Warkworth Castle with kids, Northumberland
If you know your Shakespeare, the first scene opens at Warkworth Castle, Northumberland – but from the fascinating ruins to lion statues, there’s far more at Warkworth Castle for kids than classic plays.
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Whatever time of year you visit, you can walk around the grassy moat, discover the remains of what was once a fearsome fortress and head inside the massive cross-shaped keep; perfect for letting imaginations run riot.
But head to the English Heritage site during the holidays and there are often extra family activities at Warkworth Castle with kids, including a fun trail during our own visit.
Not far from Amble, it’s an easy one to combine with a visit to the seaside, and while you’re not short of castles to discover in Northumberland with kids – including Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne Castle – it’s well worth saving time for.
When we visited, you’d hardly have believed it was August, with grey clouds and almost constant drizzle – we ended up popping back later during our stay to get a brief glimpse of the keep and walls under blue skies and snap a few more photos.
But whatever the weather there’s lots to discover, including the ceremonial lions adorning the lion tower and a very precarious staircase, which seemed to be almost hanging in the air.
As well as signs dotted around, there’s an audio guide to help discover more of the history too. The castle once belonged to the powerful Percy family, whose lion symbol you’ll find all over.
Their main residence from the 14th until the 17th centuries, it was also the birthplace of Harry Hotspur – hence those Shakespeare scenes from Henry IV Part II.
His rebellion against the king saw the Percys lose Warkworth temporarily, although the family later had it restored and went on to play an important role in England’s history – not always on the side of kings…
But even just wandering across the grassy inner court, looking up at the remains of some of the towers and the crumbling walls enclosing the fortress, will give you a good idea of just how impressive this castle must once have been.
You can spend quite a while just strolling from section to section, clambering over ruins (apart from those areas with a do not climb sign) and generally exploring to your heart’s content.
If there is a trail at Warkworth Castle for kids while you’re there, it’s an added bonus, keeping my nine-year-old peering into every stone nook and cranny and checking out all the information to tick off clues and solve the challenges.
You can even wander through a small stone tunnel, as well as plenty of space to run around – bring your swords if you’ve got them!
No-one knows quite how old the castle officially is. The first written record dates back to the middle of the 12th century, but there was a fortified structure here before this and the Anglo-Saxon Earls of Northumbria probably lived on this spot before the Norman Conquest in 1066.
But one of the main highlights is heading into the massive Keep, which looms over the entire inner court.
Built over six centuries ago, by the first Earl of Northumberland, it was besieged by the Scots in 1327 and was one of the key sites in the long-running war between England and Scotland.
Far more intact than a lot of the other sections, it really does feel like you’re stepping back in time to get a taste of what medieval life must have been like.
As well as wandering through the chapel with its delicate stone windows and gazing out of others to the views of the River Coquet and fields below, there are some fun spots to explore at Warkworth Castle with kids.
After all, who wouldn’t be impressed at stepping into a giant fireplace and still having room to stand up straight?
Most entertaining of all is getting to see the garderobes, of course!
But with my ear glued to my audio guide, my daughter still entertained by her trail, we spent ages climbing stairs, finding ourselves in unexpected spots and venturing down to the ancient wine and beer cellars.
Save some time to explore outside the castle walls as well – at least a quick wander around the moat. The grassy slopes are very fun to burn off some energy.
You can also explore Warkworth Hermitage too. Only open on certain days (sadly not when we were at Warkworth), it’s around half a mile up the river and was probably built as a private chapel for the first Earl.
Carved out of the rock of the cliff face, you need to take a boat trip to discover this historic religious spot.
Instead we headed back to the seaside – if your two favourite things are castles and beaches, you’ll be in heaven in Northumberland as well – with an ice cream from Amble Harbour village, a quick peek into the rock pools off the beach and some downtime in the little playground near the seafront.
For more things to do in Northumberland with kids, check out my top picks, as well as this short video on the best castles in Northumberland with kids
Warkworth Castle, Northumberland: Need to know
Tickets cost from £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children aged 5-17 (free for English Heritage members). The castle is open at weekends year-round as well as school holidays, but closes on weekdays during the winter months.
You can’t currently book visits to Warkworth Hermitage in advance but you can book on arrival at the castle: places are first come first served.
The audio guide is included in the entry price, but there may be a small charge for the family trail and activities depending what’s running.
There’s a car park with 48 spaces at the castle itself, free for English Heritage members, otherwise there’s extra parking in Warkworth village.
There are also toilets and baby changing facilities at the castle, but no cafe (although you can get hot drinks and snacks from the shop) so it’s well worth bringing your own picnic and eating on the grassy inner court if the sun shines.
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Images copyright MummyTravels
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