Langley Castle Hotel

While you'll find many hotels with the word "castle" in their name, few of them turn out to actually be what most of us think of as one.  First built in 1350 and restored to its original glory in the 19th century, the Langley Castle Hotel can claim to be one of only a handful of genuine fortified castle hotels that exist in the British Isles. Set at the end of a private driveway, its high battlements with views over the Northumbrian Valley and formidable seven-foot thick fortress walls impress from the start. After passing a tinkling fountain and sculpted shrubbery, guests enter the castle, where they'll be met by two striking suits of medieval armor standing before elegantly carved wooden paneling, all lit in an atmospheric yellow glow. The rest of the property doesn't disappoint either, with an antique staircase winding past moody hallways dotted with coats of arms and ancient tapestries. The property is set on 12 acres of woodland and well-tended gardens whose peace is only occasionally broken by the caw of one of the free-roaming resident peacocks.

The hotel is set in tranquil woodland in the heart of the Northumbrian Valley, just north of the North Pennines AONB (Area of Natural Beauty) and almost half way between the cities of Carlisle (a 45-minute drive) and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (a 35-minute drive). The property is also just a six-minute drive from the quaint village of Haydon Bridge, while Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Roman Fort are 20 minutes away by car, as is the entrance to the vast nature reserve of the Northumberland National Park.

Nine of the guest rooms are situated within the castle itself, while another 18 are located in conversions of historic buildings within the grounds. The castle's five Feature Rooms are the most lavish, featuring plush, period decor, high ceilings, exposed stonework and chandeliers, and window seats overlooking the gardens. Most have four-poster beds, some have sofa beds, and one even has a  fireplace. Deluxe Castle Rooms share similar features but with more subdued decor, while the annex rooms (dubbed Castle View Rooms) tend towards a slightly more modern take on traditional styling. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels (full Sky package). Attractive bathrooms vary but most have attractive light beige tile and heated towel racks; some have tubs and separate showers, some have shower/tub combos, and some have big walk-in showers. Castle rooms are accessed via stairs (not elevator). 

A Northumbrian breakfast (essentially a full English) is provided free of charge in the elaborate medieval-style surrounds of the Josephine Restaurant, which also serves fine-dining taster menus and Sunday lunch. Some reports suggest portions can be on the small side. There's also a lavish drawing room full of comfy seating, antique artworks, and a log-burning stove, plus a small bar area. The Pavillion is a tasteful, contemporary extension of the dining facilities usually used for private dining. While there's plenty to do in the surrounding area, there's nothing in the way of leisure, spa, or health facilities on-site.