Bamburgh Castle is my favourite castle in the world. Sitting majestically, almost magically on the dramatic Northumbrian coast it stands defiant. Strategically superb. It looks like a castle should look. The site has been fortified since AD547. The fortress seen today really has only taken shape since Norman times. Over the years it has been used as an infirmary and school. The castle is open to visitors and well worth a visit. One of my earliest holiday memories is that of me walking along Bamburgh beach with mum and dad. It was one of those always seemingly endless sunny and idyllic summer days we always had as kids. The soft warm hand of mum on my right and the coarser hand of dad on the left. I remember looking at the castle. It was my castle. I wanted to live there. I never did, of course, but we visited every year. We stayed in a Sprite caravan near Beadnell. It had a nausea inducing satsuma coloured band down both sides – but we loved it all the same. I have been so many times to Bamburgh that if I close my eyes I can still see the ups and downs and undulations of this magnificent castle silhouetted against a clear North East sky. The view coming along the B1342 skirting Budle Bay is magnificent. The sight of the castle as you drive over the brow of the hill and descend down into Bamburgh village is simply stunning. It still takes my breath away. In Bamburgh take the road opposite the post office, The Wyndings – and follow the road to the beach. Parking is limited but from here it's a short stroll through the dunes onto the beach. The broad Bamburgh beach is fabulous. Fine golden sand. The rock pools are a bonus and are filled with countless crabs, snails and fish.
I have been so inspired by this area that we have had countless family bucket and spade holidays here.
