Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle rises from a basalt crag on the Northumberland coast of northeast England, commanding views of the North Sea and the Farne Islands. Fortified since at least the 6th century as the stronghold of the kingdom of Bernicia — King Ida seized the site in 547 — the present stone castle was built by the Normans, with Henry II's keep complete by 1164.
After centuries of decay, Victorian industrialist William Armstrong purchased and restored it in 1894; his descendants still own it. Open to the public, the castle houses restored state rooms and an Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum. Medieval writer Thomas Malory identified Bamburgh with Joyous Gard, the legendary Arthurian home of Sir Lancelot.
Visitor information
- Location
- Bamburgh, England
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
- Coordinates
- 55.608, -1.709
- Official site
- http://www.bamburghcastle.com/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Bamburgh Castle?
- Bamburgh Castle is in Bamburgh, England, United Kingdom (approximately 55.608, -1.709).
- Can you visit Bamburgh Castle?
- Yes — Bamburgh Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.bamburghcastle.com/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Bamburgh Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Bamburgh Castle is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
- What can you see at Bamburgh Castle?
- Bamburgh Castle rises from a basalt crag on the Northumberland coast of northeast England, commanding views of the North Sea and the Farne Islands. Fortified since at least the 6th century as the stronghold of the kingdom of Bernicia — King Ida seized the site in 547 — the present stone castle was built by the Normans, with Henry II's keep complete by 1164.
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