“Northumberland is known for its castles, and here you can stay in one: a 14th-century affair that won’t disappoint with its battlements, massive walls, grand rooms and huge fireplaces. Sprawl in the vast drawing-room, dine amidst candles and sleep either in the castle or with castle views.”

Hotel review

Want to feel like a medieval Lord and Lady? Half-close your eyes, and you pretty much can in this striking castle with its battlemented roofline, corner towers and massive walls. Step inside, and the feeling is reinforced with feet-thick stone walls, wrought-iron candelabras hanging from the ceiling, gilt-framed portraits and tapestries lining the walls, suits of armour and heraldic shields at every turn, and a creaking oak staircase. Admittedly, much of the decoration and furnishings is reproduction but it adds to the atmosphere, and the ruby-red swags, sofas and carpets add to the richness.

The most atmospheric guest rooms are in the castle and don’t stint on theatrical scene-setting with four-poster beds, lavish swags and window seats in thick stone walls. Be aware, they’re rather dark and some bathrooms a little dated. Less pricey rooms are in the converted lodge and coach house, country-house in style and enjoying a splendid castle view – though it’s a brisk walk to the castle dining-room. The latter is smart with napery and candles, serving classic dishes with creative twists, and with practically everything made from scratch. It’s a romantic affair so worth a little bit of dressing-up.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Country Escape

    • Set in a magnificent Northumberland castle, it's perfect for a weekend away in the countryside.
  • Great walks

    • The castle has some lovely walking trails through the surrounding woodland.
  • Museums

    • Explore the Roman history of the region at Housesteads Roman Fort.
  • Sights nearby

    • If you want to see more castles visit Bywell or Prudhoe Castle.
  • Golf

    • Play a round at Bellingham Golf Club.
  • Romantic

  • Gourmet

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Antiques

  • In/by a Nature Reserve

  • Historic

  • Artworks

  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Rooms

    27 rooms in this hotel
  • Wifi

  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Fireplace

  • Meeting Room

  • Bicycle hire

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Air conditioning

  • Sitting Room

  • Garden

  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Great walks

    • The castle has some lovely walking trails through the surrounding woodland.
  • Museums

    • Explore the Roman history of the region at Housesteads Roman Fort.
  • Sights nearby

    • If you want to see more castles visit Bywell or Prudhoe Castle.
  • Golf

    • Play a round at Bellingham Golf Club.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? On entering the castle our guests always say “it really is a castle’’ they love the authenticity of the 7 foot thick walls combined with our welcoming log fire.

What is there to do in the area? We are 15 minutes away from a ‘World Heritage Site’ Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda which is a Roman Museum of great archaeological interest. Beamish Museum 40 minutes away. Beautiful Northumberland coastline 50 minutes away. Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle etc

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Full Northumbrian breakfast

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We have a 2 rosette restaurant as well as serving a relaxed dining menu. We also offer Afternoon tea in our drawing room.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our Castle bedrooms are the most popular, our guests love the feeling of history going back to 1350.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We can fit extra beds into most of our bedrooms. We have 8 acres of gardens to explore.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Come and join us on our daily ‘Battlement Tour’ visit our chapel and see the views from the roof overlooking Hadrian’s wall.

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