Warkworth Castle

About the museum

Warkworth Castle stands on a mound in a loop of the River Coquet. The date and circumstances of its founding are unclear, but a first written record exists from the 1150s and the present castle was largely laid out in the early 13th century. In 1332 it passed to the Percy family, who made it a favoured residence until the 17th century. As Earls and later Dukes of Northumberland, they were among the greatest landowners in the north of England.

In the late 14th century Henry Percy, the 1st Earl of Northumberland, probably built the great tower, a cross-shaped keep that is the castle's best-known feature. The family was caught up in the rebellions against Henry IV, and the castle was besieged and forced to surrender in 1405. Later Percy earls remodelled the bailey in the 15th century, but the castle declined from the 16th century and was damaged during the Civil War.

By the 18th century Warkworth was a picturesque ruin that drew tourists. In the 1850s the Duke of Northumberland had the architect Anthony Salvin repair the great tower, and the upper Duke's Rooms were given new floors and roofs. The castle was taken into state care in 1922. Nearby, carved into the river cliff, is the hermitage, a small chapel probably created around 1400 and reached by a riverside walk and a boat.

Highlights

• Cross-shaped great tower with its cellars, kitchens, great hall and chapel
• Audio tour included in admission
• Five colour-coded family trails through the castle
• Duke's Rooms in the keep, open on certain summer days
• Warkworth Hermitage, a chapel carved from the rock beside the river

Permanent exhibitions

• Great Tower and Duke's Rooms – The medieval keep, explored from its wine cellars and kitchens to the great hall and chapel; the furnished Duke's Rooms are open on certain summer days.
• Warkworth Hermitage – A small chapel carved out of the cliff beside the River Coquet, reached by a riverside walk and a short ferry crossing.

Operated by

English Heritage

Admission & discounts

Ticket prices are not listed as text on the website: tickets are chosen by date in the online booking tool. Booking online until midnight the day before saves 15% against the price on the day. Tickets are valid all day. Entry is free for English Heritage members. Visitors who arrive by public transport or bicycle get 20% off tickets bought at the site on the day. A joint ticket for the castle and the hermitage is available for groups.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The grounds are accessible, but access to the castle itself is limited. The entrance has a step (a ramp is available from the custodian) and gravel, grass and bridge slats, and the keep can only be reached by a wide staircase. There is no designated disabled parking, but all parking is close to the entrance. A hearing loop is located in the shop. The ground at the hermitage and along the river walk is uneven, and there is deep water beside the path. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Five colour-coded trails with listening posts and sculptures lead children and adults around the castle, and a World Builder trail is also offered. Discovery sacks and Step Inside activity sheets are available. The grounds have plenty of open space for children. Pushchairs are allowed, and the male and female toilets have baby changing facilities. Up to six children enter free with an English Heritage family member.

Getting there & parking

Warkworth is on the A1068, 7½ miles south of Alnwick. Sat nav postcode NE65 0UJ. Visitors travelling by bus, train or bicycle receive 20% off tickets bought on the day.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

A vending machine sells tea, coffee and light snacks, and the small shop sells gifts, snacks, hot drinks and ice cream. Visitors can picnic on the grass; there are no benches. The nearest places to eat are in the village.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit