Warkworth Castle

Warkworth village and castle occupy a loop of the River Coquet in Northumbria, a mile from the coast, and was founded in the 12th century. Since 1984 English Heritage has cared for the site, which is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The cross-shaped Keep has withstood the ravages of time – it is over 600 years old. Built by the first Earl of Northumberland, the castle was besieged by the Scots in 1327 and played a key role in the long-running war between England and Scotland. It was damaged during the English Civil War (1642–1651) supporting Parliament. The 8th Duke of Northumberland gave custody of the castle to the Office of Works, which oversees the maintenance of royal castles and residences in 1922.

Direct Access worked with English Heritage to enhance the interpretation, signage, and connected routes across Warkworth. A key part of the programme was to engage with local disability communities to highlight interpretation opportunities and work with the design team throughout each stage.

This project considerably improved the visitor experience at the castle; introducing new interpretations and activities to engage, inspire, and increase dwell time.

Occupying a commanding position above the banks of the river Coquet, Warkworth Castle is an extravagant masterpiece of late medieval castle design. Every aspect of the castle, including its location, size, and the quality of its architecture was intended to communicate the influence and the right to rule of one of the most powerful families in the North of England.

The inspiration behind the project is to build on some known strengths of the visitor experience: a delight in exploring, the ability to let off steam, and a sense of completeness and grandeur within the structure itself.