July 19th 2024.
Bamburgh, a charming village situated on the Northumbrian coast, has been crowned the UK's best seaside destination for the fourth consecutive year by readers of Which? magazine. This quaint village is nestled behind sprawling sand dunes, providing a peaceful and idyllic setting for anyone seeking a staycation filled with sandy beaches and breathtaking walks. The village, with its population of just a few thousand, boasts a singular main street that is overlooked by a historic castle perched atop an outcrop. It's no wonder that Bamburgh embodies the perfect British holiday, as confirmed by its continued recognition by Which? readers.
But what exactly makes Bamburgh the best seaside destination? Well, let's start with its most iconic attraction - Bamburgh Castle. This royal fortress, spanning nine acres, is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country and has a rich history dating back over 1,400 years. It is said to have been the site of Sir Lancelot's fictional castle, Joyous Garde, and has been visited by kings such as Henry IV and James I. Visitors can explore the castle's various rooms, including the state rooms, King's Hall, armoury, and keep. The entry fee for adults is £17, while children are charged £8.50. Children under four can enter for free, and there is a family ticket option available as well. Not to mention, there are also activities for children to enjoy during the visit.
Next up, we have Bamburgh beach - a must-visit spot for anyone in the village. Adjacent to the castle, this beach offers a small free car park and a charming little truck that sells hot drinks for those embarking on a long walk. As you make your way through the sand dunes, you will be greeted with soft, white sand and a sprawling coastline that is perfect for long walks regardless of the season. The beach is also dog-friendly, making it a great spot for families with children. Keep an eye out, as you may even spot dolphins leaping through the waves just a few meters from the shore. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at surfing, kite surfing, horse riding, or bodyboarding? Lessons and equipment rentals are available for those looking to take on the waves.
For those interested in a more educational experience, the village also has the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, located near the top of the main street. This museum, dedicated to local heroine Grace Darling, tells the story of her brave rescue of nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire. And if golf is your game, you'll be pleased to know that Bamburgh is home to two scenic golf courses - Bamburgh Castle Golf Club and Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course.
After a long day of exploring, you'll surely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Bamburgh has plenty of delicious dining options, such as The Potted Lobster - a family favorite known for its generous portion sizes and fresh, locally sourced seafood. But don't worry, there are options for non-seafood lovers as well, including mouth-watering dishes like sirloin steak and butternut squash and sweet potato curry. Trust us, you won't leave this restaurant hungry.
As for accommodations, there are plenty of options to choose from in Bamburgh. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, a charming cottage, or a luxurious hotel, the village has it all. So why not make Bamburgh your next seaside destination and experience all that this charming village has to offer? After all, it has been voted the UK's best for four years running by the readers of Which? magazine.
Bamburgh, a charming village perched on the Northumbrian coast, has been crowned the UK's best seaside destination for the fourth year in a row by readers of Which? magazine. This small village, with a population of just a few thousand, offers a peaceful escape for any staycationer seeking vast sandy beaches and stunning walks. Tucked behind the protection of its sprawling sand dunes, Bamburgh is home to a lone historic castle that overlooks the quaint main street below.
But what makes Bamburgh such a quintessential British holiday spot? Let's take a closer look at the wealth of things this tiny village has to offer.
First and foremost, the majestic Bamburgh Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, is a must-visit attraction. Its imposing presence can be seen from anywhere in the village, making it impossible to miss. This Norman stronghold, surrounded by nine acres of land, has a rich history dating back more than 1,400 years. It is even believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot's fictional castle, Joyous Garde. With kings like Henry IV and James I having once walked its halls, and its involvement in the War of the Roses, a tour of the castle is a fascinating experience. Tickets for adults cost £17, while children are charged £8.50. Kids under four can enter for free, and a family ticket for two adults and up to three children can be purchased for £47. The castle also offers activities for children, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Adjacent to the castle lies another popular attraction - Bamburgh beach. A small free car park awaits visitors, along with a little truck selling hot drinks for the long walk ahead. As you make your way through the sand dunes, you'll find yourself on a vast expanse of pure white, soft sand. This sprawling flat coastline is perfect for long, windswept walks all year round. With its dog-friendly policy, the beach is also a great spot to build sandcastles with the little ones. Keep an eye out for dolphins, as they are known to make appearances just a few metres from shore. Bamburgh beach has also been voted one of the best surf spots in the North East, and offers activities such as kite surfing, horse riding, and body boarding. Lessons are available for those looking to try their hand at riding the waves.
For those interested in a more educational experience, the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, located at the top of the main street in the village, is a must-see. The museum, which is free to visit, tells the story of local heroine Grace Darling, who risked her life to rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire.
Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Bamburgh is home to two scenic golf courses - Bamburgh Castle Golf Club and Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course. With breathtaking views of Lindisfarne, where the Vikings once raided, these courses are a golfer's paradise.
After a day of exploring, you'll need to refuel, and Bamburgh has plenty of options for that. One of our personal favorites is The Potted Lobster, a restaurant known for its delicious seafood and hearty portions. Don't be surprised if your plate is overflowing with locally sourced fresh seafood, such as haddock, prawns, mussels, trout, and of course, lobster. But if seafood isn't your thing, don't worry - the restaurant also offers options such as sirloin steak and butternut squash and sweet potato curry, which are equally delicious and filling.
With so much to see and do, a day trip to Bamburgh may not be enough. Luckily, there are plenty of accommodations available for those looking to extend their stay. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, Bamburgh has something for every budget and preference.
In conclusion, Bamburgh may be a tiny village, but it packs a punch when it comes to offering a quintessential British holiday experience. With its stunning castle, expansive beach, educational attractions, and delicious food, it's no wonder that Which? readers have chosen it as the UK's best seaside destination for the fourth year in a row.
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