Bamburgh, with its stunning castle and picturesque beach, was recently crowned one of the UK’s happiest places. However, there’s another Northumberland gem that’s giving it a run for its money. Last month, travel gurus at holidaycottages.co.uk revealed that Bamburgh had made the top five in a nationwide poll to find the nation’s favourite ‘happy place’ for a staycation.
Now, they’ve highlighted Warkworth as the “perfect quiet alternative”. “Just down the coast from Bamburgh, Warkworth offers the same fairytale feel but with fewer visitors and a riverside twist,” the experts divulged. “Like Bamburgh, it boasts an imposing medieval castle with sweeping views, but instead of a clifftop perch, Warkworth’s fortress rises above a peaceful loop of the River Coquet.
“You’ll still find golden beaches nearby, but here the pace is gentler. Explore craft shops, row to a hidden hermitage carved into the rock, or unwind in a cosy pub where the fire’s always lit.”
Situated a 40-minute drive from Bamburgh and just 30 miles from Newcastle, Warkworth has been receiving well-earned praise this year. It was also recently named by experts at Sykes Holiday Cottages as one of the top “up-and-coming” destinations for UK staycations.
The 12th-century Warkworth Castle, which stands guard over the village from its hilltop in a bend of the River Coquet, is open to visitors all year round. Tickets are available to book through English Heritage.
With its cross-shaped keep and unique stone carvings, the castle is one of many historical gems that visitors can explore when they come to Warkworth. It also plays host to events ranging from falconry to knight’s tournaments.
Another must-visit for history lovers when visiting the village is Warkworth Hermitage, a striking 14th-century chapel and priest’s house carved into a cliff face. It is hidden away along the river and is only accessible via a boat trip.
Meanwhile, Castle Street is the main street in Warkworth and, according to the county’s tourism board, offers some of the “most scenic views in Northumberland.” It has Warkworth Castle at one end and the village’s 12th-century church at the other.
There are a number of unique places to stay in Warkworth, from a 200-year-old stone cottage right on the riverbank to a former dairy and cow byre turned holiday lodge. Other top-rated cottages available to book for short stays in the village include:
Other top-rated cottages available to book for short stays in the village include:
There are also some top-rated hotels in the village where visitors can rest their heads. According to reviews on Booking.com, Bertram’s is the number one option, a boutique B&B that is also a café during the day and a bistro at night. It is closely followed by Warkworth House Hotel, a dog-friendly hotel with 14 rooms to choose from.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
