In the beating heart of Northumberland lies a quaint, charming village called Warkworth. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes, there are many reasons why Warkworth should be on your to-visit list.
With its grand medieval castle, walking routes around the River Coquet, and cosy pubs serving up delicious food, it’s no wonder Warkworth is one of the best places for a weekend getaway in Northumberland.
Ready to make the most of your visit? Use our itinerary to explore all that Warkworth has to offer in one weekend.
Friday evening
Whether you’ve travelled to Warkworth by car or taken the train to Alnmouth followed by a 10-minute taxi ride, you’ll need some unwind-time once you drop off your bags. Immerse yourself in Warkworth’s welcoming hospitality, starting with where you plan on staying.
There are plenty of Warkworth hotels to choose from, including:
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Fairfield House: A homely bed and breakfast located on the edge of Warkworth. Don’t miss out on their Craster kipper fillets for breakfast!
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Warkworth Old Post Office: A three-bedroomed bed and breakfast that was the old village post office until 2008. A comforting and heart-warming stay.
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Cross House Cottages: A dog-friendly, self-catering accommodation option where your four-legged friends can stay for free.
Once you’ve got yourself settled, it’s time for some dinner and drinks in the village. Luckily, Warkworth has plenty of inviting pubs and restaurants to try out. Cheers to a first evening in Warkworth done right.
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The Mason’s Arms: A local favourite serving up light bites, classic mains, and desserts that will make you feel all warm and gooey inside.
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Bertram’s: A cafe during the day and a bistro at night. A top pick if you’re after casual fine dining by the fire. Their evening menu is served right up until 9pm, too.
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The Hermitage Inn: A lively bar and restaurant that frequently hosts live music and quiz nights. Enjoy pub favourites as well as vegetarian, vegan, and kids’ options. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!
Depending on where you’re staying, you can either walk into the village or take a car. You’ll be able to find parking in Warkworth near The Stanners.
Saturday morning
It’s time to kick off your Saturday with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore Warkworth’s beauty in the daylight.
If you didn’t go to Bertram’s for dinner, then you have to go for breakfast. Served from 9-11.30am, you can enjoy everything from a full Northumberland breakfast to brioche French toast finished with a berry compote and maple syrup. It's the best way to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
After breakfast, there’s nothing more refreshing than a stroll along the River Coquet. Wander through the village, take in the historic architecture, and pop into a few of Warkworth’s shops along the way. We recommend perusing The Greenhouse for a selection of locally made crafts, gifts and plants, or browsing in Cabosse Chocolates for luxury artisan chocolates.
If you’re a keen hiker, there’s a beautiful circular walking trail which will take you along the River Coquet and past Warkworth Castle. To really stretch your legs, though, you could join onto the Northumberland Coast Path and either head north towards Alnmouth or go southeast to Amble for views of Coquet Island and Druridge Bay Country Park.
Saturday lunchtime
This wouldn’t be a Warkworth itinerary if we didn’t include Warkworth Castle — the main tourist attraction in the area. This magnificent medieval castle is perched on a hill overlooking the village, a brilliant sight to see and an even better photo opportunity.
Enjoy the sweeping views of the village and River Coquet from the castle walls, and give yourself a history lesson on the Percy family who resided there from the 14th to the 17th century. Don’t forget to explore the cross-shaped keep, which is still mostly intact since being built over 600 years ago.
To extend your day trip to Warkworth, why not walk half a mile up the river and take a boat over to Warworth’s Hermitage? This religious building carved into the rock was likely built as a private chapel for the first Earl of Northumberland, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Once your day’s adventure draws to an end, you can either pop back to your accommodation for a well-deserved siesta or continue exploring to your heart’s content. How about a take out coffee and a slice of cake from one of the local cafes taking in the views along the riverside?
Saturday evening
After a day of sightseeing and walking in Northumberland, you can relax with another delicious meal from one of Warkworth’s restaurants.
If you haven’t had enough of Warkworth Castle, you’re in luck, because the Castle Brew House comes with up-close views. Feast on traditional country pub grub and wash your meal down with the region’s finest ales. It’s open all week, every week until late — and it’s dog-friendly.
For a change of scenery, take a 6-minute stroll up to Warkworth House Hotel and try their extensive selections of cocktails for a cosy nightcap.
In the summer months, it’s also common for local restaurants and businesses to run evening events to entertain both locals and tourists. Make sure to check local listings and ask your accommodation for evening entertainment recommendations.
Sunday
Say goodbye to your weekend away with a venture over to the long, sandy beachfront at Warkworth Beach. Is there a better place to end your visit than taking in the views of the Northumberland Coast?
Less than a mile away by car or a 20-minute walk from the Warkworth Golf Club, you’ll be able to look northwards towards Alnmouth or across the waters to Coquet Island, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on your time in this quaint little Northumbrian village.
If you’re feeling brave, this beach is popular for its high water quality and sandy shores, making it perfect for water sports, including kayaking, fishing, swimming, and surfing. There is free car parking and toilet facilities for drying off after your refreshing dip in the North Sea.
Plan your visit to Warkworth with Visit Northumberland
Whether you’ve been to Warkworth before or it’s your first time visiting Northumberland, we hope this itinerary has filled you with plenty of ideas and things to get up to on your weekend stay.
Book your accommodation in Warkworth, and start planning all the things to do in Warkworth, Northumberland, during your visit.