Langley Castle Gets Into Top Gear to Welcome More Motoring Enthusiasts

TV presenter, Richard Hammond, has become one of the many car and motorbike fanatics from across the country who has pushed open the heavy castle door of Langley Castle.

Hammond, like many other day visitors to the castle, was part of a motoring road trip that explored the Northumberland area and one of the AA’s ‘Ten Great Drives’ – the stunning A686 from Penrith, which passes right by Langley Castle’s door.

Proximity to this route is just one reason why classic car enthusiasts, sports and performance car drivers, car club members, motorcyclists and owners of more conventional vehicles, make a bee-line to Langley Castle.

The A686 starts in Penrith and involves exhilarating hairpin bends aplenty, as it climbs up the steep ascent of Hartside. This rises to 1900 feet above sea level and affords fantastic views of the Eden Valley,

The route also encompasses charming Eden Valley villages, such as Melmerby, and the dramatic landscape of the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty. Once it passes through woodland, Langley Castle comes into view, with the drive up to the medieval castle, dating from 1350 and with many authentic aspects to its fortifications, a true wow-factor moment.

Many car clubs recognise the unique facets that a stop-off at Langley Castle gives to any road-trip, whether they just book in for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, or stay over in the castle that dates from 1350 and is just a short hop from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall.

A pit-stop at Langley Castle allows car enthusiasts to potentially take in the daily Battlements Tour – at 10am each day – or just view the castle interior, the stunning chandelier-filled Drawing Room and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. 

Strolling through the woodland and lawned grounds stretches the legs before any onward journey and there is also a chance to explore some of the castle’s rich history, hints of which are provided by a bench donated by the local Jacobite Society.

For a relaxed meal, motoring or motorcycling enthusiasts can eat in the beautiful Drawing Room with its huge comfy chairs, knights in shining armour standing guard, huge chandeliers and dramatic stained-glass window. For something more decadent, they can book in for dinner in the 2AA Rosette Josephine restaurant and, for the full experience, they can stay overnight and enjoy a hearty Northumbrian breakfast the following day.

Margaret Livingstone-Evans, Executive General Manager said: “We are very used to welcoming motoring enthusiasts, due to our unique venue, location on the A686 and ample parking and electric charge points. Seeing the castle is often the cherry on the cake for those who have driven up Hartside, although we wish more who are compelled to stop to take a photo of the castle would realise that a warm welcome awaits, even if they just want to pop in for a quick refreshment. All they need do is open the door.

“We were delighted that Richard Hammond and a party from Bespoke Rallies did call in to see us and took advantage of our hospitality. We are happy to make bespoke catering arrangements for any club, and offer very reasonable overnight rates, so hope that Richard’s visit may raise more awareness of the fantastic A686 drive and our position right on the route.”

For more information visit www.langleycastle.co.uk                                               ENDS

Media calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 0333 2424062

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Editors notes

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.  

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.