Between Newcastle Upon Tyne & Edinburgh Is England's Coastal Village With A Historic Castle

A castle that served as a fortress in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria is today the main attraction of a village just 85 miles from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in the United Kingdom. Positioned on a hilltop with sweeping views of the North Sea and nestled between Newcastle Upon Tyne and Edinburgh, Bamburgh Castle is the focal point in the English village that shares its name. The castle was positioned in one of the Anglo-Saxons' largest kingdoms, and its towering position 150 feet above the North Sea and its harbor made it a natural choice of the territory's early kings.

Both Bamburgh Castle's age and size are impressive. Dating back more than 1,400 years, the castle sprawls across 9 acres of volcanic rock. It's believed to be among the largest still-inhabited castles in all the United Kingdom. But just because it's still privately owned doesn't mean the public can't explore it. Today, it's certainly a contender as a top English destination that tourists will love.

Often referred to as "The King of Castles," Bamburgh Castle has 14 rooms full of more than 3,000 historic items, including a collection of artwork, for the public to view and explore. The castle keep, the oldest surviving part of the historic property, and the keep hall give guests a glimpse at the defensive might of the castle. But even if this ancient estate impresses guests, it isn't the only sight to see in Bamburgh.

While the castle resting high above the village of Bamburgh certainly draws attention, the village itself is a charming destination full of food and cozy accommodations. The coastline is not cluttered with condominiums or businesses, which means there are uninterrupted views of the North Sea and access to numerous sand dunes. July to late August, when temperatures reach the mid-60s Fahrenheit, are the best times to explore the beaches. Alternatively, time your trip with the winter holidays. Christmas lights take over downtown Bamburgh, and the castle transforms into a Christmas-themed spectacle.

Throughout the year, Bamburgh's restaurants offer a variety of fare. The Potted Lobster offers dishes focused on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Nearby, The Lord Crewe also serves up local ingredients, but the business also doubles as an inn, offering seven rooms, each with private bathrooms.

You'll find other accommodations throughout Bamburgh, too. Bed-and-breakfasts, the cozy lodging option preferred by European travel expert Rick Steves, are available in the historic streets of the village. For those looking for a more rustic experience, the Budle Hall Field Camping location provides tent campsites with private showers, views of the North Sea, and access to the beach. Similarly, Waren Caravan and Camping Park caters to tents, RVs, and rentals within sight of Bamburgh Castle.

Bamburgh's history is extensive. While not as old as the castle on the nearby hills, St. Aidan's Church is a popular stop for both the religious and the curious. Founded in 635 by its namesake, St. Aidan's was originally a wooden structure. The building that stands today dates to the late 12th century, but one wooden beam from the original church is still displayed in the church's baptistry.

The church also contains a shrine commemorating its founder's death and a memorial. Another memorial is dedicated to Grace Darling, a Victorian woman credited with saving survivors of a shipwreck in 1838. Darling became so popular for her heroism that Bamburgh dedicated a museum in her honor. The Grace Darling Museum is open throughout the year and celebrates the story of the woman who became a national celebrity and died too young from tuberculosis.

There are several ways to reach Bamburgh: by car, rail, or air. While it may not be among the most stunning train stations to visit in Europe, the station in Chathill is just 7 miles from Bamburgh, making it the closest railway hub to the village. Newcastle Airport (NCL) is the closest airport to Bamburgh and offers flights and connections from airports around the world.