For only the second year running Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast has put on a Christmas display like no other in the North East. Transforming their 14 state rooms, the castle now tells the 12 Days of Christmas song through beautiful displays and music designed and created for the castle by Charlotte Lloyd Webber. It’s been open for a few weeks and I was lucky enough to go the weekend it opened, so here’s what you can expect.

Disclaimer: I was invited to a PR event but couldn’t make it, so I was invited on another occasion before opening to see the display. I couldn’t quite believe I got the whole of Bamburgh Castle to myself.

The Christmas Kingdom at Bamburgh is part of the normal entry fee to the inside of Bamburgh Castle’s state rooms. It is free to wander around the grounds and enjoy the fabulous views of the Northumberland coastline, and dogs are also welcome to do this. But to get inside and to see the 12 Days of Christmas at Bamburgh you will need a ticket.

12 Days of Christmas

The display starts with the partridge in the pear tree, and works its way through the first few verses with elaborate, ornate fireplaces decorated with two turtle doves, three french hens and four calling birds. The French hens were actually dotted about the room, with a red, white and blue French themed tree sitting among them. 

All of the decorations even at this stage are not holding back. They’re woven around the usual castle display, so you can still experience the history and artefacts on display that tell the story of the Armstrong family that inhabit the castle, and historic events from the castle’s colourful past.

The real showstopper arrives when you get to the 5 gold rings, in the main hall or the Great Kings Hall. It will take your breath away hanging high above from the ceiling. There are two huge Christmas trees in here, one of which is adorned with ornaments from the 12 Days of Christmas song, and you can buy these in the gift shop at the end. There’s also a grand piano and a huge fireplace all decorated too. It really is fabulous. 

From here you’re transported through a mix of mediaeval castle history and Christmas magic, with the Christmas sets becoming more ornate, grand and striking in each part of the castle. It’s so well done, combining the Christmas decorations with the lyrics of the song. If you’re looking for tradition rather than commercial concepts, this is the Christmas display to visit this year. 

The billiard room is the setting for six geese a laying, which they are doing around the fireplace, and the seven swans a-swimming. This bit is fabulous, and was my favourite part of the whole display. The huge table has been mirrored, with the seven swans swimming on top and reflected under the lights. It’s beautiful, and the whole room is just so impressive. 

From here you wander round into the ladies room, which tells the story of the historical women of Bamburgh, and here you will find eight maids a-milking – how else will they get their milk for afternoon tea in front of the fire? A beautifully feminine display.

In total contrast you’ll find the drummers drumming and the pipers piping in the armoury, with the sheet music to the song itself folded into paper angels, and paper Christmas garlands strung among the swords and irons. 

The Court room is the final room on the state room tour, with paintings and portraits of Bamburgh’s inhabitants on the wall, being danced around by the ladies dancing and the lords a-leaping. You’ll also see photographs of the current Lord Armstrong and family here too. 

Christmas at Bamburgh Castle

With the 12 Days of Christmas complete, the remaining castle tour through the kitchens and dungeons are still decorated for Christmas, so as well as all the festivities make sure you spend some time looking at the castle itself. There are information points and plaques telling you all about it, and of course some fabulous views from the windows.

There’s plenty of opportunity for photos, so you’ll be able to get some lovely family memories, and there’s clear arrows and ropes to show you which way to go and which areas are out of bounds. It’s a great bad weather day activity as it’s all inside, warm and incredibly festive.

The gift shop is a treasure trove of Christmas, with everything available to buy. There’s a traditional section, as well as colour themed decorations and the 12 days of Christmas ornaments too. There is so much and I found it to be really reasonably priced in comparison to mainstream shops and city centre Christmas shopping opportunities. 

As well as the display itself there’s plenty of other things to enjoy at Bamburgh Castle this winter, with wreath making workshops, mulled wine and treats on offer in the cafe, and of course a Meet Father Christmas opportunity too.

The 12 Days of Christmas display at Bamburgh is running until Sunday 8th January, every day from 10am-4pm. General admission tickets: Adults £15.50 / Children £7.65 /

Children aged four and under free of charge. To book your visit to Christmas Kingdom at Bamburgh Castle head to their website. 

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