We took a trip to Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland for a short family break. I'd been busy with work, photographing weddings over Christmas, so I was ready for a break. What I love about this place is the impressive coastline, miles of beaches and of course the castle. Bamburgh is also quiet in the early part of the year and the village has some nice pubs too.
Bamburgh Castle is one of my favourites in the whole country. I discovered Bamburgh castle through photography magazines. Being one of the most photographed castles in the UK, of course, I had to check it out.
The castle grounds are set on on a massive, 180-foot high basalt crag. The basalt towers p from the beach giving it 360 degree views of the coast and surrounding countryside. according to local historians, the castle has been occupied for up to 1,000 years, being helped by Celts, Saxons, Vikings and Normans. As if all of this wasn't enough, the castle was also involved in the first Civil war, 'the Wars of the Roses'. The castle became the first castle in England to be defeated by artillery. The Yorkist army led by Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, also known as the "Kingmaker" took the castle.
Archaeologists discovered the site of a medieval burial ground called "The Bowl Hole" which is just 300m to the south of Bamburgh Castle. It is thought to be the burial ground for the royal court of the Northumbrian palace that lies beneath the present castle. In more recent times the castle has been the site of a hospital and is today open to the public.
Due to the long drive up to the Yorkshire coast, it's always worth staying overnight. This gives you a good base for getting out and exploring the beach and surrounding areas.
We've stayed at the Victoria hotel in the past, also the Waren caravan and camping site. We've been to Bamburgh every year for the last 14 years. We usually stay for around three days. While I’m up there, I love to go to Embleton bay, which is just up the coast from the Dunstanburgh Castle, which is another castle popular with photographers.
there is plenty of activities to do in the area, I have had some surfing lessons while I’ve been up there, in the freezing north sea! All worth it when you can relax in one of the warm cosy pubs.
My main work comes from Wedding Photography, Can you see yourself getting married in such a splendid setting? If so, get in touch!
I would love to photograph a wedding at Bamburgh Castle one day.
Mark Tierney is a Yorkshire based Contemporary Wedding Photographer covering the UK and beyond.