It might be midsummer – but here at Bamburgh Castle we’re already dreaming of Christmas with the launch of our exciting new festive theme:  Treasured Tales

Opening in November, our staterooms will be transformed into a tropical Christmas paradise overflowing with glistening gold, vivid jewelled décor and magical adventures – and maybe a special visitor from much colder lands!

Created by acclaimed theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her award-winning event design team, Treasured Tales will take visitors on a spellbinding journey where the pages of much-loved childhood classics and fairytales will come to life in spectacular style.

Karen Larkin, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle said: “It might be midsummer but we’re already dreaming of storybooks and glittering hoards of Christmas gold. Treasured Tales is going to be our most incredible Christmas experience yet, with sparkling immersive sets, atmospheric lighting and soundscapes and surprises around every corner.

“It’s a theme that captures the magic of storytelling and the wonder of the festive season. We can’t wait to welcome visitors into a world where their favourite childhood classics come to life with a festive Bamburgh twist. And, of course, we’re in touch with Father Christmas so it’s very likely that you can expect some North Pole magic on your visit, too!”

Treasured Tales will run from Saturday November 8 to Sunday January 4.  Entry is included with general admission.  Advance booking is strongly recommended due to high demand. Special twilight tours and Personalised Meet Father Christmas experiences will be available to book on selected dates with details being announced soon.

Pre-book your ticket now!

 

Bamburgh Castle is getting ready to step back in time as it launches a packed summer events calendar kicking off with an action-packed Forties revival weekend.

Taking place on June 7th and 8th, the Forties Weekend will transform Bamburgh Castle into a bygone era complete with vintage music, military vehicles, living history displays and costumed re-enactors bringing the decade to life. There’ll also be plenty of family-friendly activities with Morse Codes to crack, paper Spitfire making and Battlefield planning with toy soldiers.

The 1940s event is the beginning of an action-packed summer events programme including open-air theatre, the return of best-selling author Annie Garthwaite, a summer holiday-long Pirate takeover and American Car Display.

A highlight is the live jousting weekend when the UK’s top stunt riders and their horses gallop into Bamburgh Castle on June 14th and 15th.

Experience the thrill of medieval combat and get ready to cheer on your chosen knight as they gallop head to head in high-octane clashes against the backdrop of the castle’s battlements.

Set sail for adventure with Ahoy at the Castle a pirate takeover running throughout the summer holidays from July 21st. This swashbuckling family event is filled with storytelling, sea shanties and pirate-themed games and activities.

Bamburgh Castle visitor service manager Karen Larkin said: “We’re so excited to be kicking off a summer packed with amazing experiences for the whole family. There’s something for everyone to have a great day out – from the fun nostalgia of the 1940s to knights and their beautiful horses to swashbuckling pirates, plays and pageantry.

“Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for fun, or you’re simply seeking a wonderful day out, we want people to have a brilliant experience – all in one of the most breathtaking settings in the UK. And as most events are included free with admission, it’s excellent value too.”

We were the first castle in history to fall to cannon fire. And this Easter Bamburgh Castle will be firing a different sort of projectile of its own – in the form of eggs!

With the help of a trebuchet – a medieval catapult – Bamburgh castle staff are laying down the gauntlet to visiting children to see who can launch their Easter egg the furthest.

Children will be able to decorate and weight their egg before launching it to see how far it can fly.

Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “We’re all fired up for a brilliant Easter this year in the Castle. Children will be able to test their cluck with our Easter egg flying challenge! We will have our own adjudicators so there will be no risk of  ‘fowl’ play of course!”

Egg firing at Bamburgh Castle takes place over Easter weekend on Saturday April 19 and Sunday April 20 2025, from 11.00am – 2.00pm in the Castle’s Inner Ward and is free with general admission tickets.

As well as egg firing, there’s a host of other events and activities for visitors to the coastal fortress including a royal ‘Eostre’ Viking feast to celebrate the arrival of Spring, craft making and an Easter teddy bear hunt through the Castle’s staterooms.

Visit our What’s On page for more details.

We’ve all sorts of Easter activities happening in the Castle that are just as fun for grown-ups as they are for children. And as all activities are free with general admission it’s time to let the Easter excitement roll!

As the first ever castle in the world to fall to gunpowder, of course we’re going to be firing ‘cannon’ eggs at Bamburgh Castle this Easter! Join in the egg-citement over Easter weekend with our Egg Firing and see how far you can launch your decorated egg with the help of a trebuchet.

If you go along to the Castle over Easter you’re in for a big surprise…  Some new arrivals have come to Bamburgh Castle. But the naughty bears have gone off on their own teddy bear’s picnic around the State Rooms to hunt for Easter eggs. Can you help us find our teddy bears? Spot the Easter bears from April 5 to April 27 2025

Join our ‘Eostre’ Viking spring celebration at Bamburgh Castle where the Vikings are feasting to welcome the return of light and warmth. Eostre was a Norse goddess linked to spring, dawn and fertility. Meet the Vikings in the Inner Ward for the feasting preparations on April 19 and 20.

Plus there’s Follow in the Footsteps of Uhtred tours, Warrior School, Easter Crafting and the return of our pawsome dog sitting service provided by Northumberland Dog Rescue volunteers.

Are you ready for a frightfully good time at Bamburgh Castle this Halloween? 

There’s a spooktacular line up of thrilling activities at our hauntingly beautiful castle to get everyone into the spirit this Halloween. From wicked things to do for the little ones to chilling tours guaranteed to give you the heebie-jeebies, find out more! 

As Halloween draws nearer, explore the ghostly side of Bamburgh Castle, where there has been life – and death – for thousands of years. With terrifying tales and stories of ghostly goings lurking behind every corner, will you be brave enough to find out more on our special Grisly Tours from Monday October 21^.

Discover the most eerie parts of the Castle and hear about the un-quiet spirits who are said to haunt the grand rooms and corridors with Ghostly Talks on selected days from Tuesday October 22 2024. 

Bamburgh Castle event manager Kate Newman said: “With thousands of years of history, you can imagine we have our fair share of un-quiet spirits, terrifying tales and ghostly goings on – which we’ll be sharing with visitors this spooky season, which are all free with general admission.”

A gruesome hit during Halloween last year with her rather brutal bedside manner, gory Anglo Saxon physician Alfgred is returning to Bamburgh Castle. She’ll be showing how patients were treated centuries before things like Paracetamol, anaesthetic and plasters were invented. 

Kate said: “A visit to the doctor was a very different experience for people living in Anglo Saxon times if they were sick or injured.  Not only did they have to deal with grisly injuries on the battlefield, but the treatment was often even worse. Be prepared for blood, guts and gore if you encounter Alfgred!”

Sessions with physician Alfgred are suitable for children aged six and over and take place in the Castle’s Dungeon daily from October 26 – October 30.

Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without things that wriggle, creep and crawl – but there’s no need to be afraid. Bamburgh Castle has teamed up with acclaimed animal encounter Zoolab to introduce visitors to creatures including tarantulas, frogs and a castle favourite – rats –  to educate them about these animals and their part in the natural world.  Meet the Castle critters on October 29. 

There’s gentler Halloween fun with our spooky crafting activities  for little ones from October 31 to November 3. Children can make their own ghosts or spiders to take home

For more information about Halloween and half term events at Bamburgh Castle visit www.bamburghcastle.com  

Our spectacular festive transformations have highlighted Bamburgh Castle as a must-visit Christmas destination and the largest indoor festive experience in the North East.

And with 166 days to go until the big day itself, we’re excited to announce the theme for our 2024 festive installation is A Christmas Through Time.

We’re collaborating with the theatrical genius Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her marvellous event design team to take visitors on a mesmerising festive journey through Christmases past, present and future.

See the Staterooms transformed into an elaborate extravaganza that showcases Christmas from its earliest Viking beginnings and joyful medieval celebrations through to modern-day Father Christmas, the all-out Lametta-dripping glamour of retro mid 20th century decorating and onwards in to a Christmas of the future.

Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “We love everything about Christmas and are super excited about this year’s theme which is bursting with enchantment and joy with something to delight everyone – even the grinchiest Grinch!

“People return to see our Christmas Kingdom year after year – it’s become a tradition for them to revel in Bamburgh Castle’s festive magic as part of their Christmas build-up and to celebrate the season.”

Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Bamburgh Castle. It shimmers with history, adventure and has lashings of its own magic.

“We’ve been working on Christmas concepts with fabulous traditions from Bamburgh’s own rich history since February. We’re bringing in a host of wonderful new elements to add further Christmas delight that will create even more unforgettable memories for visitors.

“These include new interactive features including stunning projections and dynamic soundscapes to immerse and engage visitors in what will be a truly spectacular, stellar Christmas experience that is totally unique to Bamburgh Castle.”

Tickets are also on sale for personalised ‘Meet Father Christmas’ experiences in Bamburgh Castle. But be sure to book quicky, as personalised events sell out quickly.

The installation is part of Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas Kingdom which includes further events including Christmas Wreath Making, carol concerts and musical performances and a Christmas Shop.

A Christmas Through Time at Bamburgh Castle runs from Saturday 9 November – Sunday 5 January, daily from 10am – 4pm.  Entry is included with general admission tickets now on sale here and on the gate. Entry is free for Bamburgh Castle annual passholders.

A dramatic live jousting tournament at Bamburgh Castle will mark 560 years since the Northumberland fortress became the first in history to fall to gunpowder.  

Taking place over the weekend of June 15 and 16 2024, world-class jousting displays will take place against the magnificent backdrop of Bamburgh Castle and the North Sea beyond as fearless knights mounted on specially trained horses go into battle to contest the Castle.

Bamburgh Castle events manager Kate Newman said: “We’re excited to be marking 560 years since that famous seize with another Bamburgh first – our live jousting show. There’ll be much fanfare, incredible choreographed foot and weapon combat and high octane stunts, never seen in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle before.

“The last time Bamburgh witnessed mounted combat of this kind was during the 1464 siege as the houses of Lancaster and York battled for the English throne and Bamburgh fell to Yorkist forces. 

“Our tournament is definitely in the name of exciting, family fun as the Wars of the Roses siege is brought to life with daring trick riding and fast-paced equestrian skills from The Knights of Royal England.”

Visitors will be able to choose and cheer on their side in the jousting arena which is being purpose built with over three tonnes of props and equipment. The show includes 14 knights and four specially trained Spanish horses. 

Alongside the jousting tournament will be quick-fire Wars of the Roses tours with actors and tour guides retelling tales from the dramatic siege itself and up close weaponry talks looking at some of the deadly armaments used in the Wars including the Longbow. 

The jousting field will open at 1.00pm on both Saturday and Sunday June 15 and 16 with the tournament beginning at 2.00pm until 3.30pm. 

Entry is included with general admission.

BUY TICKETS 

Bamburgh Castle is marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a weekend of 1940s commemorations. 

The Castle will be holding events across the weekend of June 8 and June 9 in honour of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in 1944. 

The action-packed 1940s weekend will feature military vehicle displays and WW2 Re-enactment groups a Vintage pop-up parlour and craft making for children and families. 

Learn to dance swing and sing along  in the dance tent with live music and performances of popular 1940s favourites including Lindy Hop, a dance introduced to the UK by American soldiers stationed here during World War Two. 

Bamburgh Castle events manager Kate Newman said: “We wanted to do something to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings – an event that changed the course of the Second World War. 

“We really have got something for everyone to re-tell what life was like during the 1940s, from the importance of dancing with dance halls and styles that kept people’s spirits up during the war to a pop-up vintage beauty parlour for visitors to recreate 1940s looks.”

Visitors to the Castle can also explore the Armstrong and Aviation Museum inside the Castle grounds. The museum celebrates the genius of William George Armstrong and his scientific and engineering legacies including the Spitfire aircraft, the hero of the Battle of Britain. 

Wreckage of a Spitfire L1037 which provided cover for the evacuation from Dunkirk beaches and went on to fly in the Battle of Britain is on display in the museum. It was built by Supermarine Aviation Works as part of the first order of Spitfire aircraft in 1936. Supermarine had been taken over by Vickers-Armstrongs in 1928. 

·     Bamburgh Castle’s 1940s weekend takes place on Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9. Entry is included with general admission tickets. Additional charges apply for some craft and pop-up parlour activities. Buy tickets here or at the gate.

If you thought dinosaurs didn’t celebrate Easter because they were egg-stinct, think again! 

Bamburgh Castle has a ‘Saur-some line up of Jurassic adventures for what promises to be a great Easter event in Northumberland.

We’re already known for our links with the world’s most famous on-screen archaeologist Indiana Jones after starring in the recent box office film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Now we’re looking forward to welcoming an eggstraordinary new archaeologist adventurer in the form of Professor Foss-Cecil and his Jurassic team for one safari that’s not to be missed. 

Become a Dino-Discoverer with Professor Foss-Cecil who’ll be teaching visitors everything they need to know to become a fully-fledged dinosaur spotter – but will they become a master ‘Saur trainer or end up dino-dinner? Enter the Jurassic Activity Tent with themed crafting stations and activities, fossil finding and rubbing, digging for gems and cave painting.  

Professor Foss-Cecil’s Jurassic Safari takes place on Saturday 6 April – Sunday 7 April and on Saturday 13 April – Sunday 14 April. 

Take a Dino Discovery adventure and travel back in time to the golden age of dinosaur discoveries in the American Wild West and Victorian Britain where visitors will get to encounter some of the most fearsome prehistoric animals of all time including T. Rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus, handle fossils, hear stories and take part in lots of dino-themed activities. Dino Discovery Adventures run on Tuesday 2 April – Wednesday 3 April and Tuesday 9 April – Wednesday 10 April, drop in sessions from 10am – 3pm.

There’s further dino Easter fun throughout the holidays with craft making, daily interactive Roarsome story telling with retellings of Dino-favourites  Gigantosaurus by Jonny Duddle and The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. Find out about Bernard the Bamburgh Dinosaur and discover clues to see what he looks like – you might even spot Bernard the Bamburgh dinosaur wandering around the Castle grounds! 

Dino-Easter activities are included with general admission tickets. Additional charges apply for entry into the Jurassic Activities tent which includes all materials for themed dino activity stations. 

Dino Easter at Bamburgh Castle runs from Friday March 29 to Sunday April 14.