GETAWAY TRAVEL GETAWAY
IN HINDSIGHT, I was actually quite glad we didn't get to see inside Alnwick Castle. It was to have been the second of three historic castles we planned to visit during our five-day break in England's beautiful north-east last summer.
It had been tough enough narrowing the choice down to three, when there are more than 70 castles in this part of the country.
Northumberland alone has more castles than any other UK county, some little more than ruins, others stunning palaces.
The main reason for this was disputes between the English and the Scots, which raged for three centuries or so – and then of course, there were Viking and Roman marauders at various points in time.
Bamburgh Castle
In the end, the first one we chose to visit was Bamburgh. I have to admit it won out partly because of its splendid location on an attractive stretch of coastline, with views out to Lindisfarne, and within easy walking distance of a large and welcoming campsite.
Beginning its life as the main stronghold for the capitala hospital and a school for underprivileged children. Bamburgh certainly has plenty to share with visitors – including a couple of ghosts, I should add!
