UK Diary: Warkworth, Northumberland

By Natalie Tamara @thetofudiaries

When I shared a post all about Amble and Coquet Island a couple of days ago, I mentioned briefly that from the waterfront you could see a castle in the distance. At the time, I knew nothing about this particular castle but I was eager to head in its direction and explore further. As you might have guessed already it was Warkworth Castle.

Dating from around the 12th or 13th century, the well-preserved ruins (sounds like an oxymoron, no?) sit on the edge of Warkworth Castle’s namesake village. Though impressive, the entrance fee is £5.20 per adult, and while not extortionate it was enough to make me feel I could see enough from walking its parameter walls – and poking my head and camera inside the gate a little. Instead I chose to head down to the village.

The pretty village turned out to be lovely for a slow post-lunch walk and to nose in a few of the small independent shops. It was such an idyllic day to visit this part of the world too – the bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds were exactly the kind of weather that illuminates everything perfectly. The River Coquet runs right through too so there’s a lovely riverside walk – where you can spot yet more birds!

Warkworth is located only a mile away from the coast so it’s possible to walk from the village to the sea. Alternatively, it’s only a thirty minute walk between Warkworth and Amble so you could easily combine a visit to both by foot.

Have you visited any unexpectedly lovely places lately?