Castle Creates Stellar Star-gazing Experiences Cluster

Award-winning Northumbrian accommodation, Langley Castle, has launched ‘Castellations and Constellations’ a compelling, affordable and stellar experience combining stargazing and history – all from one roof.

The roof in question is that of the Langley Castle medieval battlements, laying under the Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park of Northumberland.  This new experience will be joined by a Stargazing Afternoon Tea and the Starry Knights overnight stargazing experience, to create three opportunities to tour the galaxy from Langley Castle. 

Castellations and Constellations  is available to non-residents as well as residents, and will take place from 6pm to 9.30pm, on September 22, October 21 and 27 and November 2.  Stargazing activity will be led by astronomer and photographer, Simon Rowland, an expert and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Simon will interpret what is viewable in the skies above, where regular sights are the Northern Lights and Milky Way.  The International Space Station has also been photographed flying overhead.

Ticket-holders will also be treated to a Battlements Tour by night – learning about the rich history of the 1350 castle, with all of its nooks, crannies, winding staircases, defence systems and 12 garderobes, regarded as the best examples of medieval loos in Europe!

The experience has early-bird pricing, to June 30 2023, of £20 for adults, £12 for children, £50 for one adult and three children, or £55 for two adults and two children.  It can be booked by calling 01434 688888.

Meanwhile, Langley Castle will also offer non-residents and residents another new experience between October 20 and November 5 - a Stargazing Afternoon Tea (£25.50 per person).  With darkness falling in the late afternoon, those who love delicious sweet and savoury treats can enjoy an astronomy-themed dietary indulgence, before heading outside and seeing what they can spot in the dark skies above Langley Castle, on a self-guided basis.

Finally, Langley Castle’s full Starry Knights stargazing and accommodation extravaganzas will be scheduled each month in late autumn/winter, with an October 31 date almost full already.

These hugely popular experiences cost from £380 for a room for two, inclusive of three-course meal in the 2AA Rosette restaurant, plus a trip, by luxury minibus, to the world-famous Kielder Observatory, to learn more from the team of astronomers there.  On return to Langley Castle, guests are treated to a warming snifter and cheeseboard, to round off the night in style.

The new star-gazing cluster of things to relish at Langley Castle, will add yet more reasons to head close to the Anglo-Scottish border.  The castle, already a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2023 Resilience and Innovation category, is known for continually delighting prospective customers with exciting and different experiences, each with Langley Castle’s hallmark of quality.  Its new experiences should create just as many memories.

Notes to Editors

Langley Castle Hotel is located close to Haydon Bridge in Northumberland and just a few miles from Hexham.  It can be reached by rail (via Newcastle or Carlisle to Haydon Bridge station), or by car.  

From the south, the approach by car can be via the A686 and Hartside Pass, from Penrith, with this being deemed one of the best roads to drive in Britain, thanks to its ascent to 1904 feet above sea level.  Just watch out for all the sports cars and motorbikes that enjoy the thrill of this experience, not to mention all the classic and luxury car enthusiasts who enjoy this drive before heading to Langley Castle for a lunch or overnight stay!

The castle hotel is also just a short drive from Hexham Racecourse and from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall.  It has rich associations with British monarchs and with the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745 and is renowned for its expertise in arranging elopement weddings, as well as many other kinds of wedding, from tipi to woodland.

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Editors notes

Langley Castle, built in 1350, is located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland and is one of the few authentic, fortified medieval castles in England. It has a rich history, with strong links to Jacobite rebellions, is located just a stone's throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and boasts features including battlements, seven-feet-thick walls, window seats set into the walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. It is one of the most exquisite wedding venues in the north and also offers a wide range of options when it comes to exclusive use, with the castle being available for weddings, family celebrations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, D&D-style events and a wide variety of corporate functions.