From flying eggs to a quirky indoor creature trail, Bamburgh Castle is bursting with egg-citing adventures for everyone this Easter.

Eggs will quite literally take flight from the Castle’s trebuchet on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Come and can get egg-sperimental and discover just how far your egg will soar across the Castle’s Inner Ward.

Karen Larkin, visitor services manager, said: “Our Easter trebuchet is back by popular demand. It’s a brilliant mix of strategy, ‘eggsperimentation’ and just a little bit of luck as visitors try to work out exactly how heavy their egg needs to be to travel the furthest.

“It’s great fun to see families getting involved, and it can get surprisingly competitive with kids taking on grown-ups and everyone determined to claim victory.”

Alongside the high-flying action, children can enjoy Easter craft activities throughout the holidays, as well as the launch of our brand-new Knight and Princess School, perfect for young adventurers ready to step into a world of castles, daring and fun challenges.

Elsewhere inside the Castle, the Easter Bunny isn’t the only creature causing mischief. She’s joined by a host of playful companions in Tails & Tales, our brilliant new indoor sculpture trail running through the Castle’s staterooms. Created by artist Mandy Bryson, the trail features a collection of humorous creature characters, each inspired by familiar sayings, inviting visitors to guess the meaning behind them.

All activities are included with general admission.

A cast of quirky creatures is sneaking into Bamburgh Castle’s staterooms – and they’re ready to tell a few tales of their own.

The menagerie of sculptures is being installed throughout the castle ahead of a brand new trail opening tomorrow (Saturday February 14th).

Following a trail through the castle’s staterooms, Tails & Tales brings well-known sayings to life through a series of whimsical characters. From early birds to slow-and-steady snails, each sculpture represents a familiar phrase encouraging visitors to guess the saying behind each design.

Inspired by Bamburgh Castle’s long association with curiosity, invention and the natural world, Tails & Tales draws on the legacy of William George Armstrong, later Lord Armstrong, the Victorian innovator who bought Bamburgh Castle in 1894. A lover of animals and nature, Armstrong’s fascination with the natural world went on to shape his life and work.

The sculptures are created by Northumbrian artist Mandy Bryson. Working in clay, mixed media and textiles, Bryson brings character and personality to each creature. Her works are inspired by traditional sayings, childhood memories and a lifelong love of wildlife. Her creations invites visitors to slow down, look again and rediscover the stories hidden in everyday language.

Tails & Tales has been designed for everyone to enjoy. Alongside the main trail, a ‘Creature Quest’ encourages visitors to spot playful details and unexpected objects as they explore the castle’s rooms and passageways.

Francis Watson-Armstrong, owner of Bamburgh Castle, said: “Bamburgh Castle has always been a place full of stories and surprises. It’s the perfect setting for Tails & Tales, which celebrates our affection for animals, imagination and storytelling. Mandy’s cast of wonderfully quirky creatures is extraordinary. I’m sure they’ll bring a smile to people’s faces and, like us, visitors will have fun guessing the sayings behind the characters.”

Buy Bamburgh Castle tickets here.

Bamburgh Castle will be showcased in a brand-new Channel 4 festive documentary series, A Very British Christmas.

The three-episode series follows designers Adrian Lillie and Charlotte Lloyd- Webber of Charlotte Lloyd-Webber Event Design as they create extraordinary Christmas installations for some of the nation’s most remarkable historic properties.

The series includes a full episode showcasing Treasured Tales, Bamburgh Castle’s 2025 festive experience which is currently delighting visitors at the Castle and is on display there until Sunday January 4.

Bamburgh Castle’s episode is scheduled to air on Channel 4 on Tuesday December 16 at 8pm.

Filming captures the months-long process of developing Christmas at Bamburgh Castle, which opened its doors to visitors in November.

The programme, produced by production company Factual Fiction, follows the CLW Event Design team and Bamburgh Castle owners, the Armstrong family and Castle staff as they plan, build and install Christmas at the Castle.

Treasured Tales is inspired by beloved childhood classics and fairytales, and sees  the Castle’s staterooms transformed into a series of theatrical sets with standout moments including a dazzling recreation of Captain Hook’s The Jolly Roger in the King’s Hall.

The installation includes thousands of decorations, almost two kilometres of fairy lights and bespoke structures unique to Bamburgh. These are built off-site over several months before being transported to the Castle, with the final installation taking place over an intensive five-day period.

Francis Watson-Armstrong, owner of Bamburgh Castle, said: “If you’ve ever tried decorating your living room for Christmas, imagine doing it with trees the size of a small lighthouse and 40-foot high ceilings. That’s Christmas at Bamburgh Castle and Channel 4 has captured every bit of the festive madness and the magic that makes it so special.

“Owning a castle at Christmas means living with the fear that someone will ask how many baubles we actually have — and now Channel 4 has the evidence. It’s a joy to see Charlotte’s team’s creativity celebrated, and I hope viewers enjoy discovering just how much magic (and caffeine) goes into making Bamburgh sparkle.”

CLW Event Design Director Adrian Lillie said: “We’ve gone bigger than ever at Bamburgh on lavish set pieces. Two entire large shipping containers’ worth of decorations, props and floristry pieces were transported to the Castle in four dedicated vehicles to get through the portcullis and up to the main castle buildings.

“This is what has been such fun in creating Treasured Tales for Bamburgh this year – from the entire deck of the Jolly Roger, to a 5.5m ceiling-bursting beanstalk for Jack – and from Aladdin’s Cave to an underwater Poseidon treasure Mermaid installation! My team used their full creative talents to pull off something truly magical which I know is delighting visitors.”

Treasured Tales is on display at Bamburgh Castle seven days a week until to January 4.  Entry is included with general admission. Winter tickets are on sale now at www.bamburghcastle.

Watch A Very British Christmas: Bamburgh Castle on Tuesday December 16 at 8pm on Channel 4.

For more programme information visit: channel4.com/programmes

Pictured: Adrian Lillie transforms Bamburgh Castle’s King’s Hall into the deck of the Jolly Roger.

Storybook-themed Christmas displays inside Bamburgh Castle state rooms

Discover Treasured Tales, the new indoor festive experience at Bamburgh Castle, where the Castle’s magnificent state rooms are brought to life with enchanting displays inspired by classic stories and much-loved fairytales. Whether you are visiting for the magic of Christmas, the Castle’s extraordinary history, or simply to enjoy a unique seasonal day out, Treasured Tales offers a captivating journey for all ages — from the curious to the young at heart.

Taking inspiration from beloved childhood classics and timeless fairytales, North East tourist attractions Bamburgh Castle has been transformed into a glittering storybook kingdom where fantasy and festivity meet in a spectacular celebration of imagination.

Created by acclaimed theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her award-winning CLW Event Design team, Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle is one of the most expansive indoor Christmas experiences in the region and is perfect for a Northumberland winter days out.

Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “We are thrilled to present Treasured Tales and share this imaginative world. Bamburgh Castle carries such presence and atmosphere – it is made for storytelling. We’ve drawn from the stories many of us have carried since childhood, reimagining them in playful, enchanting and visually lavish ways. It’s a place to rediscover wonder – whether you come for Christmas, for the Castle, or simply to step into a world of pure imagination and joy.”

Visitors are invited to follow a spectacular storytelling journey through the Castle, with familiar tales including Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Treasure Island brought to life in dazzling detail within one of the most iconic historic settings in the country.

Karen Larkin, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle, said:

“It’s always a magical moment when we open the doors to our Christmas experience, but this year is truly special. Treasured Tales is designed to captivate everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. We’re delighted to invite visitors to step into a world where fairytales come alive, surrounded by festive warmth and storytelling.

“The installation enhances the Castle’s beauty, rather than disguises it so visitors can still experience Bamburgh’s incredible state rooms, artefacts and history with the added delight of a journey of nostalgia, joy, and festive sparkle.”

Among the highlights of this year’s experience are weekly Twilight Christmas evenings every Thursday offering visitors the chance to experience the magic of the Castle after dark.

Treasured Tales runs from Saturday 8 November to Sunday 4 January with entry included with general admission. Buy tickets here or on the gate.

Visitors can enjoy other seasonal events at Bamburgh Castle including Meet Father Christmas Experiences and Christmas Wreath Making Workshops. Full details are available online.

The Christmas countdown is on at Bamburgh Castle which will unveil its spectacular new festive extravaganza Treasured Tales in just a few days’ time.

Inspired by the world’s most beloved childhood classics and fairytales, Bamburgh Castle’s storied interiors will be reimagined into a spellbinding wintery celebration Treasured Tales, opening on Saturday, November 8.

Created by acclaimed theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her award-winning event design team, Charlotte is known for crafting immersive, large-scale experiences that bring festive magic to life.

Charlotte said: “Bamburgh Castle is an enchanting  place where imagination reigns. We are tremendously excited about this year’s festive theme. The fairytales we all know and love will step off the page as we transform Bamburgh Castle into a glittering storybook kingdom where Christmas dreams are brought vividly to life.”

Visitors will wander on immersive trails through the Castle’s staterooms, overflowing with glistening gold, jewel-bright décor and atmospheric props and lighting, with each room telling its own story.

New for 2025 will be weekly Twilight Christmas evenings on Thursdays for visitors to experience the enchantment of Treasured Tales at night, when the Castle will glow and shimmer like spun gold.

Karen Larkin, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle said: “With less than a month to go, excitement is mounting as Bamburgh Castle transforms into a world of Treasured Tales. This year’s Christmas experience really does promise to be our most magical yet — filled with sparkle, storytelling, and festive surprises that will capture hearts of all ages.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors into a world where their favourite childhood classics come to life with a festive Bamburgh twist.”

Treasured Tales will run from Saturday November 8 to Sunday January 4.  Entry is included with general admission. Winter tickets are on sale now at www.bamburghcastle.com

Alongside Treasured Tales other festive events at Bamburgh Castle include Meet Father Christmas Experiences and Christmas Wreath Making. Full details of all seasonal events is available on line.

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