked Forfarshire in 1838. The museum tells the story of Grace, her family and the famous rescue, making it an excellent addition to a Bamburgh day trip.
Admission is free too which is always a bonus and helps keep the cost down.
Enjoy a Late Lunch in Bamburgh
Despite being a small village, Bamburgh has some excellent places to eat so if you haven’t already had lunch then we suggest you stop and refuel.
For something special, one of the best-known choices is The Potted Lobster on Lucker Road. It serves some of the best seafood in the area and has won multiple awards.
If you prefer a pub-style meal then head to the heart of the village and try The Lord Crewe Bamburgh.
Afternoon: Walk Down to Bamburgh Beach
On a sunny day, spend your afternoon at Bamburgh Beach. This is where you’ll find one of the classic Northumberland views: a vast expanse of sand with Bamburgh Castle rising dramatically behind the dunes.
The beach is enormous, so even when Bamburgh itself feels busy, you can usually walk a little further along the coast and find plenty of space.
The beach is also dog friendly so it’s a great place to let both dogs and kids burn of some steam.
If the weather isn’t great then we recommend wrapping up warm and still heading to the beach to take in the view, even if you don’t stay long.
If you’re an enthusiastic walker, you could also extend your trip along the coast towards Seahouses. The coastal walk between Bamburgh and Seahouses is approximately three miles each way and is a lovely walk.
Grab an Ice Cream Before You Leave
On a warm day, an ice cream is the best way to finish a coastal trip and we recommend you head to Wyndenwell on Front Street.
You can then take your ice cream for a final wander through the village or find somewhere to sit and enjoy the view of the castle before heading home.
Is Bamburgh Suitable for Older Visitors?
Bamburgh can be a very good destination for older visitors because the centre of the village is relatively compact and you can tailor the day according to how much walking you want to do.
The biggest consideration is Bamburgh Castle’s elevated position.
The access road is steep, but the castle provides forward parking and a complimentary buggy service between its car park and the main castle area for visitors who are unable to manage the hill.
Visitors who don’t want a long beach walk can still enjoy the castle, village, cafés and museum.
Is Bamburgh Wheelchair Friendly?
Bamburgh is accessible in parts, but visitors should be aware of some limitations.
At Bamburgh Castle, the grounds are largely step-free, although there are steep gradients. Wheelchair users can access the first five rooms of the State Room tour, including the King’s Hall, via an alternative entrance and ramp. Because of historic steps and narrow passages, wheelchairs and walking aids cannot continue through all areas of the castle. The castle provides audiovisual material covering inaccessible areas.
There is also an excellent scheme for visitors who would otherwise struggle to access Bamburgh Beach.
Beach Access North East and Bamburgh Parish Council provide free loans of specialist all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, including electric and manual options. These should be booked in advance. The route to the beach does include uneven surfaces and soft sand, and assistance may be required.
So while Bamburgh isn’t completely step-free, there are measures in place that make parts of the village’s biggest attractions accessible to a much wider range of visitors.
Parking in Bamburgh
There are several parking options in Bamburgh, but don’t assume parking will be free.
Bamburgh Castle has its own visitor car park up the hill. Current parking is £6 for the day and isn’t included in your castle admission ticket. Their is also Glebe car park in the village at £6 per day.
Other parking areas include the village car park opposite Bamburgh Castle, the Castle Links car park and parking around The Wynding.
Staying Longer Than a Day in Bamburgh
Although Bamburgh works brilliantly as a day trip, staying overnight gives you the chance to see the village after many day visitors have left.
Accommodation in Bamburgh ranges from hotels and traditional B&Bs to self-catering cottages, glamping and caravan sites. Staying in Bamburgh itself is particularly appealing if you want to take an early-morning or evening walk along the beach.
If accommodation in Bamburgh is full or you’d prefer somewhere with more choice, look at Seahouses, just down the coast. It’s particularly convenient if you’re planning a boat trip to the Farne Islands as part of a longer Northumberland holiday.
There are plenty of things to do in Bamburgh and we definitely think it s worth a visit. Use this guide to pan your itinerary and have the best day playing tourist at a new coastal village.
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