Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
The great keep is a warren of rooms and stairs, there's a World Builder trail, and on Sundays and Mondays the Hermitage adds a riverside walk and a short boat crossing to a chapel cut into the rock.
The short answer
Warkworth Castle and Hermitage is in Warkworth (NE65 0UJ). It's looked after by English Heritage and a paid attraction. Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) at the time of writing. Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%.
What you actually see
The castle is first recorded in a charter of 1157 to 1164 granting it to Roger fitz Richard. The Percys took it over in the 14th century and built the great cross-shaped keep in the late 1300s, and Shakespeare set scenes of Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 here. It still belongs to the Duke of Northumberland, with English Heritage looking after it.
Known for: Scenes in Shakespeare's Henry IV; the Hermitage chapel carved into the riverbank.
Tips before you go
Go on a Sunday or Monday if you want the Hermitage, and get there early because it only takes six people per half hour. Dogs can come to the castle but not the Hermitage.
Where Warkworth Castle and Hermitage is
Warkworth, NE65 0UJ. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
Castles near Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
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Cresswell Pele Tower
8.2 miles south as the crow flies · Cresswell · Open days only · Free
Edlingham Castle
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Dunstanburgh Castle
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Bothal Castle
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All 39 castles on the map · Things to do in Alnwick and the Coquet coast
Events at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
- Nothing listed at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage in The Northumbrian Almanac right now. It is refreshed every week.
Our guides that include Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
Questions people ask about Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
How much does it cost to visit Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
Prices vary by date and show when you pick a date on English Heritage's booking page; booking online in advance saves 15%. 20% off walk-up tickets if you arrive on certain local buses. Free for English Heritage members.
When is Warkworth Castle and Hermitage open?
Daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) at the time of writing. The Hermitage opens Sundays and Mondays, 11am to 4pm, with tickets sold at the castle on the day for 6 people per half hour. Winter 2026/27 opening not published yet; check before you go.
Is Warkworth Castle and Hermitage good for kids?
The great keep is a warren of rooms and stairs, there's a World Builder trail, and on Sundays and Mondays the Hermitage adds a riverside walk and a short boat crossing to a chapel cut into the rock. Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours, more with the Hermitage.
Is there parking at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
About 48 spaces outside the castle, free for English Heritage members showing a car sticker, paid for everyone else.
Can you take a pushchair to Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
Partly. Pushchairs are allowed throughout the grounds, but the keep is all staircases.
Are dogs allowed at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
On leads at the castle; not allowed at the Hermitage.
Is there a café at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
Small shop with snacks, hot drinks and ice cream. No picnic tables, but picnics on the grass are fine.
Are there toilets at Warkworth Castle and Hermitage?
Yes, including an accessible toilet, with baby changing in both the men's and the women's.
Is Warkworth Castle and Hermitage worth visiting on a rainy day?
Not really. Most of it is outdoors, so save it for a dry day.
What is Warkworth Castle and Hermitage famous for?
Scenes in Shakespeare's Henry IV; the Hermitage chapel carved into the riverbank.
Sources
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