The beautiful little seaside village named UK's best actually wants more tourists

Tourists visiting the UK's best seaside village can expect nothing but a warm welcome from locals who say they "welcome visitors with open arms". During a time where some holidaymakers may feel unwanted in some of the UK's and Europe's most popular destinations, the quaint village of Bamburgh couldn't be more different.

Nestled in Northumberland, Bamburgh has once again been crowned as the best seaside town or village in the UK by Which? Home to the majestic Bamburgh castle, this beautiful village was given an impressive overall score of 84% out of 100% as well as scoring the maximum five stars for its beach, seafront, scenery, and peace and quiet. With visitors hailing Bamburgh as their "happy place" locals are just as taken with their charming home.

Although it is just an hour away from Newcastle, Bamburgh offers tourists and residents a dose of escapism from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Speaking to The Express, Karen Larkins, visitors services manger at Barmburgh Castle, says locals are "always happy to talk and help people".

She said: "We're very much a tourist place and welcome tourists with open arms. Anyone who doesn't want visitors should send them to Bamburgh!

"Often tourists call it their happy place. Here at Bamburgh Castle we go above and beyond to make sure everyone has the best time they can here.

"The pace of life here is relaxing - going into a city like Newcastle is OK but life here is a lot calmer. I've lived here all my life, people come here on holiday so I feel very lucky to come here.

"The people generally do care. We look after the community and tourists."

Bamburgh Castle, a grade I listed building, was originally the location of a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia from its foundation in around 420 to 547.

The historic building which towers over Bamburgh's glorious golden sand beach attracts visitors from around the world as it served as a filming location for the Netflix series The Last Kingdom.

Karen added: "We have six costumes from the Last Kingdom here at Bamburgh Castle. It brings people from all over the world. Everybody should come here.

"We have recently opened Bamburgh Walled Garden with a sensory garden, a nice cafe and children's playing area in the heart of the village.

"We are trying to make the village more inclusive, the walled garden has a changing unit where say an adult or child in a wheelchair that perhaps needs to be changed and has personal needs that needs attending to then they can come here. There are not many of those places around."

Sue Aldrede, owner of R Carter and Son, Bamburgh Butchers, wakes up every day thankful that she lives in such a beautiful place that is full of independent stores.

"I love living here and every day I wake up and thank the lord I live here," says Sue.

She continued: "The beach is the most beautiful in the country. There is nothing there, it is completely untouched with beautiful castles.

"Part of the attraction is that it is quiet and like a time gone by. There is a separate butcher and grocer.

"There's no supermarkets, it is really special and there are loads of private businesses that get a lot of support.

"We get a lot of support here and have been in business here for 125 years."

However, Sue acknowledges that with rising popularity comes some disadvantages.

She said: "But with the good comes the bad - there are problems with parking and the rocketing house prices means it is too [expensive] for young people to move here."

Jessica Ainslie, general manager at The Potted Lobster, says as soon as people arrive in Bamburgh they are hooked.

She said: "Bamburgh does have everything you need for a little break.

"I think as soon as you drive into Bamburgh, seeing the gorgeous view of the historic castle in the distance, guests fall in love with the village instantly, and we find a lot of visitors will return annually.

"I think the reason why Bamburgh is repeatedly voted the best seaside town is down to a number of reasons.

"Firstly, we have the most picturesque, idyllic beach, with spectacular views looking up to Bamburgh Castle, which is so popular for a dog walk, and families with children.

"Secondly, Bamburgh has a very small, close-knit community, which brings its own charm, and is quieter than other seaside towns on the coast.

"We are very lucky in the village to have some amazing small businesses, and investment into the village from The Castle, for example the Bamburgh Walled Garden opened this year which is great for children as it has a beautiful sensory play park and big changing area and toilet for disabled guests so it is really inclusive.

"There is also a great selection of restaurants like ourselves who pride in using local produce where possible, and all eateries have outside seating so perfect for when the Bamburgh sunshine makes an appearance.

"Bamburgh Green at the bottom of the castle is a gorgeous place to sit and take in the mesmerising view."

And George Mackey, owner of Farne Gifts, added: "I have lived here all my life, the beaches are so beautiful.

"I am very lucky to live here, we take it for granted and often we take it for granted living in the UK as there are so many beautiful places. Wales has some stunning beaches as does Cornwall and Devon."