Warkworth Castle

School Visits

A school visit to Warkworth Castle is a unique experience. Once home to the powerful Percy family who now reside in Alnwick Castle, Warkworth was, and remains, one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in North East England. But what was life like for those living in a castle 600 years ago? With its rich and colourful history and magnificent cross shaped keep, your class can become a King or Queen for the day and explore the development of the castle from Medieval times to the present day.

Curriculum links

Key links to the curriculum at Warkworth Castle include:

  • KS1-3 History: Local History Study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1745

Free Self-Led Visits

We offer free entry to qualifying learning groups. Discover the history of Warkworth Castle on a free education visit, and lead it in your own way to fulfil your curriculum objectives. Explore the keep, almost intact after over 600 years, and look out for the lion badge of the Percy family. To make the most of your visit, download our free resources (see our resources section below) to help you plan lessons and your day at Warkworth Castle. 

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Car park 30 metres from the castle entrance via gravel path, bridge slats and a step. Free coach parking is available for groups.
    • TOILETS: Toilets available on site including accessible toilet.
    • LUNCH: There are grassed areas available for picnics.
    • SHOP: Shop on site selling souvenirs that can help with learning back in the classroom. Space is limited, so please liaise with staff on arrival and bring your students in supervised small groups.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 6 November-23 December: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 27 December-1 January: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 2 January-16 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 17 February-25 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 26 February-28 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Warkworth Castle and Hermitage Teachers' Kit (KS1-KS4)

    Our Teachers’ Kits feature historical information and activity suggestions for group leaders of various subjects and key stages.

  • Castle Explorer Trail (KS1-KS2)

    Book our Castle Explorer Trail and use character cards, objects and smell boxes to immerse students in medieval life at Warkworth Castle during your visit.

  • Percy Estates Map

    Use our map of the Percy estates in Cumbria, Northumberland and Yorkshire to explore the types of property owned by the Earl of Northumberland in the 15th century. 

  • Local Learning: Warkworth Castle

    Discover the unique historic environment around Warkworth Castle with our suggested reading, activities and video resources. 

  • Teaching Medieval History

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.

  • Postcard from Warkworth Castle

    Take to the skies above Warkworth Castle to discover the site and its surroundings.

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