The historic village of Warkworth in Northumberland, named best village in the North East earlier this year and home to what has been called the UK's 'best kept secret beach', is attracting tourists far and wide. Situated at the loop of the River Coquet, the ancient village is loved for its history and scenic views, with its appeal boosted by an array of independent cafes, shops, and cosy pubs.
Village amenities and independent shops
The village is home to many cosy pubs and restaurants such as The Mason's Arms, The Hermitage Inn and The Castle Brew House, whilst artisan cafes include Bertram's. Independent shops include the village store and The Greenhouse, selling bespoke gifts and interior pieces. Sitting alongside is the Fenwick Gallery, which opened in 1990 and is home to a range of contemporary craft showcasing the very best British made fine art.
Family-run Gray's fashion accessories is well-loved within the community and beyond. Speaking to ChronicleLive earlier this year, a staff member said: "Just this morning I served a customer who said the first time she visited the shop was in 1976. We have a lot of loyal and repeat customers who keep coming back to Warkworth which is lovely."
Historical attractions and the Hermitage
Best known for its castle standing near the River Coquet, the historical gems that visitors can explore dominate the skyline with the castle's cross-shaped keep and unique stone carvings. The castle often plays host to events from falconry to knight's tournaments and also boasts the Parish Church of St Lawrence and a 14th century chapel.
Two bridges cross the river at the north end of the village, including a medieval one complete with a defensive tower at its southern end, making it the only surviving fortified bridge in England. Its origins are unusually clear: constructed after John Cook of Newcastle, who died in 1379, left 20 marks towards the building of the bridge, with his conditions stating it must be built within two years. In 1929 the medieval bridge was listed as Grade II, with a new traffic bridge opened to the east in 1965. Today the medieval bridge can only be accessed by pedestrians.
Perhaps less well known is Warkworth Hermitage, a hidden stone retreat which even featured in a BBC travel series with TV stars Robson Green and Rev Richard Coles earlier this year. Only accessible via a short boat ride, it lies a 15-minute walk west of the Castle and sits on the north bank of the River Coquet. Believed to have been built around 1400 AD, the Hermitage is carved into the sandstone cliff side and was created by the First Earl of Northumberland. It's thought a priest was paid to live inside and pray for the souls of the Earl and his family, who used it as a private chapel before later being used by a series of clergy. Today the site belongs to English Heritage.
Beach and property appeal
Earlier this month, ChronicleLive reported that a stretch of coast in Northumberland has been singled out as one of the 10 best beaches for dogs. Warkworth makes the 2026 guide to Britain's best dog-friendly beaches, which describes it as having "majestic golden sands that rarely feel crowded even in high summer".
Famed for its storybook setting, Warkworth is regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, having been singled out by publications like The Times for its much sought after postcode. House prices in Warkworth range from £112,000 to £1,250,000 over the last three years, according to Rightmove.
