Bamburgh Castle spins a festive Christmas Carousel for winter 2026

Rising above the dunes of the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh Castle is one of the most recognisable sights in the North East, and this winter it is getting ready to sparkle.

The castle's 2026 Christmas experience, A Christmas Carousel, runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027. Created by theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her team, it takes inspiration from Walking in a Winter Wonderland, We Three Kings and Carol of the Bells, with rooms transformed into snow-covered woodland, decorated trees, angelic installations and Victorian festive feasts. Entry is included in standard admission.

"Every year we challenge ourselves to create something completely different that surprises and delights our visitors," said owner Francis Watson-Armstrong.

The festive scenes are set against an extraordinary backdrop. In the sixth century the kings of Northumbria made Bamburgh their royal capital, and in 1464 the castle was besieged for nine months by the Earl of Warwick, becoming known as the first British castle to be taken by gunfire. Its great Norman keep, with walls up to eleven feet thick, is still the heart of the castle.

In 1894 the Victorian industrialist William Armstrong bought the semi-derelict castle for £60,000. He died in 1900, and the restoration was completed by his great-nephew. The castle remains the home of the Armstrong family today.

Inside, highlights include the King's Hall with its teak ceiling, the Armoury in the 12th-century keep, and an Anglo-Saxon well sunk through 145 feet of rock. The Archaeology Museum displays the gold Bamburgh Beast, and the Armstrong and Aviation Museum explores the industrialist's achievements.

The Meet Father Christmas experience also returns on weekends through the festive season, with booking details to be announced, and dog owners will be pleased to hear that the Victorian Stables Bar in the East Ward is a dog-friendly spot to warm up.

Film fans may recognise it too. Productions shot here include The Last Kingdom and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

The castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Winter tickets are on sale through the Bamburgh Castle website.