Neville Tower at Bamburgh Castle

With battlements which seem to rise mythically from a volcanic outcrop, Bamburgh Castle looks out across the dramatic Northumbrian coastline and is one of the country’s best-preserved historic sites. Guests here can enjoy unlimited access to the castle’s rooms and grounds during their stay, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy the coastal panorama long after other visitors have departed. From its Norman origins in the 11^th century to its ultimate revival in the Victorian age, this spectacular fortress has maintained a central place in British history. More recently, it has provided the setting for countless films and TV series – the castellated walls reigning over the sandy beach below being a sight quite unlike any other.

Set into the cross wall between the East and West Wards, Neville Tower has been transformed into a unique apartment by Bamburgh Castle’s present-day owner, Francis Watson Armstrong. The tower is named after the ‘Kingmaker’ Richard Neville, 16^th Earl of Warwick, who captured Bamburgh Castle during the Wars of the Roses in 1464. Today, its mullioned windows overlook the altogether more peaceful castle grounds, providing a unique perspective on its grand Keep and the crashing waves of the North Sea beyond.

The entrance lies beneath an archway and leads into a welcoming vestibule. You’ll find the first of two bedrooms down a small staircase to the right, home to a super king bed which can also be configured as twins, an adjacent WC, and large windows which look out onto the West Ward. The second bedroom lies up the staircase on the upper floor, boasting a king size bed and more views of the sweeping beach, as well as benefiting from the family bathroom across the hall which is home to a combined bath and shower.

The open-plan living and dining area and kitchen are also situated on this floor. Beautiful windows overlook the Keep and Inner Ward from the cosy sitting area, complete with patterned wool throws and a selection of books and films. The formal dining table is situated at the other side of the room and is the perfect place to gather for your evening meal, while the table in the contemporary kitchen next door is equally inviting for relaxed brunches.

There’s also plenty to fill your days beyond the walls of the fortress. Walk for miles along the pristine sandy beach and picnic in the dunes in the warmer months, or head further afield and discover the intriguing history of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, just north of Bamburgh, or the popular village of Seahouses that lies just to the south, where regular boat trips set out to spot seals and puffins on the Farne Islands.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, the Bamburgh Estate also offer The Clock Tower, (sleeps 4+1) in a separate castle apartment. Located in Bamburgh village, there are: Grove House (sleeps 4), Windley (sleeps 4), Kingfisher Cottage (sleeps 2+2), Rose Cottage (sleeps 4), Curlew Cottage (sleeps 2+2), Sandhills (sleeps 3), St Aidan's Lodge (sleeps 4) and Wren Cottage (sleeps 3).