However, the site has far deeper historic relevance and archaeological excavations have brought to light settlements since the prehistoric times.  In 1960s, Dr. Brian Hope Taylor started excavations in and around the castle and unearthened the famed gold plaque, Bamburgh Beast and the Bamburgh Sword. It is a common sight in the summers to see archaeologists working on the site while there is a chance that you can join them and see what you can come up with.

In recent history, the castle has received English kings and royal guests, one of whom was Edward IV who destroyed the castle in the Wars of the Roses. It was Lord Armstrong’s expensive restoration that saved the castle from becoming a ruin and even today, it is the ancestral home of the family.

The sprawling castle is home to over 2,000 artefacts that include the porcelain, arms and armours, artwork and furniture while there are 14 public rooms inside the castle. The epic scale of the castle attracts television and film crews very often. The castle has been featured in numerous programs from Time Team to the popular Becket. Most recently, it is a sought after wedding venue.

With its universal appeal, the castle won the bronze medal at the ‘2008 North East Large Visitor Attraction Award’ while it received a silver medal at the Green Business Scheme. It was also a finalist at ITV1’s Britain’s Favourite View Competition.

This magnificent home to the Kings of Northumbria, the castle was completely restored to its original glory in 1900 and boasts of a breathtakingly beautiful collection of porcelain, furniture, paintings, arms and exquisite china.  Today it is the ancestral home of the Armstrong family and as the complete castle building is in use, there is a feeling of warmth, welcoming and lived in ambience.

The current castle is the effort of restoration and expansion over the ages and has become a iconic building of public interest. The tour passes through the grand kings’ hall, museum room, cross hall, Victorian scullery and the armoury. During the months of July and August, there are live archaeological excavations to be seen while there is a tea-room, gift shop and children’s dig pit for use.