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.

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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. 

An exhibition showcasing costumes and props from global hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom returns to Bamburgh Castle – the saga’s historical homeland – on Saturday (February 10 2024).

Being displayed for the first time are costumes worn by Mark Rowley (Finan) and Arnas Fedaravičius (Sihtric), both who starred in the show from series two onwards and in the feature-length Netflix movie, Seven Kings Must Die.

The exhibition also includes costumes worn by Alexander Dreymon who plays protagonist Uhtred, Thea Sofie Loch Næss who starred as Skade and Cavan Clerkin as warrior-priest Father Pyrlig.

To crown it all, destiny is all for visitors who can become queen or king of the north and sit in the Wessex Throne from the series.

The Last Kingdom was produced by Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Adapted for Netflix from Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels The Saxon Stories,the plot centres on the Anglo-Saxon citadel of Bebbanburg – Uhtred’s ancestral home – today called Bamburgh Castle.

Nigel Marchant, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Carnival Films who have loaned the collection, said: “We are delighted that Bamburgh Castle is putting on this exhibition and giving the show’s loyal fans and members of the public the chance to step into The Last Kingdom. The props and costumes are such an integral part of the series, so it seems only right they stand proudly on display in Uhtred’s ancestral home of Bebbanburg.”

Kate Newman, events manager at Bamburgh Castle, said: “We’re so excited that The Last Kingdom exhibition is returning to Bamburgh, the true kingdom of Bebbanburg. Carnival Films has curated this fascinating collection of items that will be instantly recognisable to fans of the series and equally intriguing to anyone with an interest in Bamburgh’s past. The exhibition explores how the series was drawn from real life with a plotline inspired by its gripping history.”

Alongside the exhibition, additional Follow in the Footsteps of Uhtred guided tours led by Ragnar the Viking of award-winning Lundgren Tours, compare the real history of Uhtred with the fictional version. Tours last two-hours long and include free entry into the Castle and staterooms. Book Tickets. 

Entry into The Last Kingdom exhibition is included with general admission. Buy tickets online or on the gate.

Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas Kingdom 2023 is now open!

Visitors of all ages queued to be the first to enter the festive extravaganza, which sees our staterooms transformed into a spectacular series of festive displays, designed by theatrical genius Charlotte Lloyd Webber.

This year’s theme is the Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria, inspired by the folkloric stories, traditions and pastimes of Bamburgh Castle and North East England. Our staterooms have become a magical world of fantastical forests where fairies flit and banquet, Selkies and mermaids sport by mythical pools, Yule traditions are celebrated and legendary characters marvellously reimagined.

Claire Watson-Armstrong of Bamburgh Castle said: “The Christmas Kingdom is just breathtaking and a festive feast of wonder for everyone.

“I love that this is a completely unique Christmas experience to Bamburgh Castle while showcasing our magnificent region, our coast and its stories and legends. It brings to life your fantasies of a dazzling Christmas experience full of wonder and delight.

It truly is a Christmas experience like no other and we are so excited to be able to share it with our visitors and together celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the magic of the season.”

Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “Bamburgh Castle is steeped in stories from its rich folklore tradition dating back centuries. The occasion of Christmas presents a wonderful opportunity for us to conjure these tales for the delight of visitors of all ages.”

Many of the installation’s characters have been designed and hand-made by Berwick-upon-Tweed based sculptor and prop maker, Mandy Bryson. Using mixed media 3D art combining sculpture, textiles and painting, Mandy also uses ‘faux taxidermy’ – an alternative to actual taxidermy.

​Mandy said: “It has been so exciting to have been involved sculpting some of the mythical creatures for this year’s Christmas Kingdom at Bamburgh Castle with pieces that look as if they’ve stepped straight from a fairy tale.

“Having sculpted for Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace it means so much to me to get the chance to make pieces for Bamburgh Castle. I am born and bred a Northumbrian and it is such an honour to have my pieces showcased in such an iconic and magical setting.

“My favourite is the seal head. He has such soulful eyes that just melt your heart! The Castle is so atmospheric and magical, especially seeing it dressed for Christmas”.

Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “Christmas is all about making memories and our Enchanted Kingdom is a magical way for families and friends to spend time together and enjoy the most wonderful time of year.

We are thrilled that Bamburgh tops the festive list as the place to visit to enjoy the most wonderful time of year. Our Christmas Kingdom has become part of people’s festive tradition to visit, which is brilliant.”

As well as the Christmas Myths and Legends installation you can book now for Christmas Wreath Making workshops to make and adorn your very own festive Wreath in the glorious setting of Bamburgh Castle. Visit bamburghcastle.com to book.

Other festive events include carol singing, festive treats and mulled wine in the castle’s Clock Tower Café and enjoy a spot of shopping in the Castle’s pop-up Christmas shop.

• The Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria at Bamburgh Castle runs until Sunday 7 January, daily from 10am – 4pm. Last admission is at 3pm.  Entrance is included with general admission tickets. The event is free to enter for Bamburgh Castle annual passholders. 

There’s a (gruesome) doctor in the house at Bamburgh Castle this Halloween – and her treatments aren’t for the faint hearted…

 As the scariest time of year arrives, enter Bamburgh Castle’s dungeon if you dare, for Saxon doctor Alfgred will be in residence with a bedside manner that could be described as somewhat brutal.

If you’re squeamish, look away as our Saxon physician attends to battle-wounded patients with treatments that existed centuries before painkilling drugs, sedatives and anaesthetic were invented.

Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “The Saxons had to contend with pretty horrible diseases as well as grisly injuries sustained on the battle field during wars and feuds. Just like us, they would see a doctor or surgeon but how they were treated was very difficult – as you’ll find out with Doctor Alfgred.

“There will be blood, guts and we can guarantee gore. Alfgred is quite brutal and her bedside manner could be described as brusque at best, so be prepared,” said Karen.

You can see Alfgred in action in her Operating Theatre inside the Castle’s dungeon from Monday October 30 to Thursday November 2. Entry is free with general admission tickets.

The Castle will be echoing with the sound of blood-curdling screams as want-to-be Warriors are put through their paces when Uhtred’s School of Warriors returns for the half term holidays with Ragnar the Viking on Sunday October 29 , Wednesday November 1 and Sunday November 5.

Budding warriors can find out who has the most chilling scream, ward off Halloween evil with their Viking sword and take part in special Halloween challenges.

Get witch-crafty with fun Halloween hands-on activities from Sunday November 29 to Thursday November 2 with kids’ activities included with general admission.

And if Halloween cute is more your thing, don’t miss the chance to meet mini pony Marley will be trick or treating in the Castle grounds saying hello to guys and ghouls on Monday October 30.

Visit our What’s On page for more information about Halloween Events at Bamburgh Castle.

Shimmering, shell-encrusted lagoons where selkies dive, frosted forests sprinkled with faerie magic and legendary characters reimagined in all their festive finery…

Our spectacular Christmas Kingdom is returning with a fantastical new festive theme inspired by The Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria.

Following on from her sumptuous The Twelve Days of Christmas installation last year, theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her event design team are set to wow visitors of all ages with this year’s festive interpretation which will be our most dazzling Christmas experience yet.

Opening to the public of Saturday 11 November, Bamburgh Castle’s staterooms will become the backdrop for what has become the north east’s largest indoor Christmas experience. Entry is included with general admission tickets on sale now via here.

Promising breathtaking theatrical installations alongside trees festooned with faerie favourites, stunningly lit foliage and lavishly dressed rooms.

Visitors will be introduced in to a magical world where fairies flit and banquet, selkies and mermaids sport by mythical pools, Yule traditions are celebrated and legendary characters connected to the Castle are marvellously reimagined.

Many of the installation’s characters are designed and hand-made by Berwick-upon-Tweed based sculptor and prop maker, Mandy Bryson. Using mixed media 3D art combining sculpture, textiles and painting, Mandy also uses ‘faux taxidermy’ – an alternative to actual taxidermy.

Our personalised ‘Meet Father Christmas’ experiences in the Castle’s grotto are now sold out. Sign up to our newsletter for early access tickets for Christmas 2024.

Other Christmas highlights include:

Personalised Meet Father Christmas Experiences 
An enchanting and truly magical opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas himself at Bamburgh Castle in his fairy tale grotto

Christmas Wreath Making  21, 24, 27 & 30 November
Make and adorn your very own Christmas Wreath in the glorious setting of Bamburgh Castle. Sessions last around two hours and include all materials, expert tuition and refreshments.

• The Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria at Bamburgh Castle runs from Saturday 11 November – Sunday 7 January, daily from 10am – 4pm.

Bamburgh Castle owner Francis Watson-Armstrong with his dogs

Dog friendly Bamburgh Castle has come up with a pawsome way to make four-legged visitors welcome – while raising funds for its charity of the year – Northumberland Dog Rescue.

The Castle is offering a new pet sitting service for dogs inside its grounds, which will see happy hounds being played with, walked and watered while their owners explore inside the Staterooms and Armstrong and Aviation Museum.

Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “We’re very proud to be dog friendly and love welcoming dogs inside our grounds. Many of our team are dog owners and have rehomed dogs from Northumberland Dog Rescue, including the Castle’s owners. We understand pets are part of the family and that includes going on trips out and about.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with Northumberland Dog Rescue volunteers to provide this new pet-sitting service for dogs over the summer holidays. It means their owners can go inside the Castle staterooms together and explore other indoor areas of the Castle where dogs are not able to go, due to the fragile nature of our collections.”

Karen added: “The pet sitting service is being run inside the Castle grounds by fully trained and experienced volunteers from Northumberland Dog Rescue. Every penny raised from the service will go directly to the charity which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in our area.”

Northumberland Dog Rescue will be offering the pet sitting service on Sundays and Mondays from July 30 – August 28 and on Wednesday August 16 & 23. Slots can be pre-booked in advance to promotions.ndr@gmail.com for 30 or 60 minutes with suggested donations of £5 and £10. Sessions will also be available to book on the day, subject to availability.

Bamburgh Castle is straining at the leash to raise £10k for the charity (formerly Alexa’s animals) near Alnwick to fund much-needed items including kennel enrichment equipment and games as well as supporting with veterinary bills and care for dogs at the shelter.

Find out more about Bamburgh Castle’s new dog sitting service here.