Warkworth Castle and Hermitage

Schools

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.

Information about your visit

Our number one priority remains the health, safety and security of all of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe and make sure you and your group have an enjoyable visit.

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’re continuing to limit visitor numbers at some sites and in some indoor spaces. Please book as soon as possible to secure your preferred trip date and times.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit and make sure you download our COVID risk assessments; download a free copy of managing education visits during the pandemic and if you're participating in a Discovery Visit download our managing Discovery Visits during the pandemic risk assessment
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • You’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our terms and conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.
  • Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you and your group to do the same where possible.

At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to keep you and your group safe at all times, but for certain sessions we’re still working on this – please check the Discovery Visit section and Facilities section on this page below for further information.

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. 

Enquire now

Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. 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 for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team is on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • 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.
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