Warkworth Castle
Majestic medieval castle ruins on a hilltop overlooking the River Coquet, featuring a grand Great Tower and a unique riverside hermitage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Warkworth Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic medieval castle ruins on a hilltop overlooking the River Coquet, featuring a grand Great Tower and a unique riverside hermitage.
"A gorgeous Castle despite it now being a ruin. It's a fantastic and a must visit for Castle enthusiasts."
🚶♀️ Explore the Great Tower
Get lost in the maze of rooms and staircases; it's easy to imagine life here! :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Visit the Hermitage
A unique chapel accessible only by boat – a truly secluded experience. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Tower
Central Keep
A massive, cross-shaped stone keep with multiple floors, rooms, and passageways to explore.
+1
Warkworth Hermitage
River Coquet
A secluded medieval chapel carved into the landscape, accessible only by boat.
Lion Tower Entrance
Main Entrance
Admire the intricate Percy family heraldry on this impressive medieval gateway.
River Coquet Views
Castle Ramparts
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the river, village, and coastline from various vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Castle Exploration
Embrace the History and Views
Explore the maze-like corridors of the Great Tower and imagine life centuries ago. Don't miss the unique riverside hermitage, accessible by boat. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Great Tower
Get lost in the maze of rooms and staircases; it's easy to imagine life here! :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Visit the Hermitage
A unique chapel accessible only by boat – a truly secluded experience.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with fascinating historical insights and stories. :iphone:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most areas of the castle. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Great Tower
Get lost in the maze of rooms and staircases; it's easy to imagine life here! :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Visit the Hermitage
A unique chapel accessible only by boat – a truly secluded experience.
🎧 Use the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with fascinating historical insights and stories. :iphone:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most areas of the castle. :dog:
☕ Grab a Coffee
The gift shop offers takeaway coffees and snacks for a quick refuel. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Warkworth Castle is a highly-rated historical ruin, praised for its impressive Great Tower and scenic location. Visitors enjoy exploring the castle's many rooms and imagining past lives, with the unique riverside hermitage being a standout feature. Some minor drawbacks include the upkeep of the car park toilets and early closing times for the gift shop and tent.
"An excellent ruin of a castle. We were lucky enough to have birds of prey showing as we arrived. Wonderful to see and hear about the birds.
The is parking at the castle.
You have to pay £3.50 for parking unless you are a national trust member. This is normal for national trust sites.
There were toilets in the car park but they are not looked after the best. Lots of cobwebs and dirt and no soap in the toilets. It normally shuts at 5 during the summer months but the staff were very much rushing to shut up from half 4. This is the reason for the 4 star review the actual castle was 5 star.
Plenty of areas to explore and learn about. Lots of information boards and voice boards around the site. The main building was amazing with lots of rooms and stairs to explore.
The gift shop was small, however there was a tent which had more things in but this shut very early and we were not able to look around before we left.
We do like to take souvenirs away with the sites name on."
Adam Barnard
"Great place to visit, dog friendly in all areas, the main part of the castle was huge although a ruin was great to explore, as a child you could have a fab game of hide and seek, there is a free audio guide which tells you about the history of the castle while you explore"
Joanne Ford
"A gorgeous Castle despite it now being a ruin. It's a fantastic and a must visit for Castle enthusiasts. Lots of history and an array of different levels to still get too to see the views over the village from above. I would highly recommend without a doubt. Run by English Heritage but it was very reasonably priced. A lovely gift shop/entrance that serves takeaway coffees and drinks, cakes, biscuits bars."
Denise Howell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Warkworth Castle is located in the village of Warkworth, Northumberland. It's about a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. Parking is available at the castle, though it may have a fee unless you're a member of English Heritage.
Yes, there is parking available at the castle. It costs £3.50 unless you are an English Heritage member.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, the castle is accessible from Newcastle, suggesting bus or train services to nearby towns might be an option. It's best to check local transport schedules.
The castle is prominently situated on a hilltop overlooking the River Coquet, making it visible and easy to locate within the village.
Crossing the medieval bridge into the village offers a scenic approach to the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Warkworth Castle is run by English Heritage and is reasonably priced. Specific pricing details are not provided, but members of English Heritage get in for free.
The castle typically closes around 5 PM during summer months, but staff may start to shut down earlier. It's advisable to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date opening hours.
Booking in advance is generally recommended for popular attractions, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Check the English Heritage website for booking information.
Absolutely! Warkworth Castle is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering history, exploration, and scenic views.
English Heritage members gain free entry. It's worth checking the English Heritage website for any other potential discounts or family passes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the impressive Great Tower with its many rooms and passageways, discover the Lion Tower entrance with its heraldry, and enjoy stunning views from the ramparts.
Warkworth Castle is largely a ruin, but its main building, the Great Tower, is well-preserved with enclosed spaces across three floors.
Toilets are available in the car park, but reviews suggest they may not always be well-maintained.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Many visitors share stunning drone footage and scenic shots of the castle and its surroundings.
Yes, there is a gift shop, though it can be small. Sometimes there's an additional tent with more items, but these may close early.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The gift shop area offers takeaway coffees, drinks, cakes, and biscuits. For more substantial meals, the village of Warkworth has cafes and pubs.
The castle grounds, particularly the large outdoor lawn within the fortress, offer ample space for picnics.
The village of Warkworth itself has several cafes and pubs offering food.
You can find traditional pub fare and cafe-style refreshments in the village.
With its scenic views and historic ambiance, Warkworth Castle grounds can be a lovely spot for a romantic picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the castle from across the River Coquet for a classic view, explore the Great Tower's interiors, and frame shots through its historic windows.
Several visitors have shared impressive drone footage of Warkworth Castle, suggesting it's a popular spot for aerial photography. +2
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) will likely provide the most dramatic lighting for exterior shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's best to check with English Heritage.
Its dramatic hilltop setting, imposing Great Tower, riverside location, and the unique hermitage make it highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the large lawn within the fortress.
🏰 History Enthusiasts
+1 The well-preserved Great Tower allows for detailed exploration of medieval architecture and domestic life. The Warkworth Hermitage provides a unique perspective on medieval religious life and isolation.
The audio guide and information boards offer comprehensive historical context, bringing the castle's rich past to life. 🚶♀️ Outdoor Adventurers & Walkers
For a truly unique experience, the boat trip to the Warkworth Hermitage is a must-do for adventurers.
The village of Warkworth itself is charming and offers a pleasant base for exploring the natural beauty of Northumberland. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
+1 The castle's strategic position on a bend of the River Coquet provided both defense and a commanding presence. Visitors can explore the impressive Great Tower, a cross-shaped keep that served as the heart of the castle.
+1 Its multiple floors, rooms, and passageways create a maze-like experience, allowing you to vividly imagine daily life for its inhabitants centuries ago. Beyond the main structure, the Warkworth Hermitage is a unique highlight. This secluded chapel, carved into the landscape, is accessible only by boat, offering a truly unique and tranquil experience.
The castle's elevated position also provides spectacular views of the surrounding village and the River Coquet, making it a photographer's delight. Exploring the Castle's Architecture and History
The Great Tower is a prime example of late medieval defensive and residential architecture, designed to impress and protect. Its cross-shaped plan is distinctive and allowed for efficient use of space and defense. The Percy family, who held the castle for centuries, were one of the most influential dynasties in northern England.
+1 Their legacy is visible in the heraldry and the sheer scale of the fortifications. While much of the castle is now a ruin, English Heritage has undertaken significant preservation efforts, making it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts.
Beyond the Castle Walls: The Hermitage and Surroundings
This site, accessible only by boat, offers a profound sense of isolation and spiritual retreat, a stark contrast to the bustling castle. The village of Warkworth, with its medieval bridge, provides a charming gateway to the castle.
For those interested in local legends, Warkworth Castle is also rumored to be haunted by the Grey Lady, adding a layer of spooky intrigue to its rich history.
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