Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise
Bamburgh Castle in all its glory at sunrise on the unspoilt Northumberland coastline. Read on to learn where the best view point of Bamburgh Castle is.

Bamburgh Castle IN NORTHUMBERLAND – one of my favourite coastal views in the whole of the UK

 
The view of Bamburgh Castle from the area at Harkess Rocks must be one of my favourite UK coastal views. The pristine and unspoilt beach, the history, the remoteness and the ruggedness of the coastline, with Bamburgh Castle sitting proudly above it all – it really is pretty special and unique.

You’ll get stunning views of Bamburgh Castle from all angles – but for me the best location to take photos has to be from the area on Bamburgh Beach just to the North West of Bamburgh Castle, on a rocky section called Harkess Rocks (see below map). If you can get to this location at Sunrise, then it’s even extra special! I love this part of the world and whenever I’m staying in the area on holiday (in the likes of Seahouses or Bamburgh itself), if the weather conditions are looking favourable – I’ll try and make the effort and set the alarm to try and catch a sunrise at Bamburgh Castle! It rarely fails to disappoint!

 

 
 

BEST LOCATION FOR THE BEST PHOTOS OF BAMBURGH CASTLE:

 
I’ve circled the area where you will get the best vantage point of Bamburgh Castle at Sunrise, and you can actually park the car quite close to this area. Infact you’ll probs find quite a few camper vans here who stay the night!

 

 

Bamburgh Castle – my best photos at Sunrise

 

 

I’m using this blog post to share some of my favourite Bamburgh Castle photos, taken on various short holidays. Further down the page is a walk that I highly recommend to do in the area, which I often do with family & friends, with the last section of the walk giving these very same impressive views of Bamburgh Castle.
 
Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise
Bamburgh Castle at dawn from the air! I took this photo with my new drone – it gives a whole different perspective to this stunning and beautiful area of Northumberland 
Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise
I love the warm glow of the morning light illuminating the rocks and Bamburgh Castle itself.
Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise
Photographers will enjoy all the compositions you can make at Harkess Rocks, and whilst it’s a popular place for photographers, the rocks and tides and morning light mean you see lot’s of different Bamburgh sunrise photos

 

Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise
This photo of Bamburgh Castle was taken in September 2013 with not a cloud in the sky. The rising sun moves around the horizon throughout the year, and in September you can just about get the sun in your composition. In December the sunrise would be right near the castle, if not right behind it. One day I might visit this time of year but I’m usually up this way in summer time.
Bamburgh castle walk best view Northumberland sunrise

Depending on the tides the views you get of Bamburgh Castle from Harkess Rocks can be very different day to day, and whilst you see plenty of photos of Bamburgh Castle, rarely do they look the same!  

 

Even if you are not a photographer, I really do recommend seeing the sunrise if ever you are visiting the Bamburgh area. It’s a magical experience and you’ll probably get the beach pretty much to yourself. If you also want a short walk to do in the area then there is a great little walk you can do that takes in the vantage point of Bamburgh Castle you see on this page, as well as the beach of Budle Bay with fine views of Holy Island. See below for details.

 

 

Bamburgh Castle RECOMMENDED walk:

BAMBURGH CASTLE FAQ:

What is the history of Bamburgh Castle?

Bamburgh Castle, perched on the Northumberland coast, has a rich history dating back over 1,400 years. Originally a Celtic fort, it became the royal capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria in the 7th century. The Normans later rebuilt it in stone, and it played a key defensive role throughout the medieval period. Today, it is one of England’s most iconic castles, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

Can you visit Bamburgh Castle, and what are the opening times?

Yes, Bamburgh Castle is open to visitors year-round. Opening times vary by season, but typically, the castle is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during peak months (spring and summer) and has reduced hours in autumn and winter. It’s recommended to check the official website before visiting for the latest updates on opening times and ticket prices.

Is Bamburgh Castle haunted?

Bamburgh Castle is known for its ghostly legends. One of the most famous stories is of the “Pink Lady,” a spectral figure said to roam the castle walls. Local folklore suggests she was a princess who leapt to her death in despair. Visitors and staff have also reported eerie sounds and unexplained occurrences, making it a fascinating location for ghost hunters.

Was Bamburgh Castle used in any movies or TV shows?

Yes, Bamburgh Castle has featured in several movies and TV shows due to its dramatic coastal setting. It was prominently used in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and more recently in The Last Kingdom and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). Its cinematic appeal continues to attract filmmakers.

How much does it cost to visit Bamburgh Castle?

Ticket prices for Bamburgh Castle vary, but general admission typically costs around £15 for adults and £7.50 for children. Family tickets and concessions are available. Special events or guided tours may have additional costs. Visitors are advised to book online in advance to secure their spot and potentially save on ticket prices.

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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