Two nights at Langley Castle in Northumberland. Fascinating history, luxurious rooms, great service and incredible weather combined for a truly memorable stay.
We decided to book a long weekend in Northumberland to extend our visit after a night in Newcastle seeing Eric Clapton. Typically we’d head out to Lindisfarne for a few nights but decided to explore more inland of the county. We knew Hexham so looked for a luxury hotel around there.
Langley Castle, with its rich history and grand architecture, presented the perfect opportunity to “Stay In the English Style,” a phrase that captures our love for luxury experiences that are quintessentially British. The appeal of staying in a genuine medieval castle, complete with 7-foot thick walls and ancient features, was simply irresistible.
Arrival and First Impressions
Our journey from Newcastle to Langley Castle was easy enough, out over the A1 and head West towards Hexham. I had imagined the castle would be visible from miles around, a looming structure on the horizon. Instead, we found ourselves mistakenly heading toward another castle that caught our eye along the way (that’s what happens when you skip the GPS). Langley Castle, it turns out, is more discreetly tucked away, hidden within the landscape until you’re almost upon it.
After turning off the Haydon Bridge bypass, we wound our way up a tree-lined hill, only seeing the castle as we turned the bend. This small castle sitting proudly atop the hill, framed by lush green trees and grass, with rare blue sky above.
Entering the hotel grounds, the castle loomed higher up the hill, creating a picture-perfect entrance. The reception area inside was small and cozy, adorned with maps and photographs that gave a nod to the rich history of the area. Check-in was smooth and friendly, the staff exuding a warmth that made us feel instantly welcome.
Despite the wonderful renovation, this was still a castle which meant there were no lifts! Staying in the Tower Room, the castle’s most prestigious suite, meant climbing all the way to the top. Fortunately, the staff were more than accommodating, helping us with our suitcases—no small feat considering the number of stairs (and number of bags for a long weekend!
The Tower Room and Tindale Room: A Tale of Two Styles
We booked late so couldn’t stay in the same room both nights. We took it as a positive, meaning we didn’t have so far to climb on the second night and we got to try two different type of rooms- the Tower Room and the Tindale Room.
The Tower Room
Our first night was spent in the Tower Room, the most prestigious room in the castle. This expansive room exuded the history of Langley, with a queen-sized four-poster bed that immediately captured the essence of the medieval setting. The decor was perfectly in keeping with the castle’s ancient roots—grey stone exterior walls paired with rich red and gold wallpaper on the interior walls, a combination that extended to the floor and even the coverings of the sofa, chaise, and bed. The result was a room that felt both grand and cozy, a perfect reflection of the castle’s character.
The room was well-appointed with a small wardrobe and dresser, leaving plenty of floorspace to tuck away our suitcases. A small window, complete with a charming window seat, offered views down to the gardens, while a large internal window overlooking the staircase could be closed with a beautiful gold blind for privacy.
The bed itself was large and comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. The bathroom, without a bath, featured a well-appointed walk-in rain shower, which added a touch of modern luxury to the historic surroundings. Above us was the castle roof and a small chapel, adding to the room’s medieval ambiance—especially after we learned that the chapel was reputed to be haunted!
The Tindale Room
Our second night was spent in the Tindale Room, which offered a slightly more modern take on castle living. This room also featured a queen-sized four-poster bed, but with white walls that brightened the space. A small seating area, complete with a window seat nestled into the 7-foot thick walls, added to the room’s charm.
The Tindale Room’s bathroom was more compact but included a bath with a shower overhead, providing a different, but equally comfortable experience. Penhaligons products, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and soap, were thoughtfully provided in both rooms, adding a luxurious touch to our stay.
Unlike the secluded Tower Room, the Tindale Room was located just two floors above reception and closer to other guest rooms. While the Tower Room was almost eerily quiet, the Tindale Room had a bit more life, with the occasional sound of creaking floorboards from neighboring rooms—a minor detail that only added to the authenticity of our stay in this historic castle.
Dining at Langley Castle
There are two dining options at Langley Castle – the Drawing Room and the Restaurant.
The Drawing Room
Located on the first floor, the Drawing Room is an inviting space perfect for afternoon tea, bar snacks, or a pre- or post-dinner drink. The room is grand yet cozy, with high beamed walls adorned with large portraits, and a rich red and gold colour scheme that mirrors the decor of the Tower Room. Heavy curtains at either end of the room and large windows allow light to flood in during the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I can imagine that on colder evenings, the large open fire would make this space even more enchanting.
We opted for afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, and it was a delightful experience. Seated on a beautifully comfortable sofa, we indulged in perfectly moist scones accompanied by fresh tea. The scones were so delicious that we couldn’t resist ordering a second round. Later, before dinner, we returned to the Drawing Room for a drink, choosing a window seat nestled in an intimate little nook, slightly elevated above the main room.
The Restaurant
The main dining room continues the theme of rich decor, with stone walls, red drapes, chairs, and carpet that beautifully contrast with the crisp white tablecloths. The setting is both elegant and historically resonant, making it a perfect backdrop for a fine dining experience. The menu offered a variety of options that catered well to both meat eaters and pescatarians/vegetarians, and while it didn’t change daily, it provided enough variety for our two-night stay. The food and service was great. The portions were generous and the price was ridiculously fair.
On our second night, we were initially seated in the dining room extension, a modern conservatory-style structure attached to the main room. While the space was pleasant, it lacked the atmosphere and warmth of the main dining room, and the service felt more distant, with staff seemingly more focused on the main area. Noticing that the main dining room wasn’t full, we requested to be moved, and the staff graciously accommodated our request. Something you may wish to consider if you are eating at the castle hotel.
The Castle and Grounds
Langley Castle, with its intimate size and historic charm, isn’t the kind of hotel that offers extensive facilities like a large resort might. Instead, it provides a more focused, tranquil experience, where the beauty of the surroundings and the castle’s own character take centre stage.
The castle is set within small but beautifully maintained grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll. As we wandered, we were delighted to encounter a family of friendly cats and the occasional call of peacocks, adding a touch of whimsical charm to the setting.
Although Langley Castle is often chosen as a picturesque venue for weddings, we found it to be a fantastic base for exploring the wider region of Northumberland. With its central location, we were able to easily access some of the county’s most iconic sights and hidden gems, all while returning each evening to the comfort and history of the castle.
For us, the Castle wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a gateway to discovering more of the Northumberland we love, from its rolling landscapes to its historic landmarks. The lack of extensive facilities didn’t detract from our experience; rather, it allowed us to fully to stop and enjoy the peace of the castle.
The Aurora and the Castle Roof: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Our first night at Langley Castle offered a truly unforgettable experience, one that combined the magic of the Northern Lights with the historic charm of the castle. That evening, my phone began pinging with a red alert for the Aurora Borealis—a rare event where the Northern Lights could be seen from almost anywhere in the UK. Excited by the possibility, I quickly realised that the view from our bedroom wouldn’t do justice to the spectacle unfolding in the sky.
I decided to ask the hotel staff if I could set up my time-lapse camera on the castle’s roof to capture the event. To my surprise and delight, they were more than willing to accommodate my request. They guided me past the Tower Room and up to the flat roof, where I carefully wedged my gorillapod onto the wall, pointing the camera skyward. I left it there for the night, hopeful that it would capture the elusive lights.
The next morning, the staff kindly accompanied me back up to the roof to retrieve the camera. To my amazement, I had successfully captured the Northern Lights dancing over Langley Castle! Although we hadn’t seen the Aurora with the naked eye, it felt incredible to know that this natural wonder had been silently performing above us as we slept, leaving behind a beautiful digital memory.
Final Thoughts: A Luxury Hotel to explore Northumberland
Our stay at Langley Castle was nothing short of magical, and it’s a place we’re already eager to return to. Its proximity to Hexham and Hadrian’s Wall, along with easy road access to the wider Northumberland region, makes it an ideal base for exploring this beautiful part of England.
The castle itself offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and warmth, with service that felt genuinely welcoming and personal. For two nights of accommodation and dinner, the pricing was very reasonable, especially considering the memorable experiences we had, from dining in the rich atmosphere of the castle to capturing the Northern Lights from the roof.
I would highly recommend Langley Castle to anyone seeking a luxury hotel in Northumberland, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of medieval charm.
Practical Information
Address: Langley Castle, Langley, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 5LU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1434 688888
Website: www.langleycastle.com
The castle is about a 45 minute drive from the Centre of Newcastle and around 30 minutes from the A1. It is about 15 miutes drive North to Hadrian’s Wall. The lovely town of Hexham and Hexham Abbey are less than 10 minutes by car.
There is plenty of free car parking on site.
Do note:
The hotel is often booked for weddings, so you may want to check availability in advance if you’re planning a stay during peak wedding season.
Due to the historic nature of the castle, this isn’t the most wheelchair friendly place. There is no lift available, and some rooms may require climbing stairs.