Warkworth Castle and Hermitage

CastleNorthumberlandEnglish Heritage4.6(4,184 on Google)

Book tickets Website

£10.90

non-member

Free

EH members

4.6

on Google

Open

see times

Warkworth Castle was a stronghold of the powerful Percy family, its great cross-shaped tower containing halls, kitchens, cellars and a chapel. Five routes through the fortress introduce medieval characters through listening posts, symbols and sculptures, while an audio tour explains how the household worked. The Duke's Rooms open on selected days, with volunteers helping visitors understand the surviving furnishings. Reviewers praise the audio guide, views towards the sea and the chance to explore rooms within the keep. Pick up the guide before setting out and take care on the steep stairs. There is grass for a picnic, although refreshments on site are limited to drinks and snacks. The nearby rock-cut Hermitage involves a riverside walk and ferry, with limited same-day places arranged at the castle. Dogs on leads can visit the castle but cannot join the Hermitage visit.

Walking routes

Warkworth riverside walk to the Hermitage ferry

Arrange any Hermitage visit at the castle first, then follow staff directions to the River Coquet path and ferry. Castle car parking is separate and charged for non-members. Hermitage slots are limited and date-specific; additional ticket cost is not confirmed. Uneven ground and deep water; dogs cannot visit the Hermitage.

Not suitable for dogs

Checked 2026-09-10

Opening times

Spring & summer hours

Warkworth Castle10:00 - 17:00

Opening time details

Hermitage normally opens Sundays and Mondays 11am-4pm, but is closed 14, 20 and 21 September 2026. Book on the day at the castle; six visitors per half-hour slot. Separate Hermitage ticket cost and ferry accessibility are not confirmed; displayed prices cover the castle.

Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October, then 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. Weekends 10am-4pm from 2 November to 20 December. Check the official calendar for holiday and event exceptions.

Last entry is normally 30 minutes before closing.

EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary admission; special events may differ.

Grounds are accessible over compacted gravel and grass; castle interiors have limited wheelchair access. A ramp is available for the entrance step, but the keep requires stairs. The Hermitage approach has uneven ground, steep steps and a river crossing.

Parking: Approximately 48 spaces outside the castle. Free for EH members displaying a valid car sticker; non-members pay. Current tariff not confirmed. Additional parking in Warkworth is independently charged.

Image: Keep and inner courtyard of Warkworth Castle. Draco2008 from UK, CC BY 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warkworth_Castle_interior,_2007.jpg

Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle and grounds. Pet dogs are not allowed on the Hermitage visit. Assistance dogs are welcomed across the castle site; confirm ferry and Hermitage arrangements directly.

Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs may explore the permitted visitor grounds subject to the visitor-access restrictions above; ordinary admission or eligible membership applies.

Dog walks in the surrounding area: Not confirmed. Not confirmed: no complete outside dog-walking route with verified access, parking and seasonal restrictions was established in this review. Nearby green space does not establish permission.

Leads: Keep dogs on leads in permitted visitor areas. Keep clear of livestock and wildlife; site-specific livestock restrictions beyond the stated rules are not confirmed.

Seasonal dog restrictions: Not confirmed: no additional dated seasonal dog exclusions were established. Follow current site signs; the stated access rules apply regardless of season.

Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs welcome across the castle site. Hermitage ferry and steep-step arrangements are not confirmed; contact the site before visiting.

Pricing

Free entry with English Heritage membership

Entry

Non-member prices

Adult - castle

£10.90

Child (5-17) - castle

£5.40

Concession - castle

£10.00

Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) - castle

£27.20

Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - castle

£16.30

Pricing details

Standard-day walk-up tariff without voluntary donation; seasonal prices vary. EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance online tickets save up to 15%; under-5s enter free. Adult walk-up range: £10.00 off-peak to £12.70 peak. Castle admission only; separate Hermitage arrangements and current charge must be confirmed at the castle.

Standard-day walk-up tariff without voluntary donation; seasonal prices vary. EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance online tickets save up to 15%; under-5s enter free. Castle admission only; separate Hermitage arrangements and current charge must be confirmed at the castle.

Parking

Parking not known

The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.

Parking details

Approximately 48 spaces outside the castle. Free for EH members displaying a valid car sticker; non-members pay. Current tariff not confirmed. Additional parking in Warkworth is independently charged.

Official EH sat-nav arrival coordinates, checked against the approach and adjacent visitor parking described on the directions page. Follow signs to the car park rather than entering pedestrian castle areas. The Google attraction pin is retained separately as listing identity.

Pins

Enamel pin badges sold in the shop here, photographed by visitors.

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Facilities

ParkingShopToiletsBaby changingAudio guidePicnic areaDogs on leads