A surprising number of the regions castles are still occupied, including Raby Castle with its medieval kitchen and deer park and Alnwick, the largest lived-in castle after Windsor and a location for the first Harry Potter films. Here, a priceless art collection jostles for attention alongside family photographs. Other castles are starkly beautiful ruins that tell their own story. The dramatic skeleton of Dunstanburgh was a focus of fighting during the Wars of the Roses, while Warkworth was home to the Percys of Harry Hotspur fame.

History proudly on display…

But there is nothing that can compare to the spectacular view of Bamburgh Castle from the silver strands of the beach below. Found on the very edge of the North Sea, it is one of England’s hidden treasures.

Bamburgh’s walls ring with fascinating stories – its history dates back to Anglo-Saxon kings and encompasses tales of Norman warriors and 18^th century Jacobites. It now belongs to the pioneering Armstrong family. The first Lord Armstrong, whose life is celebrated in the Armstrong Museum, not only restored the castle but was also a groundbreaking scientist. Explore its 14 public rooms and over 2,000 artefacts, including arms and armour, porcelain, furniture and artwork and watch history being uncovered during live archaeological excavations.

Sitting in the shadow of the castle, the idyllic coastal village of Bamburgh is set around the village green. The village offers the chance to relax and provides the opportunity sample some tasty local produce.