The attraction, which usually closes from November to March, will open its doors this month as it responds to off-peak visitor needs and to support other tourism businesses in the area.

Bamburgh Castle director Chris Calvert said: "Opening the castle in February will support local tourism businesses who are working hard to attract off-peak visitors. Bed and breakfast establishments, pubs, hotels and shop owners have called for us to support them by opening out of season so their customers can visit the castle, which is just what we're going to do.

"Bamburgh was once the capital of Northumbria in Anglo-Saxon times. Our goal is to put Bamburgh on the map as Northumberland's tourism capital. Opening the castle in February is a step further towards achieving this."

A new handbook, souvenir DVD and commemorative book will also be launched as part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the birth of the first Lord Armstrong, who transformed the castle from a decaying ruin into the architectural masterpiece it is today.

Tourism chief Geoff Hodgson, chairman of the Northeast Tourism Advisory Board said: "Reducing seasonality and increasing the numbers of tourist days in the shoulder months is one of our key objectives. There is great potential for tourism growth during these periods and I applaud the team at Bamburgh Castle for their decision to open in February.

"They have demonstrated a commitment towards establishing Bamburgh and the surrounding area as a year-round visitor destination."

The castle will be open from Saturday, February 13 to Sunday, February 21, from 10am until 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm. It will close for one week's staff training abefore re-opening for the 2010 season on February 27.