Warkworth Castle and Hermitage form one of the most unusual pairs of medieval monuments in Britain. The castle was probably laid out in its present form in about 1200 and was the favoured residence of the powerful Percy family from the 14th to the 17th centuries. As the Earls (and later Dukes) of Northumberland, they were among the greatest landowners in northern England. Since 1984, English Heritage has cared for the site, which is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

 

Some have claimed that the castle possesses a "chilling aura" that affects animals and children. Dogs are reluctant to enter or if they do, they show signs of distress. Children have reportedly become "silent and contemplative".