Bamburgh: Coastal Walks, History and Hotels

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In the centre of Bamburgh, village history and the castle are within a short walk of each other: the RNLI Grace Darling Museum is opposite St Aidan's Church and only a few minutes' walk from Bamburgh Castle. This makes it easy to combine a museum visit with the church and castle. The museum commemorates Grace Darling's rescue of nine survivors from the wreck of the SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838.

Castle and remembrance

Bamburgh Castle has stood above the Northumberland coast for more than 1,400 years. It stands on a mighty outcrop of the Great Whin Sill, 45 metres above sea level. The grounds include the ruins of St Peter's Chapel. The treasure-filled state rooms include the King's Hall.

The Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum at Bamburgh Castle houses aviation artefacts from two world wars. Among its finds, a museum in the castle displays the golden Bamburgh Beast and a rare pattern-welded sword. At Bamburgh Bones, visitors can discover the story of the excavation and meet people who lived and worked in Bamburgh 1,400 years ago. Bamburgh therefore offers different ways to explore local history: a rescue, excavations, archaeological finds and aviation artefacts.

Coast on foot and on the water

The 38-mile section of the King Charles III England Coast Path from Bamburgh to the Scottish border is a designated walking route and offers views of Bamburgh Castle. The walk from Bamburgh to Seahouses is a different proposition: it follows the Northumberland coast, is easy and is more than three miles each way. When choosing a walk, you can distinguish the shorter route to Seahouses from the longer section of the Coast Path.

From Bamburgh Castle Beach, views stretch across the North Sea to Holy Island and the Farne Islands. Several surf schools operate at the northern end of Bamburgh Beach in spring, summer and autumn, catering to beginners and experienced surfers. If you are planning to surf, check the current opening hours for your travel dates in advance; the activity is seasonal.

Getting around the village

Buses run to Bamburgh from Berwick and Alnwick. The village bus stop is only a few minutes' walk from the Grace Darling Museum. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable before setting off. St Aidan's Church welcomes visitors and pilgrims and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; check the opening hours before your visit.

There is also practical guidance for exploring by bike: an extensive network of quiet roads is ideal for cycling. National Cycle Network Route 1 heads southeast from Bamburgh towards Glororum. If you are looking for a different activity, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is set on basalt outcrops overlooking the ancient fortress after which it is named. Flyers for the Bamburgh Children's Clue Trail are available at various locations in the village.

Discover more destinations: Heddon On The Wall, Duddo, West Woodburn, Wall, Blyth, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Ellington, Brampton

Return to the main travel overview: Northumberland.

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