Bamburgh (and other castles of Northumberland)
Northumberland has more castles than anywhere else in England.
Bamburgh Castle was once lived in by kings, who ruled over this county. Today it’s said to be the most haunted of castles! It has a stunning location overlooking the wide sandy beaches near the Farne Islands.
It’s also home to large seabirds called Fulmars, who for hundreds of years have nested on the battlements. Now protected by law, staff often rescue chicks who land on the roofs, unable to take off again.
If at the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Join the campaign to ban flying rings, to help local seals.
Nearby is the town of Seahouses, which is where you can look out towards The Farne Islands, home to thousands of puffins, seals and seabirds. The town did not exist, until the harbour was built.
Beyond that is Beadnell, a very pretty village by the sea, with sandy beaches and a unique west-facing harbour. It was originally two medieval hamlets, that grew into one single village.
Anwick Castle (the ‘Windsor of the North’)
Alnwich Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles (often called ‘the Windsor Castle of the North). If you like your period dramas, you’ll recognise the sumptuous Italianate rooms being used for filming episodes of Downton Abbey.
Lindisfarne Castle (on Holy Island)
Lindisfarne Castle is located on Holy Island, where hermit saints like St Cuthbert used to live. Today the many tourists with cars are reminded to look at tide times, so not to be cut off at high tide.
