Northumberland's historic Bamburgh Castle extends opening hours for start of new visitor season

For the first time since the castle began welcoming visitors in the 1950s, it will be unlocking the doors of the main house seven days a week, at the earlier time of 10am, from Monday, February 10.

Visitor services manager Will Douglas said: “With a site covering a whopping nine acres, centuries of jaw-dropping history, 14 staterooms with thousands of priceless pieces to see including archaeological finds, artwork, ceramics, curios and furniture, the Armstrong and Aviation museums, not to mention our cracking sea views, there’s a lot for our visitors to experience when they come to Bamburgh Castle.

“For the first time in our history of welcoming visitors into Bamburgh Castle since the 1950s, the main castle will be open from 10am.”

He added: “We’ve a really exciting year ahead planned for the castle to add value and that all-important extra experience dimension to a visit here, including new alpaca mini treks around the castle grounds, open air cinema nights and outdoor performances, family and pet photoshoots, Anglo Saxon Week and some exciting surprises up our sleeve we’ll be sharing soon.”

Bamburgh Castle is a former Anglo-Saxon Royal Citadel whose earliest recorded history began in AD547. The castle became first in England to fall to gunpowder during the Wars of the Roses in 1464.

Visitors will be able to explore new room layouts and interpretations, plan their trip on the castle’s new website and book discounted advance tickets online. There are new activities for families visiting, with an updated treasure trail and activities pack, medieval knight costume dressing up and outdoor games.

The castle is dog friendly, with dogs on leads welcome to explore the castle’s grounds and inside the Armstrong and Aviation Museum and Victorian Stables bar.

Bamburgh Castle is to support HospiceCare North Northumberland during 2020 – the local palliative care charity’s 25th anniversary year – with a host of fund-raising events planned.

For more information visit www.bamburghcastle.com