Bamburgh Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Bamburgh Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Bamburgh packs a lot into a small village. The massive castle (postcode NE69 7DF, open 10am-5pm daily) dominates everything. It's not just for show - inside you'll find the Armstrong and Aviation Museum with some genuinely interesting exhibits about the local inventor and his work.

The Grace Darling Museum (NE69 7AE, open 10am-4pm) tells the story of the Victorian lighthouse keeper's daughter who became a national hero. Trip Advisor gives it 4.5/5 with visitors praising the free entry and fascinating displays.

Holy Island (Lindisfarne) sits just offshore and makes a brilliant day trip. Check tide times before you go! The causeway floods twice daily. The island has a priory, castle and mead production. Trip Advisor score: 4.5/5.

Farne Islands boat trips run from nearby Seahouses harbour. You'll see thousands of seabirds and probably seals too. If you're lucky, dolphins might swim alongside the boat. National Trust members get discounted landing fees. Trip Advisor score: 5/5.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Bamburgh! The beach has no restrictions, so your four-legged friend can run free all year round. The wide, flat sand stretches for miles - perfect for burning off energy.

The Castle Inn pub (NE69 7NF) welcomes dogs inside and out. They even keep treats behind the bar. Their Sunday roasts are legendary and you won't need to leave your dog at the cottage.

Nearby Seahouses has The Olde Ship Inn which is super dog-friendly. They serve good pub grub and local ales. Dogs get their own water bowls.

Most Bamburgh shops let dogs in too. The village butcher often has bones available - just ask! If you're heading to Holy Island with your dog, the Crown & Anchor pub there welcomes pets and serves great food.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle sits on a dolerite outcrop overlooking the North Sea. It's been a fortress since prehistoric times. The current building dates mostly from Victorian restoration by industrialist Lord Armstrong. Inside, you'll find staterooms filled with furniture, artwork and Armstrong's inventions. The grounds offer stunning views across to the Farne Islands. One visitor wrote: "Worth every penny of the entrance fee. We spent 3 hours exploring and could have stayed longer."

Bamburgh Beach stretches for miles with clean golden sand. The castle backdrop makes it one of Britain's most photographed beaches. The water quality consistently earns excellent ratings despite the North Sea's chilly reputation. It never feels crowded even in summer. The dunes behind the beach form part of an important nature reserve. I recommend walking north toward Stags Rocks where you'll find the painted white stag - a navigation marker for ships.

St Aidan's Church contains the tomb of Grace Darling and beautiful stained glass windows depicting her rescue. The church dates from the 12th century but stands on the site where St Aidan first brought Christianity to Northumbria in 635 AD. Look for the small wooden boat displayed inside - it's a scale model of the coble Grace used in her famous rescue. The churchyard offers peaceful views toward the castle.

Is Bamburgh good for families?

Absolutely! The beach is safe for paddling (though supervised swimming is recommended), the castle runs excellent family activities during school holidays and most cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly. The village has a playground near the castle and Seahouses (3 miles away) has amusements and crazy golf.

When is the best time to visit Bamburgh?

May-June offers good weather without summer crowds. September is lovely too. That said, winter breaks have their own charm - imagine stormy seas viewed from your hot tub! The castle looks magical when lit up on dark evenings.

Can I see puffins from Bamburgh?

You'll need to take a boat trip from Seahouses to the Farne Islands. Puffins nest there between April and late July. Billy Shiel's Boat Trips have run for generations and know the best spots.

Is there public transport to Bamburgh?

The X18 Arriva bus connects Newcastle to Bamburgh (2 hours). It's scenic but infrequent. A car gives much more flexibility for exploring the area.

Where can I eat in Bamburgh?

The Potted Lobster serves outstanding seafood but books up weeks ahead in summer. The Lord Crewe Arms Hotel does good pub food. The Copper Kettle Tea Rooms makes excellent cakes. For fish and chips, try Seahouses where they're cooked fresh off the boats.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Bamburgh?

Yes! Northumberland's Dark Sky status means minimal light pollution. The aurora is visible several times yearly, usually between September and March. Download an aurora alert app and keep your hot tub warm for late-night sky watching!

Bamburgh Castle Official Website Visit Northumberland Guide Grace Darling Museum Farne Islands National Trust