St Aidan's Church, Bamburgh

Visiting St Aidan's

Our core opening times are from 10am - 4pm every day

(although in the summer these hours are often extended)

There are a number of publications within the church to help you discover the amazing history of this place of worship.

Whilst there is ramped access to the main church, unfortunately the crypt access is solely by steps outside the church.

Please note that we prefer group visits to be booked in advance - please contact for the relevant form.

Please see other pages including Crypt, History and Grace Darling for more information.

There are many beautiful (and historic) elements within and around our church - below is a selection of some which you may wish to look out for when visiting.

The Font and Bell Tower

The beautifully carved 1852 font stands below the belfry. There were only two bells here until 1912, when a full peal of eight was installed. Look up to the forked beam, believed to be part of St Aidan's wooden church. Legend says he was leaning against it when he died in 651.

Spring Window

This ancient church has been altered many times in the last 900 years. A recent addition is the colourful 1920s spring-themed window in the South Aisle. It's a poignant memorial to the grandchildren of historian Arthur Smith.

The Squint

In medieval times, ordinary worshippers were not allowed into the chancel, the most sacred part of the church. This square window provided people with a glimpse of the altar as the priest led the service.

The Chancel

Treasures here include St Aidan's Shrine, near the place where he is thought to have died, a Medieval stone knight, and memorials to the Forster family, governors of Bamburgh Castle. The spectacular stone reredos behind the altar was carved in 1894 and shows 16 figures from Bamburgh's early Christian history. Look for St Aidan and King Oswald at the top.

Memorial Windows

Several notable women are remembered in this chapel. Grace Darling saved shipwrecked sailors off the Farne Islands in 1838. Inspiring women on Ann Rochester's 1939 memorial window include 19th century prison reformer Elizabeth Fry and Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing.

The Sharp Memorial

This colourful local family were churchmen and reformers. John Sharp (1722-92) saved Bamburgh Castle from centuries of neglect, created a free school, helped the poor and set up a coastguard service and a seamen's mission.

St Aidan's Parish Church, Bamburgh