Bamburgh Castle Treasured Tales

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Bamburgh Castle located on the Northumberland coast is often also known as the real life Bebbanburgh - from The Last Kingdom. This magestic castle by the sea is steeped in over 3000 years worth of history and is open to visitors throughout the year - it has stunning views across the sea to Holy Island and over the rolling Northumberland countryside. 

This Christmas it has been magically transformed into an enchanted trail called Treasured Tales. Treasured Tales has been created by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber event design to bring much loved children's stories to life in the castle with a Christmas twist. 

Inside the castle you follow the trail through different rooms to discover a festive display featuring a much-loved children's story. You start in a room filled with fairytale books before starting your journey to discover the stories within the castle. 

You will find a golden room with a spinning wheel for Rumpelstiltskin, a golden tree with a goose for the golden goose, before entering the King's Hall which has been transformed into a magical Jolly Roger display that makes you feel you are on a ship with the sails and treasure. 

The tropical lagoon of Treasure Island is up next followed by Captain Hook's cabin full of treasure and a cabinet full of hooks. The Little Mermaid scene was probably my favourite with the beautiful mermaid surrounded by Christmas trees and decorations. 

The armoury is home to The Emperor and The Nightingale - there is even a singing, sparkling nightingale. Jack has taking over the court room with his towering beanstalk as he tries to make his way to the land of giants. 

Finally will you spot the genie's magic lamp hidden in the keep hall which has been transformed into Aladdin's cave. 

Each room was beautifully decorated with so much attention to detail and it was magical seeing the stories come to life in a festive way. There was lots of twinkling lights and Christmas trees to give it a real festive vibe. The Castle setting was stunning and you can still explore the castle and see all the normal exhibits whilst enjoying Treasured Tales. 

It took us around an hour to make our way around Treasured Tales but you can explore the rest of the castle and grounds afterwards. At the end of Treasured Tales you will come out in the gift shop which sells a lot of local gifts, some pocket money toys and lots of lovely Christmas decorations many of which you will have seen in the castle. 

We visited the the clock tower cafe afterwards for coffee for the grown ups and hot chocolates and cakes for the children. Then explored the grounds and small aviation museum. 

We visited with older children (aged 11 and 12 years old) and they enjoyed exploring the castle and seeing the beautiful decorations. If you are visiting with younger children then please be aware that it is not pushchair accessible and pushchairs are not permitted in the state rooms. 

Need To Know 

Bamburgh castle does try to be accessible and they offer a golf buggy shuttle service from the car park as it can be hilly. However due to it being a castle not all of it is accessible as there are stairs and narrow corridors. Disabled visitors can only access the first five rooms inside the castle, due to this they do offer a reduced entry fee for disabled visitors. 

There is The Clock Tower cafe (not accessible as it is up steps) and the Tack Room Takeaway where you can get drinks, cakes, snacks and hot and cold food such as soup, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. 

Bamburgh Castle is a cash-free site and only accepts cards in the cafe and gift shop so be aware of that. 

Car Parking is available at the castle at the top of the hill and is charged at £6, there is also a council run car park opposite the castle (charges apply). There is a bus stop close to the castle with buses from Newcastle (and other places). 

Tickets cost £19.95 per adult £10.00 per child (aged 5-16), children under 5 are free. Family tickets for 2 adults and up to 3 children cost £58.50. Annual pass holders can visit Treasured Tales with their annual pass. It is best to pre-book tickets online in advance. 

Treasured Tales will run until the 4th January 2026. Bamburgh Castle is open every day 10am-4pm except Christmas day and Boxing day. They are also running Twilight sessions on Thursdays. You can find out more and book at www.bamburghcastle.com

What We Thought

As a family we all really enjoyed visiting Bamburgh Castle Treasured Tales. The castle is amazing and we loved exploring and it makes the most beautiful backdrop for Treasured Tales. The theming of the stories were brought to life and kept in with the castle setting well. 

All of us enjoyed visiting Treasured Tales and each of us had a different favourite room. If you are looking for a nice festive family day out in Northumberland then I would recommend a visit to Bamburgh Castle this festive season. 

Bamburgh Castle 

Bamburgh 

Northumberland 

NE69 7DF