The village postie who helped usher in a new dawn at Bamburgh Castle

Village postman Vince Knox pushed open Bamburgh Castle’s 15ft gates as the attraction reopened for business today.
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Castle owner Francis Watson Armstrong along with members of the Armstrong family lined up to clap visitors through the gatehouse as it opened for the first time since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Northumbrian piper Joanne Kemp also played to mark the occasion.

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Francis said: “It was an extraordinary moment and very emotional. I almost burst into tears.

Bamburgh Castle has reopened to the public.Bamburgh Castle has reopened to the public.
Bamburgh Castle has reopened to the public.

“Not only do we depend on people visiting the castle to help us preserve the building and its contents for future generations of people to enjoy, visitors bring the castle to life.

“It has been wonderful seeing the castle living and breathing once again. It’s a day that will go down in Bamburgh’s history books.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support and for visiting Bamburgh Castle. It’s tremendous to be open again.”

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Bamburgh Castle has reopened as a Covid-Secure attraction and is VisitEngland and VisitBritain ‘We’re Good To Go’ quality assured, the industry standard that shows a tourism organisation has measures in place to look after visitors and staff.

Will Douglas, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle.Will Douglas, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle.
Will Douglas, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle.

Will Douglas, Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager, said: “The beauty of Bamburgh is that it is such a vast site covering nine acres with plenty of open spaces which makes it easier for people to social distance.

“External health and safety consultants have been working alongside us to make sure we have systems in place that allow people to visit us with confidence while still enjoying what really is one of the finest castles in Britain.”

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It has reopened with restricted visitor numbers with pre-bookable advance tickets but is still taking walk-in admissions, although this is being monitored closely.

Postman Vince Knox with castle owner Francis Watson Armstrong with one of the youngest members of the family - granddaughter Poppy Ziemelis.Postman Vince Knox with castle owner Francis Watson Armstrong with one of the youngest members of the family - granddaughter Poppy Ziemelis.
Postman Vince Knox with castle owner Francis Watson Armstrong with one of the youngest members of the family - granddaughter Poppy Ziemelis.

Will added: “Naturally we are following Government guidelines carefully and the safety and wellbeing of our visitors and staff is our absolute priority at all times.

“But standing here today and being able to welcome people and our team back to Bamburgh Castle again after more than 100 days is fantastic.”

Further information about visiting is available at www.bamburghcastle.com

A message from the Editor:

Members of the Armstrong family at Bamburgh Castle.Members of the Armstrong family at Bamburgh Castle.
Members of the Armstrong family at Bamburgh Castle.

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