Fairytale village with golden beaches and a castle that makes visitors feel like royalty
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Bamburgh, with its grand castle and beautiful sandy beach, was recently named one of the happiest places in the UK.
But there’s another Northumberland village that’s giving it some serious competition.
Like Bamburgh, it has a striking medieval castle with amazing views, but instead of sitting high on a cliff, this hidden gem's castle stands above a peaceful curve of the River Coquet.
Travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk revealed last month that Bamburgh had made the top five in a nationwide poll to find the country’s favourite “happy place” for a staycation.
Now, the same experts have turned their attention to Warkworth, calling it the “perfect quiet alternative.” They said: “Just down the coast from Bamburgh, Warkworth has the same magical feel but with fewer crowds and a lovely riverside setting.
They added: “You’ll still find golden beaches nearby, but life here moves at a slower pace. Wander through the craft shops, take a boat to a hidden hermitage carved into the rock, or relax in a cosy pub beside a roaring fire.”
Just 40 minutes from Bamburgh and about 30 miles from Newcastle, Warkworth has been gaining plenty of attention this year.
The village’s 12th-century Warkworth Castle sits proudly on a hill within a bend of the River Coquet and is open to visitors throughout the year. Tickets can be booked through English Heritage.
With its distinctive cross-shaped design and detailed stone carvings, the castle is one of Northumberland’s most fascinating historic sites. It also hosts exciting events such as falconry shows and medieval-style tournaments.
Another must-see for history fans is Warkworth Hermitage, a 14th-century chapel carved into a rocky cliff along the river.
Hidden among the trees, it can only be reached by a short boat trip, adding to its mystery and charm.
Castle Street, the main road through the village, is said to offer some of the most picturesque views in all of Northumberland.
At one end stands Warkworth Castle, while at the other you’ll find the village’s ancient 12th-century church.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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