There are places that stay with you long after you’ve rolled away, and for me, Bamburgh Castle is one of them. Perched on the rugged Northumberland coast, it’s one of those sights that makes you pull over just to sit and take it in. I’d heard plenty about it before going – the sweeping beach, the dramatic history, and yes, the connection to The Last Kingdom (for fans like me, spotting props from the show was a big draw).
But what really made me choose Bamburgh was how well it fits into a van life journey. It’s the kind of stop that ticks all the boxes: a striking landmark, space to wander, history to soak up, and a coastline made for lazy evenings parked up with the back doors wide open.
If you’re planning a trip through Northumberland or looking for a castle that feels like it belongs in a film (which, in many ways, it does), here’s everything you need to know about visiting Bamburgh Castle in a campervan.
How to Get There
Bamburgh sits on the Northumberland coast, about 20 miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and around 50 miles north of Newcastle.
- From the north (Scotland/Berwick): Take the A1 south, then cut across towards Bamburgh through Belford. It’s a lovely drive, especially if you take the coastal route.
- From the south (Newcastle/Alnwick): Head up the A1 and again veer off at Belford or Seahouses for a more scenic approach.
Scenic tip
If you’ve got the time, I recommend avoiding the main A1 slog and meandering along the coast. The road from Alnmouth up through Seahouses and then on to Bamburgh is a treat, with big sea views and little villages that make perfect coffee stops.
Parking for Campervans
This is where a bit of planning pays off. Bamburgh itself has a main castle car park, but it can get tight in summer and weekends. For campervans:
- Castle Car Park: It’s right at the base of the castle and fine for vans during the day. Payment is straightforward, and the spaces are generous enough unless you’re in a really big rig.
- The Green: A large grass car park in the village. Handy if the castle car park is full and it’s just a short stroll up.
- Overnighting: Officially, you can’t overnight in either of these. However, the Northumberland coast is dotted with pubs, campsites, and aires that welcome vans. The nearest campsite with facilities is Waren Caravan & Camping Park, just a short drive away.
Insider tip: If you want a peaceful night with sea views, there are a few discreet wild camping spots further north and south along the coast. Always follow leave-no-trace rules – the area is well-loved and locals are protective of it.
First Impressions & Atmosphere
The first thing you notice is how huge the castle is. It dominates the skyline, sitting high on its rocky outcrop with the North Sea crashing at its feet. I pulled up on a bright but breezy morning, and the salt in the air mixed with the smell of dune grass instantly made me feel like I was far from anywhere busy.
Walking up to the gates, you get this sense of stepping back in time. The wind whistles through the battlements, seabirds circle overhead, and from the top walls you can see out over the endless sands of Bamburgh beach. On a sunny day, the sea is an incredible turquoise, and on a stormy one it looks wild and untamed – both moods suit the castle perfectly.
Inside, it’s surprisingly homely for somewhere so imposing. The rooms are furnished with everything from medieval armour to Victorian furniture, giving it a lived-in feel. It’s less sterile than some castles, more like a big old house that just happens to come with serious history.
And then, of course, there are the Last Kingdom props. Spotting Uhtred’s gear and other pieces used in filming gave me a proper fan moment. If you’ve followed the show, it’s surreal to see them right there in the flesh.
Interesting Facts & History
Bamburgh Castle has layers of history that make it more than just a pretty backdrop:
- Anglo-Saxon stronghold: It was the capital of the Kingdom of Bernicia way back in the 6th century. Imagine that – a seat of power overlooking the same coastline we now trundle past in campervans.
- Norman rebuild: After the Norman Conquest, it was rebuilt in stone, which explains its fortress-like look today.
- Victorian restoration: In the 19th century, it was restored by William Armstrong, an industrialist who turned it into more of a stately home. His influence is still seen in the interiors.
- WWII link: The castle played a small part in coastal defences during the Second World War.
And for a quirky fact – Bamburgh was the first castle in England to fall to gunpowder artillery, back in the Wars of the Roses. It’s funny to stand there with an ice cream in hand and think about cannons being fired across the fields.
Exploring the Surroundings
The castle is the main draw, but it’s the setting that makes Bamburgh extra special.
- The Beach: Right below the castle, Bamburgh beach stretches for miles. It’s perfect for a long walk, a paddle, or just parking up nearby and watching the sunset.
- Village Life: Bamburgh village itself is small but charming, with a handful of pubs, tea rooms, and a bakery that does excellent sausage rolls. It’s a good place to stock up or just linger after the castle.
- Nearby Spots: Seahouses (a few miles down the road) is where you can catch boat trips to the Farne Islands, famous for puffins and seals. If you’re continuing up the coast, Holy Island/Lindisfarne is another must-see stop, though you’ll need to check tide times carefully if you’re driving a van across the causeway.
Practical Tips for Vanlifers
- Time your visit: The castle opens seasonally and closes earlier in winter. Check times before you go – and if you can, aim for early morning or late afternoon for quieter vibes.
- Tickets: Prices are reasonable, and if you’re a history buff, it’s worth every penny.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome in the grounds but not inside the castle itself. Handy to know if you’re travelling with a four-legged co-pilot.
- Facilities: There are loos in the castle and in the village. For showers, you’ll need a campsite stop.
- Weather warning: The coast can be breezy, so bring a good coat even in summer. Nothing ruins castle exploring like being caught in a squall without waterproofs.
Bamburgh Castle is one of those places that feels like it was made for van travellers. It’s easy to get to, dramatic to look at, and offers enough history, scenery, and coastal charm to fill a full day or more. For fans of The Last Kingdom, seeing props up close adds a fun twist, but even if you’ve never watched an episode, the castle stands tall on its own merits.
Would I go back? Absolutely. It’s the kind of spot I can imagine returning to in different seasons – stormy autumn gales, crisp winter mornings, or long summer evenings watching the sun sink into the sea from the back of the van.
If you’re planning a Northumberland road trip, make Bamburgh Castle a stop. You won’t regret it.
Have you been to Bamburgh Castle or are you planning to go? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you’d add – drop a comment or share your own van life stories.
