Past Meets Present at Bamburgh Castle This Christmas
From festive installations and family days out to historical wellness workshops and coastal castle stays, these are the experiences bringing Bamburgh Castle to life this winter
‘There really is nowhere else in the world like Bamburgh Castle. It’s ticks every superlative as an archetypal perfect castle in its own right, and for many people it represents the North,’ Claire says. ‘The state rooms have an atmosphere all of their own – welcoming and warm, which I think has a lot to do with the fact that Bamburgh Castle is our family home. It is a much-loved and treasured building and not just by us, but by people globally.’
At Christmas the castle takes on a particularly special character, as its historic halls and rooms provide a striking backdrop for seasonal displays, with each space adding its own unique architectural features and personality. ‘There’s a real sense of joy and excitement for the season here that visitors can immerse themselves in,’ says Claire. ‘Each of its halls and spaces are completely different architecturally, giving the Christmas maximalists that are Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her team the perfect canvas for their festive designs.’
Across its rich history, there have been all sorts of Christmas celebrations within Bamburgh’s walls. ‘Christmas has been celebrated at Bamburgh in one form or another for centuries, going right back to the Anglo-Saxons when the winter solstice was celebrated with evergreens and blazing Yule logs,’ Claire explains. But of all the periods in the castle’s history, it is the Victorian era she most enjoys imagining.
‘Lord Armstrong bought Bamburgh Castle in 1894 and began transforming it into the castle we know today. By the early 1900s it had become a family home at a time when all the trappings we love about Christmas had come about; decorating the Christmas tree, sparkling lights, presents and family celebrations with carol singing, games, and lots of laughter,’ she says. ‘I love imagining the castle’s rooms dressed for Christmas with roaring fires, greenery, glowing candlelight and everyone gathering together in their best. In many ways, that's what we're still doing today,’ she adds. ‘The decorations might be rather more spectacular now, but the festive season at Bamburgh is still about bringing people together in the ultimate Christmas castle.’
The castle’s winter experience also draws inspiration from historical traditions through winter wellness workshops, run by The Historical Herbalists. These sessions explore how previous generations used nature’s own apothecary in their winter skincare and self-care rituals, offering real insight into traditional herbalism – from the fragrant, soothing plants and warming winter herbs used in winter remedies to the folklore and fascinating beliefs surrounding them. ‘It's a lovely blend of history, natural beauty and wellbeing,’ Claire says. ‘And a welcome opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a little moment of calm amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas.’
This year the castle’s indoor installation is centred on the theme of A Christmas Carousel. Through the hard work of Claire, Charlotte Lloyd Webber, Adrian Lillie and their teams, it will bring familiar festive songs to life in a series of displays woven throughout the fortress. Claire highlights a couple of must-sees, including The King’s Hall. ‘[It’s] a showstopper of a set that literally stops you in your tracks, and I’m excited to see the Faire Chamber whose windows overlook the Northumberland coastline.’
But what drew Claire to this year’s theme? ‘There's something so evocative about Christmas music,’ she says. ‘Just a few notes from a carol or piece of music can instantly transport you back to childhood, or memories of Christmases past. It's that sense of nostalgia, together with the traditions and fascinating stories behind the songs themselves that have inspired A Christmas Carousel.’
She explains that the creative process begins with creating mood boards, sourcing theatrical set pieces and gathering decorations to capture the mood of each song. ‘Charlotte and Adrian capture that feeling and bring it to life throughout the state rooms, creating something that feels both familiar and full of surprises. Christmas music means something different to everyone. That’s what makes this year’s theme so special.
‘It's a celebration of all those memories, emotions and traditions that we associate with Christmas, brought together in the magical setting of Bamburgh Castle.’
Alongside the indoor installation and winter wellness workshops, Claire and her team have curated a programme of festive activities including visits with Father Christmas, wreath-making workshops, a Christmas Emporium and even the opportunity to spend Christmas within the castle walls. ‘We have it on very good authority that Father Christmas’s favourite place (outside the North Pole) is Bamburgh Castle,’ Claire says. ‘He is very partial to the mince pies made in our Tea Rooms.’
‘It’s a celebration of all those memories, emotions and traditions that we associate with Christmas, brought together in the magical setting of Bamburgh Castle’
For children, Claire believes the historic setting adds another layer of excitement. ‘There could not be a more magical setting than within our special Grotto to meet Father Christmas himself! You're coming into a real castle, with all that history around you and for children that makes the whole experience feel like stepping into a storybook,’ she says. ‘We want children to feel that they've had a proper moment with Father Christmas, not that they've just been rushed through. It's about that excitement, the anticipation and seeing their faces when they meet him.’
After visiting Father Christmas, guests can browse the Christmas Emporium, which showcases a selection of festive decorations, gifts and locally-produced artisan goods. Claire explains that many of the unique pieces used in the indoor installation also find their way into the Emporium – so visitors can even take a little piece of the Christmas castle home!
And, for visitors who would like to extend their festive experience beyond a day trip, some of Bamburgh Castle’s self-catering apartments offer the chance to spend Christmas within the grounds themselves.
Claire delves into what it’s like to book one of the stays. ‘You can actually stay in the Castle for Christmas, in The Clock Tower and Neville Tower, and experience Bamburgh’s magic at Christmas for yourself. It’s almost other worldly,’ she tells us. ‘The castle has its own distinct atmosphere and waking up on Christmas morning you are cocooned in your own Christmas kingdom. The views are extraordinary too – looking out of the windows you have a bird’s eye view of the village and beach, and can see people enjoying their Christmas Day.’
