Things to see and do
There’s plenty to see and do on a day out at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage. Below we explore some of the highlights, from the interactive trails, to the audio guide, plus certain treasures to look out for, and how to visit the hermitage and the Duke’s Rooms.
Take a trail around Warkworth
Striking sculptures have been installed in the grounds of Warkworth Castle creating a series of interactive trails. Follow a trail and learn about the people who lived in or near the castle in the early 15th century.
Choose your character, from Henry Percy of Atholl to Eleanor Neville: Countess of Northumberland to John del Warderobe: long-serving servant of the rulers of Warkworth, to lead you around the castle.
Visit the cross-shaped keep
See the awe-inspiring keep as you wander around the nearly intact circuit of towered walls at this spectacular medieval castle. Head to the top for glorious views over the River Coquet and Northumberland countryside.
Pick up a free audio tour to find out more about this fascinating fortress.
The great tower or keep is almost complete, even though it was built more than 600 years ago. Warkworth was besieged by the Scots in 1327 and played a key role in the long-running war between England and Scotland. Read its history before you visit.
Learn about the Percys
Look out for the lion badge carved throughout the castle as you explore. This was the badge of the powerful Percy family who wielded almost kingly power in the north. They owned Warkworth and nearby Alnwick Castle, where their descendants still live today.
Percy fame and fortunes were at their height under Henry Percy, the first Earl of Northumberland. His son 'Harry Hotspur,' was memorably captured by Shakespeare in Henry IV, Part I. His rebellion against the king led to the Percys losing Warkworth Castle, though it was later restored to them.
Explore the Hermitage
Continue your adventure by taking a walk half a mile up river, followed by a boat trip to discover the Hermitage, a religious building carved out of the rock.
Enjoy the peaceful setting of this hidden gem, which was probably built as a private chapel for the first Earl of Northumberland.
The Hermitage is only open on certain days
Visit the Duke's rooms
Experience the lavish lifestyle of the Percys for yourself with a visit to the Duke's Rooms. The furnished Duke’s Rooms will be open regularly with volunteer guides.
These rooms were restored by Algernon Percy in the 1850s, ready for the family's return to the castle. The walls were lined with expensive gold-patterned leather, some of which remains today, and decorated with uniquely designed furniture.