Warkworth is situated in a loop of the River Coquet, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Northumberland coast. An ancient bridge of two arches crosses the river at Warkworth, with a fortified gateway on the road mounting to the castle. Standing at the head of the village street, the ruins of Warkworth Castle create a dramatic view as it looks down upon the village. It was a Percy stronghold and the infamous Henry Percy, known as ‘Hotspur’ was born there in 1364. Warkworth has a particularly good sandy beach 1 mile away and a good selection of pubs and restaurants, gift shops and tea rooms. Fishing and boating on the River Coquet – boats can be hired to visit the Hermitage upstream, an unusual refuge believed to have been built by a hermit in the 14th century.