The UK is surrounded by spectacular coastlines and incredible historic sites – and one small village in the north of England offers both. Bambara is one of the northernmost villages, and is a stone throw from the Scottish border.
According to the 2011 census, the small village, with a population of just 414, boasts beautiful sandy beaches that are overlooked by its spectacular 11th century castles. The car rental website HolidayCars.com listed the village among the 20 best coastal spots in the UK, celebrating “far-floor flat soft beaches, historic Bambara Castle and grassy sand dunes.” The site “at low tide, it crosses the seabed to enclose an 11th century castle and swallows basalt.”
“It's a scenic and quiet town, but there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Take them to the wild waters of the North Sea and explore the nearby Fern Islands and Longstone Lighthouse by boat.
“Look for wildlife too. The Atlantic seal colonies call the area home and sometimes call dolphin pods.”
The incredible castle, originally a Celtic fort site, dominates the area and allows you to see miles around. Sitting on a black rock mountain of volcanic rock, it was built by the Normans.
It fell into devastation in the 17th century, and was restored in the 1700s and 1800s, and was later purchased by Victorian industrialist William, who completed the restoration. It still belongs to the Armstrong family today.
The castle is open to the public and takes on spectacular views of the North Sea.
It may recognize it from both large and small screens, as it is used as a location for multiple films and television shows, including the 2017 Transformers. Anthony Hopkins IS IV and Mark Wahlberg, the last knight starring the historic Netflix drama, the 2023 dialing of Indiana Jones and Destiny.
The beautiful beaches overlooked in the castle are another highlight of TheBeachguide.co.uk users branding “the best beaches in the British Isles.” He was awarded the blue flag in 2005.
The village itself is located within the Northumberland Coast region of outstanding natural beauty.
According to VisitNorthumberland.com, “As the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, spellbound Bambara has a history worth discovering.
“In the meantime, the adoring Bambara Castle will become your background. And you can pass by the cafes of Bambara on Main Street, towards the village's groundbreaking red telephone booth, especially incredible and views.
“The imposing presence along the Northumberland coast of Bambara Castle, dominating and dramatic on rocky plateaus, offers magical walks along the beaches.”
The village may be small, but there is no range of places to visit, such as a museum dedicated to the Victorian heroine Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper who helped rescue nine people from the deadly shipwreck in 1838.
Located in the basement under the Church of St. Aidan, the Bamburgh pillar is the final resting place for the bones of people in the 6th and 7th century.
Bambara is located approximately 50 miles from Newcastle and 75 miles from Edinburgh. The nearest airport is Newcastle, about 39 miles away.
There is a regular bus service. The closest station is Chatil, about 4.5 miles away, but only two services are offered per day. Most travelers will need to get off at Berwick or Alnmouth and board the bus the rest.
