Bamburgh in Northumberland named in The Times' top 30 prettiest villages in the UK

Northumberland’s Bamburgh has been named as one of the prettiest villages in the UK according to a list by The Times which was released this week.

The list, which includes towns from Kent to Cumbria and Suffolk to Scotland, includes suggestions on where to stay and what to do at each picturesque spot.

Bamburgh was the North East’s only representative in the list, ranking at number 24, sandwiched between Staithes in North Yorkshire and Grassington in Yorkshire.

The Times describes the village’s towering castle, which has been a standout feature of the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years as “a vast Norman hulk” and the best aspect of the area and a structure “you never quite get used to.”

In addition to a focal point of the area, the castle remains open

The quaint village was also praised for it’s three miles of sandy and dune-laden beaches which stretch from Seahouses to the lighthouse which sits on the vast nearby cliffs as well as the swathes of countryside which surround the area.

The list also mentions the possibilities for children to have fun around the town thanks to the sausage rolls at R Carter and Son Butchers and the RNLI Grace Darling museum.

The site’s Potted Lobster is also given a glowing review in the village’s section of the list.

The attraction tells the story of Victorian Britain’s greatest heroine, who risked her life to save nine survivors from a wrecked ship in 1838.

Living in the nearby lighthouse, Darling became a national treasure following her 19th century act of heroism and the museum tells the story of her life as well as the famous rescue at the age of 22. A memorial to her is inside St Aidan’s Church in the village.

The top spot was awarded to The Slaughters in Gloucestershire.

The Cotswolds’ twin towns were praised for the old feel of the area. “No coach parks, no bijouteries, just knotted lanes, stone the colour of burnt honey, blowsy gardens and footbridges” is how The Times describe the upper and lower towns, which sit half way between Cheltenham and Oxford.