Warkworth is a beautiful village in Northumberland with a castle, lovely pubs and riverside walks. The gorgeous beach is just set back from the main village centre and usually nice and quiet.
This post will share some of our favourite spots in the village and I hope to add to the post as we explore further.
Where to Park / Public Transport
There are a few options for parking in Warkworth, sometimes the very centre can be busy and it is worth parking at the beach or castle and walking into the village. We nearly always park at the castle which is free for English Heritage members. Click here for parking information and postcodes.
Warkworth is accessible by public transport and is serviced by several buses including the popular X18 coastal service. Alternatively, it is a lovely walk from nearby Amble.
Warkworth is on a slight incline, some of the pubs/restaurants are on a bit of a hill and some of the paths can be a little narrow but it is fairly easy to walk around and pretty compact.
Warkworth Public Toilets
At time of print, there are two public toilets open in Warkworth (in Brewery Lane and at Warkworth Beach). We usually use the loos in Warkworth Castle Car Park and of course, pubs, cafes and restaurants will have customer facilities too. Find out more about public toilet location and up-to-date opening hours here.
How Dog & Child-Friendly is Warkworth?
I have visited Warkworth with my children since they were babies and have always been made to feel super welcome. The castle is a brilliant place to explore, most of the pubs and cafes welcome children and have children's menus and there is a lovely beach.
I also feel like Warkworth is pretty dog-friendly too. Dogs on leads are welcome in Warkworth Castle and in many of the pubs/cafes including The Mason's Arms and Bertrams which are both super popular. The beach at Warkworth is also dog-friendly with no restrictions.
Warkworth Castle & Heritage
Warkworth Castle overlooks the village and is always a fantastic sight as you drive by. This Medieval Castle is free to visit for English Heritage members or there is an admission charge if you are non-members. At the moment, visits need to be pre-booked for all via the English Heritage website.
You can still enjoy the exterior of Warkworth Castle without paying admission but personally, I like to visit inside as it's really interesting plus the views from the top are just stunning.
Parking is free for English Heritage members (read signs as sometimes you need to buy a ticket and obtain a refund) or chargeable for non-members. Use postcode NE65 OUJ. There are accessible toilets and baby change facilities in the car park. Dogs are welcome on leads.
You can still enjoy the exterior of Warkworth Castle without paying admission but personally, I like to visit inside as it's really interesting plus the views from the top are just stunning.
Parking is free for English Heritage members (read signs as sometimes you need to buy a ticket and obtain a refund) or chargeable for non-members. Use postcode NE65 OUJ. There are accessible toilets and baby change facilities in the car park. Dogs are welcome on leads.
The hermitage is currently closed but during 'normal' times, a visit is something a little different. This secluded chapel / dwelling dates back to medieval times and was occupied by religious folk who sought a solitary life. The hermitage is reached by a short boat trip across the River Coquet. Keep an eye on the castle website for re-opening information.
The grounds are brilliant for inquisitive kids with tunnels to run through, fireplaces to peer up, towers to climb and lots of corners to explore/space to run around.
The main grounds are ok for pushchairs (mostly grassed surface) but the main castle is full of stairs and not accessible. We have always left our pushchair in the car and either used a baby carrier or let the toddler/kids walk around. The castle isn't vast and it is easy to keep an eye on little ones.
Warkworth Riverside Walk
The River Coquet runs through Warkworth and there is an easy 2 mile circular route you can enjoy along the river and through the village (click here for full info and a map).There is seating along the river and the views are beautiful. Highly recommend!
River Coquet Watersports
Adventure Northumberland organise Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking on the River Coquet in Warkworth. The minimum age for both activities is 8 years old - you can find out more and book here.
Warkworth Beach
Warkworth Beach is around a 20 minute walk from the village or there is a dedicated free car park with public loos and picnic tables (use postcode NE65 0SW). The beach is gorgeous with big sand dunes, beautiful silky sand, views of Coquet Island and Amble.
You can walk along the beach for a couple of miles to reach Amble. It has always been pretty quiet whenever we have visited and I feel like a lot of people drive past and favour Druridge Bay / Alnmouth instead (which are both lovely too).
The Masons Arms Pub
We absolutely love The Masons Arms Pub which is located in the heart of the village. The pub is dog and muddy boots friendly and has a large beer garden to the rear which is a brilliant sun trap. They serve traditional pub food and have a pop up pizza shack too which is fab - check out their Facebook page for pizza shack opening hours.
Bertram's
You will find Bertram's on Bridge Street in the heart of Warkworth Village. It is a gorgeous tearoom, cafe, bistro and b&b. You cannot book to visit the cafe but we visited on a sunny Saturday and managed to find a table no bother. The cafe is dog-friendly, the staff lovely, service is super speedy and the food is all lush and homemade with a few local touches too. Honestly could not fault the place and would recommend if you are looking for a lovely coffee shop in Northumberland. Find out more here.
Menus correct as of May 2021. Please see the Bertram's website for the most up-to-date info. Click on any image to enlarge.
Where To Visit Nearby......
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| Morwick Dairy |
Morwick Dairy Ice Cream Parlour is a short drive from Warkworth and a fab spot for an ice cream. There is a small play area and you can sometimes visit the cows too. Find out more here.
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| Amble Beach Huts |
You can easily walk or drive to Amble from Warkworth. There is a popular Sunday Market, a cute harbour village full of independent traders, lots of fab places for fish and chips or seafood, a Lobster Hatchery (you can take a mini tour), beach huts to hire, puffin cruises and lovely views of Warkworth Castle and the Northumberland Coast.
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| Low Hauxley Nature Reserve |
Low Hauxley Nature Reserve is a few miles drive away. It is free to visit (car parking charges apply) and a fantastic circular walk with lots of wildlife hides, a very small natural play area and cafe. It is due to reopen on 17 May. Find out more here.
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| Druridge Bay Country Park |
Finally, Druridge Bay Country Park is also a short drive from Warkworth. Another FREE place to visit (car parking charges can apply). There is a pushchair-friendly circular walk around the lake (1.3 miles), steppy stones, a lovely play park, visitor centre, cafe, toilets and a fantastic beach. Well worth a visit. Find out more here.
Where would you recommend visiting in Warkworth?
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Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area, leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date.
Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
You must also try Cabosse in walkworth. Especially if you have kids - get the hot chocolate. I’ve never tasted anything as good! X
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