Langley Castle Hotel Hexham

Set in its own ten acre woodland estate, the Langley Castle’s 7 foot thick walls provide a peaceful and tranquil refuge in which to escape from today’s hustle and bustle to a bygone age. This combines to make Langley perfect for Castle Weddings or for a special Castle getaway break

The Castle has 9 rooms within the main Castle itself some of which have 4 poster beds and window seats set into 7ft thick walls – and some boast private “features” such as a sauna, spa bath, fire place.

Within the grounds there are a further 18 rooms at CastleView – all of which offer fabulous views up to the main Castle itself which is about 80m – some of these rooms are mini suites with a seating area with sofa bed – so perfect for small families

The Restaurant offers fine dining and also private dining in the Pavilion for upto 28 guests. The Stuart Suite has banquet facilities for upto 120 guests.

HISTORY
Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, the castle has retained its architectural integrity and is regarded as one of the few medieval fortified Castle Hotels in England.

Over the past 600 years, the Castle has been owned, together with its estate, by Lords and Ladies whose names were frequently associated with the turbulent history of the Kingdom.

During the 17th century the Langley estates became the property of the Earls of Derwentwater; Viscounts Langley. James , the third Earl and Charles his brother, took part in the Jacobite risings of 1715. They were subsequently executed at the Tower of London. A cross stands by the road from the Castle to Haydon

The property was confiscated by the Crown and its administration passed to the Royal Naval Hospital at Greenwich in London. Signs of the Admiralty’s influence can still be seen in the area. For example the anchor motif on the front of a house at Langley and the naming of a pub in Haydon Bridge as The Anchor.

In 1882 a local historian, Cadwallader Bates, purchased the property. The restoration of the Castle to its original 14th Century structure became a life’s work not only for Cadwallader, but also for his wife Josephine, who continued his work after Cadwalladers death in 1902.

Josephine rebuilt the original chapel on the castle roof in memory of her husband and worked tirelessly until her own death in 1933. She is buried alongside her husband in the castle grounds.

We are currently looking for images of the castle from the last hundred years to put in a new Langley Castle history book and add to the website for others to enjoy.

Perhaps you went to school here or know someone that did? We would love to hear from you. Did you attend one of the medieval banquets or were stationed here during the second world war?

ROOMS & SUITES
Langley Castle boasts nine individually designed ‘Feature and Deluxe’ rooms within its incredible medieval walls.

Moreover, it hosts a further 18 rooms in what is known as our Castle View accommodation, located in the grounds and offering relaxed and contemporary rooms. Chill, sleep, and maybe even catch up on some paperwork!

Our Northumberland hotel rooms come with luxurious touches and modern comfort. From glancing at the majestic views to admiring the castle’s stature through your bedroom window, you will feel inspired and relaxed whatever you do.

CASTLE VIEW ROOMS
Rooms range from Castle View Standard rooms to Castle View superior rooms and suites, some of which have a lounge separate to the bedroom, complete with sofa beds; perfect for families. Some are also able to be used as twin bedded rooms.

Castle View Lodge is another conversion comprising 2 guest rooms and is situated only a further 100 metres from the main Castle. All our Guests enjoy full access to the Castle to include the drawing room, bar, public areas and Josephine Restaurant.

THE DERWENTWATER ROOM
In 1705 the Langley Estates became the property of the Earls of Derwentwater, Viscounts Langley. James, the 3rd Earl and his brother Charles were strong Jacobites and took leading parts in the “Glorious Rebellions” of 1715 and 1745 which ended the Stuart Dynasty.

Both brothers were captured at Preston in 1715. Charles escaped to France and James was executed. Charles returned to England to aid the 1745 Rebellion, but was caught and beheaded as well.

On the roadside between Haydon Bridge and Langley Castle is a stone cross with inscription, which was erected to commemorate the execution of James and Charles.

THE JOSEPHINE ROOM
The Josephine Room is named after Josephine d’Echarvines, who married the local historian Cadwallader John Bates in 1895. Upon his death in 1902 Josephine dedicated herself to carrying on Bates’ work in the restoration of Langley Castle.

Josephine was granted an audience with Pope Leo XIII in 1902 and given permission to build the Chapel on the roof which was to be in memory of Cadwallader Bates. She spent the next 20 years alone at Langley with just her memories, until her death in 1932. She is buried within the grounds, alongside her husband.

THE TOWER ROOM
Being ‘Sent to the Tower’ in centuries past could result in losing one’s head. At Langley Castle in the 21st century, the Tower Room provides a standard of comfort undreamt of by past treasoners.

James Radcliffe who succeeded to the family honours as Earl of Derwentwater, Viscount Langley, opposed the 1705 Glorious Revolution which unseated the Stuart Dynasty. His part as a leader in the Jacobean Rebellion of 1714 led to his capture at Preston and his subsequent execution at the Tower of London in 1716.

His brother Charles was also beheaded some forty years later in 1746 for his involvement in the Rebellion. A stone cross, situated between Langley Castle and Haydon Bridge, commemorates their deaths.

It reads; “To the memory of James and Charles, Viscounts Langley, Earls of Derwentwater, beheaded on Tower Hill, London, 24th February, 1716, and 8th December, 1746 for loyalty to their Lawful Sovereign”.

DINING
There’s a certain unique thrill to be had whilst relishing a fabulously cooked dinner in an intimate restaurant in a medieval castle, not to mention a tingle that comes from morning coffee, a snack or an afternoon tea beneath our shimmering drawing room chandeliers.

With relaxed dining also available, there’s plenty to whet the appetite. Just read our menus to find out more, being aware that seasonality and the produce we can source, may slightly change the dishes available.

THE RESTAURANT
Those with a passion for a dining ‘experience’, as well as first-class food, love to explore our restaurants, judged one of the finest in the North East, boasting a 2AA Rosette and welcoming both residents and non-residents alike.

Feasts for the eyes and the palette are served from 6.30pm, using the finest, freshest produce available to our chefs, with dining taking place either in the Josephine Restaurant OR Pavilion Restaurant, after you have enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in our atmospheric drawing room, whilst deciding on your menu choices.

Please note, that when all of our accommodation is occupied, and the restaurant is fully booked, some of our guests will be seated in the wonderful Pavilion Restaurant for dinner.

THE DRAWING ROOM
The drawing room is one of the most mesmerising parts of our authentic English castle and a delight for the eyes, whether you focus on our gorgeous stained-glass windows, our knights in shining armour or our roaring log fire in winter.

It is a perfect place for relaxed dining, snacks, morning coffees and afternoon teas, welcoming residents and non-residents alike.

THE GLASS PAVILION
The Glass Pavilion offers that delight that comes from finding something unexpected – a contemporary glass, private-dining venue for up to 30 people, attached to the main castle building, surrounded by its own mini-moat and shaded by glorious woodland into which squirrels hop in and out and where autumnal colours stun.

Stepping from the medieval into the 21st century always creates a buzz, whether you are staging a business meeting, private dinner or party, baby shower, end-of-life celebration or something else entirely.

A UNIQUE NORTHUMBERLAND WEDDING
Langley Castle is the ideal castle wedding venue for the perfect fairy tale marriage. Its medieval grandeur opens up limitless options. Let your imagination run wild when planning your dream Northumberland wedding.

We are not just the choice of brides from Northumberland but of couples from across the UK and the wider world too. They recognise that what we offer is wholly unique and want their place in the history of one of Britain’s best castle hotels.

From woodland and traditional white weddings to marquee and Game of Thrones-themed ceremonies, we can grant all your big day wishes. Alternatively, pick one of our smaller, intimate marriage occasions, including our hugely popular Weddings for Two. The walk down the aisle can start with a no-obligation show-round.

Feel free to ask us anything you like! Don’t be afraid to ask how you can adapt things to suit you. Go for either totally bespoke or packaged and price-assured when you choose Langley Castle as your once-in-a-lifetime castle wedding venue.

Don’t forget that you can enjoy complete exclusivity through our whole castle hire, giving you exclusive use for your wedding party.

Remember that we are always here for your renewal of vows ceremony too, should you wish to return. Make us the meaningful venue that can add something extra to this reinforcement of your love for each other.

EXCLUSIVE USE
Taking over the whole of Langley Castle is not just an option for happy couples planning a wedding but also a private-hire, entire castle-to-yourself opportunity, if you are having a family celebration or a business event.

The components are naturally different from those of an exclusive-use wedding but are just as appealing, with 25 guest rooms at your group’s disposal, both inside our most authentic of English castles and without.

During your exclusive period of time within our unique castle, you will enjoy an afternoon tea, champagne cocktail reception, canapés, six-course gourmet meal, half-a-bottle of wine per person, a glass of Prosecco and our unique hospitality and ambience, from as little as £12,000, including all accommodation.

Whether you then wish to charge your guests for their room, to recoup some of the cost, is entirely up to you. And, if you wish to add extras, such as a tour, or a bushcraft experience, you can leave it to us to present you with options.

CONFERENCES
Catering for between two and 120 delegates, we provide every corporate client with the personal attention and bespoke support they require when planning their corporate or training event.

Whether you are staging a meeting, a conference, a launch event or an away-day, we can create the right balance of activity for you, offer you the best parts of our 14th century English castle hotel for your needs and ensure your day runs smoothly.

THINGS TO DO
There are so many places to visit and things to do in and around Northumberland, and Langley Castle is the perfect accommodation from which to enjoy them all.

Some of Hadrian’s Wall’s most intriguing local sites lie within a 10-minute drive of Langley Castle, but if you wish to visit the coastal parts of Northumberland that is also a very easy option from the castle, with good access roads and not too much traffic around.

Whatever your leisure preference, there is something in Northumberland for everyone. To assist you with making choices and showing what is on offer, we have put together some helpful links to visitor attractions, activities and many more wonderful places to see.

We have also teamed up with Ancient Britain who offer guided private tours of Hadrian’s Wall, Northumbrian Coastal Castles and the Tyne. Please follow the link to find out more.

Pre-programmed satellite navigation systems are available for customer use during their stay, ideal for visiting attractions when guests are un-familiar with the local area.

NORTHUMBERLAND
Northumberland is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life and a county brimming with fabulous things to do, countryside and beaches to explore and fascinating places to visit.

Our own corner of the county is right on the doorstep of one of its biggest assets – the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, rich in Roman history, romance and myth.

With the Northumberland National Park, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rich links to the origins of Christianity, there is everything anyone could want, whether you visit Holy Island, the Harry Potter-linked Alnwick Castle, the wonderful Kielder Water & Forest Park with its Dark Sky Observatory and Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, or one of the county’s many picturesque villages.

HADRIAN’S WALL
A location does not gain World Heritage Site status without good reason and Hadrian’s Wall makes no apologies for being one of the most fascinating World Heritage Sites in the world, with its unique slant on Roman history, on the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire.

A visit to Hadrian’s Wall unlocks a unique period in time, whilst walking in the footsteps of Roman soldiers is something no adult or child should miss out on.

Dating from 122 AD, the Wall has seen more history than can be imagined, much of it brought to life by the museums and visitor attractions like Vindolanda, where archaeological digs still reveal new treasures, to this day.

Something that stretched for 80 miles and took six years to build, deserves exploration, whether on foot, by car or through a special guided tour that will pick you up at Langley Castle’s door.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our daily Battlements Tour and see if you can spot Hadrian’s Wall on the horizon, as you drink in all the rich Roman history that this area can provide.

TOURS BY ANCIENT BRITAIN
As local history experts and walking encylopedias when it comes to Northumberland and its heritage, Ancient Britain can open your eyes to the Northumberland landscape, in a wholly unique way.

Being very Langley Castle-friendly, the team of Kevin and Sara Robson will pick you up and drop you back at the door, filling you with all manner of knowledge and insight in-between.

Whether you are interested in Roman, medieval or contemporary times, or just want to explore other castles, whilst staying at Langley Castle, Ancient Britain’s tours come highly recommended.

LOCAL WALKS
Langley Castle can be the starting point for a whole host of incredible walks, but just journeying around the county will give you many more ways in which to pull on the walking boots and explore, whether you are walking in the footsteps of pilgrims out to Holy Island, getting on the trail of myths and legends in the Cheviots or exploring our more local hills around places like Haltwhistle.

Don’t forget the opportunity to walk Hadrian’s Wall by day and return to the comfort of Langley Castle by night – or even in time for an afternoon tea!

THE LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District is England’s most recent World Heritage Site and a location inextricably linked with England’s favourite poet, William Wordsworth, and his contemporaries, Southey and Coleridge.

It is also the location that inspired Beatrix Potter and gave colour and context her Little Tales, which started with the Tale of Peter Rabbit. The area is full of lakes and mountains known as fells and is just an hour to 90 minutes away from Langley Castle, depending where you wish to venture.

It is also home to England’s largest National Park, its highest mountain (Scafell), deepest lake (Wastwater) and one of its most visited attractions (Bowness on Windermere and Lake Windermere), so using Langley Castle as a base from which to visit this unique and stunning landscape makes great sense.

Website: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Rooms: 27

Price: from 136 EUR per night