Bamburgh Village Car Park

Bamburgh Village Car Park (also known as the Links Road Car Park) is a large, mostly gravel council-run facility located off Links Road (B1340) on the southern approach into the historic coastal village of Bamburgh, Northumberland. Positioned directly opposite the iconic Bamburgh Castle, it serves as the primary parking hub for visitors exploring the fortress, the sweeping sandy dunes, and the village centre.

Motorhome and Campervan Stopover Rules

Northumberland County Council operates a regulated overnight pilot scheme at this location to manage coastal camping sustainably. Strict rules apply to all live-in vehicles: 

• Overnight Permits: A dedicated overnight permit costs £15 per night. 

• Operating Hours: The overnight restriction and permit validation run strictly from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM. 

• Advance Booking: You must book a numbered bay online via the Northumberland County Council Motorhome Scheme at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day booking is not available, and sleeping in a vehicle outside a pre-booked bay results in heavy fines. 

• Duration: Overnight stays are limited to a maximum of one night only. 

• Daytime Stays: To stay past 8:00 AM, you must pay standard daytime car park rates, which are £7 for 3 hours or £10.50 for an all-day ticket. Total cost for a combined overnight and full daytime stay comes to £25.50. Large motorhomes may park vertically across two bays but must purchase a standard pay-and-display ticket for each bay used.

• Vehicle Criteria: Only fully self-contained motorhomes and campervans with an onboard chemical toilet, sink, and wastewater holding facilities are permitted to stay overnight. Rooftop tents or uncontained vans are prohibited. 

Car Park Facilities

• Hookups & Drains: There are no electricity hookups, fresh water taps, or chemical waste disposal drains available.

• Waste Management: Standard general waste and recycling dustbins are situated across the gravel lot.

• Electric Vehicles: The car park features two dedicated EV charging bays.

• Toilets: Public toilets are situated just a short 3-minute walk away towards the beach dunes or village centre, though they generally close overnight. 

Local Dining Within Walking Distance

The car park sits just minutes away from the vibrant village green, offering immediate access to classic Northumbrian eateries: 

• The Potted Lobster - A Michelin-awarded bistro renowned for showcasing fresh local seafood like North Sea crab and lobster in a relaxed, rustic setting.

• The Lord Crewe Arms - A beautifully refurbished pub and restaurant serving premium, locally sourced game and coastal dishes next to a cosy open fire.

• Copper Kettle Tearooms - A traditional, highly rated afternoon spot famed for its fresh homemade scones, sandwiches, and dog-friendly garden.

• Wyndenwell - A popular village pitstop for artisanal gelato, hot takeaway coffees, and quick lunch snacks. 

Local Information and Attractions

• Bamburgh Castle: The grand fortress towering over the car park was once the seat of the Kings of ancient Northumbria and remains open daily to the public for stateroom tours.

• Bamburgh Beach: Pristine, expansive sandy shores flanked by dramatic sand dunes sit immediately behind the car park, offering excellent walking routes.

• Grace Darling Museum: Located in the village opposite St. Aidan's Church, this RNLI Grace Darling Museum commemorates the famous 1838 rescue of shipwreck survivors by the local lighthouse keeper's daughter.

• The Ossuary: Tucked securely beneath the crypt of St. Aidan's Church, this final resting place contains the structural skeletal remains of 6th and 7th-century local residents, viewable via small guided tours.