Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Edinburgh Is An English Village With Fresh Seafood, Camping, And A Scenic Castle

The protected Northumberland Coast Natural Landscape covers over 50 square miles along northeastern England's windswept coast. One of the most picturesque destinations along this shoreline is Bamburgh, a petite village famed for its scenic Bamburgh Castle overlooking the North Sea. Bamburgh's history dates back to the sixth century when the Anglo-Saxon kings settled on this waterfront bluff as their capital. The current castle took shape first as a Norman fortification in the 11th century and then was occupied by British kings. Bamburgh Castle was acquired by the wealthy inventor William Armstrong in the late 19th century, and he restored and decorated its vast interiors. Later generations of the Armstrong family still own Bamburgh Castle today, which is open for the public to explore.

While the castle is the village's centerpiece, the commercial heart of Bamburgh is along Front Street. This main thoroughfare is flanked by historic facades where you'll find a handful of restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. To immerse in Bamburgh's coastal village charm, consider staying a few nights here by camping at one of the nearby campsites.

Bamburgh is about an 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh and an hour's drive from Newcastle upon Tyne. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) receives nonstop flights from various U.S. cities, such as New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. The best time to visit Bamburgh to enjoy beach walks, camping, and castle exploration is July and August when high average temperatures hover around 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bamburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of Northumberland, England's northernmost county that boasts scenic landscapes. Its prominent perch above the sandy coast of Bamburgh Beach, buffeted by the North Sea, looks straight out of a romantic fairytale. The impressive centuries-old exterior marked by crenelated towers, mighty stone walls, and rounded turrets top the 150-foot-high bluff. The oldest part of the castle that survives today is the 12th-century Norman keep, a protected stone tower that was built to withstand invasion. Inside the fortress, visitors can explore the interiors, which reveal state rooms displaying historic armor, the soaring Victorian-era King's Hall, and even an Archaeology Museum exhibiting ancient artifacts. 

The castle is a very family-friendly destination, hosting events such as princess and knight school, castle-themed arts and crafts workshops, centuries-old Saxon games, and festive Christmas displays. As you wander the 9-acre property, you'll have panoramic views over the sandy North Sea shore below. "A beautiful coastal castle where history meets nature," raved a reviewer on Google where the castle has a 4.7-star rating. "You can easily pass a whole day here enjoying the views."

After exploring the castle, you can head down through the dunes to Bamburgh Beach. While only strong swimmers should enter the water due to the powerful surf and lack of lifeguard supervision, the beach is a popular surfing destination. In fact, NE Surf School offers lessons for both beginners and advanced surfers along this scenic stretch. If you want to explore further, you can embark on a 3-mile stroll along the shore from Bamburgh to the quaint fishing village of Seahouses. If you time your return to Bamburgh at sunset, you'll have stunning views of the stately castle's silhouette against the setting sun. 

Bamburgh's prime position on the North Sea ensures plenty of fresh seafood. Tripadvisor's top-rated Creel and Reel Seafood Trailer is a casual food truck located in one of the Bamburgh Castle parking lots. This hidden gem serves up hearty plates of lobster rolls, seared scallops, monkfish skewers, and more that can be enjoyed on the alfresco picnic tables. In the heart of Bamburgh, you should book a table at The Potted Lobster, a chic and airy seafood restaurant on Front Street. Start with local Lindisfarne oysters before the seafood platter with lobster, battered haddock and chips, or Northumberland crab salad. A Tripadvisor reviewer reported that the restaurant "really showcases the very best of our wonderful local produce."

If you want to spend more time in this English village, check out Bamburgh Under Canvas, a boutique adults-only campground set amidst a flower field. The five white canvas tents feature stylish interiors including comfortable beds, seating areas, and gas stoves for colder nights. Other amenities include fire pits and hot tubs. If you are traveling with children or want a larger campground, head to the Budle Bay Campsite, which is about a 5-minute drive from Bamburgh. Here there are grassy campsites for pitching tents, as well as huts and lodges for those who need a bit more infrastructure. After your trip to Bamburgh, you can venture south towards Newcastle upon Tyne, an under-the-radar U.K. city with Victorian-era charm, or north to Edinburgh, Europe's "festival city" with endless fun-filled events.