If you were to pick a spot in which to build a cosy, well situated and protected village,
then the medieval settlers who first staked a claim to this virtual island-like plot of land in the centre of an ox-bow loop of the River Coquet in Northumbria certainly knew what they doing.
The magniificent Warkworth Castle and Hermitage soon followed, leaving a superbly preserved and impressive edifice to watch over the village.
Only a mile from the golden beaches of the Northumberland coast, Warkworth has offered weary travellers respite for centuries. The old stage coaches used to call here on their way to and from the major cities of the country. Built in 1820 as a purpose built coaching inn, The Warkworth House Hotel has a Georgian shell but inside, it has been lovingly modernised in a contemporary style, yet retaining features from the period.
The village is close to the Northumberland Coastal Path and St. Oswald’s Way long distance trails, and it was whilst walking the former, that my party of six stayed the night here.
The superb staircase within, was originally part of Brandenburg House in London yet it looks as if it was made to measure on site.
Now family run, this three star hotel doesn’t suffer from the ‘chain hotel’ syndrome, being individualistic and welcoming. There are more than 20 rooms, all individually styled, many recently refurbished to a high standard. All have en-suite facilities, LCD televisions and DVD players. The bathroom toiletries are from Essential Elements.
The hotel has beautifully immaculate décor with classic drapes and one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. I wish I could have taken it home with me.
The hotel has a cosy bar and, we were glad to see, a selection of real ales from the local Hadrian Border Brewery. Not many hotels have this eye for detail.
The No. 16 restaurant was superb and offered traditionally modern British food, much of it locally sourced. The prices were very reasonable indeed for this quality of menu. On this particular evening we did not sample the food on offer, something which I personally regretted, but I was out-voted.
The wonderful quality of the breakfast in the morning made my companions regret it too.
It was voted the best breakfast of the week by my band of travellers. Everything you could wish for and more, all with quality stamped throughout. Superb high quality sausages and bacon were the highlights. I shall return!
Staff were all friendly and bright and we had a great stay.
For further information go to “www.warkworthhousehotel.co.uk”:http://www.warkworthhousehotel.co.uk/. It can be found at NE65 0XB if travelling by car.
