Pictures of Warkworth Castle
About Warkworth Castle
This once superb castle was, for over four centuries, one of the most important in a long line of defensive castle's built in the North of the country to protect England from the Scots. It has a somewhat obscure history, some say it was begun half-way through the 12th-century by Henry, Earl of Northumberland, who was the son of Kind David I of Scotland. However, that being said, the County of Northumberland was re-granted by Henry II in 1157 to Robert Clavering, an Englishman. It was his family that were responsible for the main outline of the castle as it exists today. They built the massive gatehouse, two towers and made improvements to other areas including the chapel and the Great Hall.
The castle passed to the powerful Percy family in 1332, and it is they who added the unusual square keep in 1390. They also began a large collegiate church, the foundations of which remain visible. The castle became the Percy's favourite home but at the turn of the 15th-century it was taken again by Henry IV when the Percy's became involved in a rebellion against the King led by Archbishop Scrope.
Today, the romantic ruins of Warkworth rise in all their faded splendour above the wooded banks of the sparkling River Coquet. They perfectly reflect an image of medieval strength and the fact that in spite of being kept in good repair until the 16th-century, once the Percy's had retreated back to Alnwick Castle, Warkworth remained continuously abandoned.
Interestingly, Warkworth is the setting of the opening scene in Shakespeare's play Henry VI.
The castle can be reached via the main street in the village of Warkworth and is open daily to the public for most of the year.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Warkworth Castle.
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Recommended attractions near Warkworth Castle
| Druridge Bay Country Park | (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| The Alnwick Garden | (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Alnwick Castle | (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Hulne Park | (7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Dunstanburgh Castle | (10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Queen Elizabeth II Country Park | (10.5 miles, 16.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Cragside | (10.9 miles, 17.6 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Wansbeck Country Park | (11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Lordenshaw | (12.7 miles, 20.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Bedlington Country Park | (15.3 miles, 24.6 km, direction S) | Pictures |
All attractions in NorthumberlandComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Warkworth Castle
Warkworth, in the county of Northumberland (0.3 miles, 0.4 km)
Sparkling in high summer and tinged with frosty thin ice in winter, the River Coquet makes its final loop before entering the sea at Amble.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Alnmouth, a Picturesque Village in the county of Northumberland (3.1 miles, 5.1 km, direction N)
Alnmouth lies on a coastline famed for its outstanding natural beauty, thus one of its greatest pleasures is found in wandering the coastal paths enjoying uninterrupted sea and coastal views.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Alnwick, a Historic Market Town in the county of Northumberland (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction NW)
Set magnificently in the heart of the beautiful northern countryside is the great castle that has dominated the life and times of Alnwick for centuries.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Craster, in the county of Northumberland (9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction N)
Craster is a quiet and unspoiled fishing village in Northumberland, famous for its Kippers and beautiful cliff scenery
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in the county of Northumberland (11.5 miles, 18.5 km, direction S)
The bay is a major attraction, often lively with fishing cobbles and pleasure craft, it is also a haven for sun-bathers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Morpeth, in the county of Northumberland (12.3 miles, 19.8 km, direction S)
Hidden in the spacious Northumberland countryside where centuries ago the towns and villages of this vast region were the scene of border raids and skirmishes, lies the busy market town of Morpeth.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Thropton, in the county of Northumberland (13.4 miles, 21.6 km, direction W)
This pretty village straggles the banks of the sparkling River Coquet. It is a lively invigorating place, lying amidst the stunning countryside of Simonside, a 1,409 foot high peak.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Beadnell, in the county of Northumberland (15.1 miles, 24.2 km, direction N)
On this coast of sheer perfection, amongst timeless coastal villages, lies Beadnell an historic fishing village.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Blyth, in the county of Northumberland (15.4 miles, 24.7 km, direction S)
An attractive old place, with a long seafaring history, the port of Blyth is believed to date back to the 12th-century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hartburn, in the county of Northumberland (15.5 miles, 24.9 km, direction SW)
This is a wonderful place to be, especially on a bright summer day when the sun beats down relentlessly.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in NorthumberlandComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Acklington Station | (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction SW) |
| Alnmouth Station | (3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction N) |
| Newcastle International Airport | (21.4 miles, 34.4 km, direction S) |
| New Bridge Street | (25.3 miles, 40.7 km, direction S) |
| A1(M) Junction 65 | (30.2 miles, 48.6 km, direction S) |
| Teesside International Airport | (58.0 miles, 93.3 km, direction S) |
| Warkworth Castle to London | (272.1 miles, 437.8 km, direction S) |
Accommodation & Hotels near Warkworth Castle
| Hotel Name |
| The Sun Hotel | (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) |
| White Swan Hotel | (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction NW) |
| Macdonald Linden Hall, Golf & Country Club | (7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction SW) |
| The Masons Arms | (8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction N) |
| Longhirst Hall Classic | (10.2 miles, 16.5 km, direction S) |
| The Queens Head Hotel | (12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction S) |
| The Victoria Hotel | (18.8 miles, 30.2 km, direction N) |
| Horton Grange | (18.8 miles, 30.2 km, direction S) |
| Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport | (21.3 miles, 34.3 km, direction S) |
| Ryecroft Hotel | (21.3 miles, 34.3 km, direction NW) |
| All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts |