Warkworth Castle and Hermitage: Hermitage

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage (Northumberland)

14th century Warkworth Castle & Hermitage is one of the most impressive fortresses in northern England.

Summary

14th century buildings
Gift shop
Audio guide
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Picnic area

Introduction

One of the most impressive fortresses in northern England, Warkworth Castle & Hermitage offers a fun family day out. Climb to the top of the towering keep, explore the ruins and enjoy some time out and relaxation with a picnic in the grounds.

History to the present day

The magnificent cross-shaped keep of Warkworth, crowning a hilltop rising steeply above the River Coquet, dominates one of the largest, strongest and most impressive fortresses in northern England. The castle's most famous owners were the Percy family, whose lion badge can be seen carved on many parts of their stronghold.Wielding almostkingly power in the North, their influence reached its apogee under the first Earl of Northumberland and his son 'Harry Hotspur', hero of many Border ballads as the bane of Scots raiders and a dominant character in Shakespeare's Henry IV. Having helped to depose Richard II, these turbulent 'kingmakers' both fell victim to Henry IV: the next three Percy Earls likewise died violent deaths.

Still roofed and almost complete, the uniquely-planned keep dates mainly from the end of the 14th century. It presides over the extensive remains of a great hall, chapel, fine gatehouse and a virtually intact circuit of towered walls.

Half a mile from the castle, tucked away by the Coquet and accessible only by boat, stands a much more peaceful building: the late medieval cave Hermitage and chapel of a solitary holy man.

Other facilities

Baby changing and a disabled toilet are now available in the toilet block.

Hot and cold drinks are available in the shop and picnics are welcome in grounds.

Access to castle: Step at entrance, ramp available from custodian.

Access to bailey mostly on impacted gravel and grass surface. Keep only accessible up wide staircase. One staircase inside with handrail. Good vantage point in bailey.

Hermitage: Via steps and boat.

Shop: Ramped access

Parking: 30m from entrance via gravel, grass, bridge slats and step (assistance is available for step). Disabled visitors may be set down on tarmac area beside bridge. The parking charge is refundable upon admission.

Visually Impaired Visitors: Audio tours available for the visually impaired.

Hearing Impaired Visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop available.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Northumberland, , United Kingdom

Directions: In Warkworth; 7 1⁄2 miles South of Alnwick, on A1068

By Train: Alnmouth 3 1⁄2 miles. By Bus: Arriva 518 Newcastle - Alnwick

Opening Times:

Castle: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

Castle: 1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

Castle: 2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Sat, & Sun.

Castle: 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

Hermitage: 1 Apr-30 Sep 11am-5pm Wed, & Sun.

Price:

Adult: Castle - £4.20 Hermitage - £3.00

Children: Castle - £2.10 Hermitage - £1.50

Concession: Castle - £3.60 Hermitage - £2.60

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.