'Room with a view' to open

'Room with a view' to open

The castle room offers a view of the Northumberland coast

Finishing touches are being put to the restoration of a mid-19th Century attraction in Northumberland.

The Dukes Rooms at Warkworth Castle has been improved under the watchful eye of 77-year-old Dorothy Thompson.

Her family looked after the rooms for the Duke of Northumberland between the 1880s and the 1920s, when the castle came under the care of the Ministry of Works, forerunner of English Heritage.

The stunning views from the castle, and intricate furniture of the mid-19th Century refurbishment were once only for the eyes of the privileged few.

Now they will soon be on show for the first time to the public.

The suite, which now comprises the only complete rooms at the castle, were refurbished in the mid 1850's by the fourth Duke of Northumberland.

Enjoyable ambience

It was used as a picnic venue for the Percy family and their guests. The suite has magnificent views to the south of the castle looking towards Amble and the sea.

From the Easter holiday visitors will be able to recapture the ambience which Dukes of Northumberland and their guests have enjoyed so much over the last 150 years.

The original reconstruction of the rooms was carried out by Anthony Salvin between 1853 and 1858.

They were used from then until 1987 by Dukes of Northumberland, until Warkworth Castle passed into the care of English Heritage in that year.

Warkworth Castle is open seven days a week, including the Easter weekend, from 1000 to 1800 BST. Admission charges are £3 for adults, £2.30 for concessions, £1.50 for children aged five to 16 and £7.50 for a family ticket.