Bamburgh Castle

One of my favourite places in Northumberland is Bamburgh.
Bamburgh Castle is one of England's most famous castles. Built on a basalt outcrop above majestic sand dunes, its ramparts tower over the shifting hues of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with stunning views of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands in one direction and the Cheviot Hills in another. It is perhaps the most photographed of England's castles and historic houses and is the likely site of Lancelot's Castle, 'The Joyous Gard'. An 11th century Norman fortress, Bamburgh feted royal guests and English kings, one of whom - Edward IV - destroyed it in the Wars of the Roses. Lord Armstrong's Late Victorian restoration saved it from ruin, the castle providing a home to the Armstrong family to this day. Today, the life and works of the 1st Lord Armstrong are brought to life in the unique Armstrong Museum and Aviation Artifacts Museum housed in the old laundry building. The Castle is also licenced for civil ceremonies, making a stunning location for weddings.