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Londoners Make a Beeline for 'Real' English Castle Hotel

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Read Time: 3 mins

 

Northumberland-based castle, Langley Castle, has experienced its highest-ever visitor numbers from London, as residents of the capital have made a beeline north, to stay in the most authentic castle hotel in England.

 

Craving the chance to drink in many original medieval features of the 1350 castle is one reason for the interest.  The fact Langley Castle has made this such an engaging exercise, by creating daily Battlement Tours and its own children’s guide to its history – Hairy History, is another.

 

Guests can not only see what are regarded as the best example of medieval garderobes (toilets) in Europe for themselves but also hear and read about them, to learn more. 

 

They can also spend time sitting in the medieval window seats, set into the seven-feet-thick walls, gaze over to Hadrian’s Wall from the battlements and climb the original winding staircase, designed to foil right-handed attackers.

 

Children also love all the little features that make them think of Harry Potter books and characters.  As Langley Castle always speculates, perhaps it is no coincidence that J K Rowling has visited Langley.

 

The capital’s interest in Langley Castle seems to have been sparked as England emerged from the first lockdown.  The castle had remained stoic and defiant throughout Covid-19 and boldly announced it had ‘all defences in place’, just as it had done for over 600 years.  That message was picked up and used in the Government’s official staycation campaign, once lockdown restrictions were lifted.

 

Londoners began to arrive at Langley Castle, with those articles in hand, delighted they had learned of its incredible offering, ideal for any tourist used to perhaps visiting castles and historic attractions such as The Tower, but not having the privilege of staying in one.

 

Langley Castle’s own links to the Tower of London also add another twist.  Two of its owners – James and Charles Radcliffe - lost their lives at the guillotine there, having led Jacobite uprisings in 1715 and 1745.  In fact, Charles Radcliffe was the last Englishman to suffer this fate at the Tower.

 

On arrival at Langley Castle, Londoners find a World Heritage Site (Hadrian’s Wall) on the doorstep and sometimes also head to nearby Hexham Racecourse.  Should they wish to Roam with the Romans, they can take a tour, right from Langley Castle’s door, with historical interpretation specialists, Ancient Britain, to discover how the Romans and native Celts lived.  History-loving Londoners have relished this and been keen to absorb as much of the area’s heritage as possible.

 

Others have been drawn by Northumberland’s Dark Sky status and the fact Langley Castle offers special Starry Knight experiences, enabling guests to visit the world-renowned Kielder Observatory, to observe the galaxy and, at times, phenomenon such as the Northern Lights.

 

Dog-owning Londoners have been attracted by a download at the Langley Castle website - is a Doggy Guide to Canine Castle Capers – and have loved that doggy guests can have their own Certificate of Stay, to verify they have snoozed in such an authentic castle hotel.

   

And then there are the elopers – Londoners who have headed to Langley Castle because it is one of the most experienced hotels in Britain when it comes to arranging ‘weddings for two’, even having its own elopement guide.

 

Langley Castle manager, Margaret Livingstone-Evans, says: “We are delighted to have seen a 22% increase in the number of guests visiting us from London postcodes.  We believe Covid-19 has led to people wanting to get in touch with the past and really appreciating authenticity.  We can offer that, plus luxurious stays, elopements, tipi, large-scale and woodland weddings, dog-friendly experiences and even whole castle hire.  

 

“We can really help London-based travellers feel like they are stepping into another country, even if they are actually staycationing.  That’s why we believe we are rapidly becoming the number one castle hotel choice for those living in Greater London.”

Ends

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.

Sports car arriving at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Sports car arriving at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Sports car arriving at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Langley Castle Hotel, Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland

Langley Castle Hotel, Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland

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Fortified, medieval Langley Castle, an exquisite castle, located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland, England, between Carlisle and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The English castle and wedding venue was built...

Credit: Langley Castle Hotel

castelsignsnow.jpg

castelsignsnow.jpg

Couple on the battlements of Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK.

Couple on the battlements of Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK.

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Couple on the battlements of Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK.

Credit: Sean Elliot/www.langleycastle.co.uk

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

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Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland. Overhead view showing some of the 10 acres to be explored.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland & image of Hairy History - its guide to its own unique history

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland & image of Hairy History - its guide to its own unique history

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Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland. Overhead view showing some of the 10 acres to be explored.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Couple on bench in the Langley Castle grounds

Couple on bench in the Langley Castle grounds

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Couple on bench in the Langley Castle grounds, facing the front entrance of the 1350 castle.

Credit: Langley. Castle

Looking towards the garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Looking towards the garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Looking towards the garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Langley Castle Hotel in the snow

Langley Castle Hotel in the snow

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Side view of 14th century Langley Castle Hotel, in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland, shown in the snow, with the contemporary Glass Pavilion prominent.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

The Greenwich Room at Langley Castle Hotel

The Greenwich Room at Langley Castle Hotel

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The Greenwich Room at medieval, fortified English castle hotel, Langley Castle, located in Northumberland, England, close to Hadrian's Wall and the ancient town of Hexham, halfway between Carlisle and...

Credit: Langley Castle

Drawing room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Drawing room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Drawing room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Lady of the manor: woman stands in Langley Castle drawing room

Lady of the manor: woman stands in Langley Castle drawing room

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Lady of the manor: woman stands in Langley Castle drawing room.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk/Sean Elliott Photography

Passageway at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Passageway at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Passageway at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Looking towards the garderobes through a bedroom door at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Looking towards the garderobes through a bedroom door at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Looking towards the garderobes through a bedroom door at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Garderobes at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Window seat in the Drawing Room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Window seat in the Drawing Room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Window seat in the Drawing Room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Archways at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Archways at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Archways at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Window seat in bedroom at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Window seat in bedroom at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Window seat in bedroom at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Doggy guest 'George' checks into Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

Doggy guest 'George' checks into Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

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Doggy guest 'George' checks into 4-star Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, where Covid-19 safety was depriving the dog-friendly venue of doggy hugs, until a pooch smooch screen was deployed. Also s...

Credit: Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

Ancient Britain's Kevin Robson, dressed as one of the Celts who would have lived in the area around Hadrian's Wall.

Ancient Britain's Kevin Robson, dressed as one of the Celts who would have lived in the area around Hadrian's Wall.

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Ancient Britain's Kevin Robson, dressed as one of the Celts who would have lived in the area around Hadrian's Wall. A tour with Ancient Britain is one of the elements that can build a truly amazing e...

Credit: www.ancientBritain.org

Hairy History history crammer guide - an edu-staycation gem from Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Hairy History history crammer guide - an edu-staycation gem from Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Image from the Hairy History publication - a history crammer produced by Langley Castle Hotel, near Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, to illuminate its unique history since 1350 and form the basis of an...

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Contemporary bathroom within the medieval walls of Langley Castle Hotel.

Contemporary bathroom within the medieval walls of Langley Castle Hotel.

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Contemporary bathroom within the medieval walls of Langley Castle Hotel.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Window seat at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

Window seat at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, UK

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Window seat at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland UK, set into the seven-feet thick walls. The climb is not as great in this bedroom, as it is to window seats in other parts of the castle.

Credit: www.langleycastle.co.uk

Bathroom of the Radcliffe Room at Langley Castle Hotel

Bathroom of the Radcliffe Room at Langley Castle Hotel

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Bathroom of the Radcliffe Room at Langley Castle Hotel

Credit: Langley. Castle

Couple on the throne chairs, in front of the drawing room window at Langley Castle

Couple on the throne chairs, in front of the drawing room window at Langley Castle

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Couple on the throne chairs, in front of the drawing room window at Langley Castle

Credit: Langley Castle

Derwentwater Room at Langley Castle Hotel

Derwentwater Room at Langley Castle Hotel

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Derwentwater Room at Langley Castle Hotel

Credit: Langley. Castle

A couple on the battlements of Langley Castle

A couple on the battlements of Langley Castle

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A wedding couple enjoying a romantic moment on the battlements of fortified, medieval castle, Langley Castle, located in Langley-on-Tyne, close to Hexham and between Carlisle and Newcastle. Langley...

Credit: Langley Castle

The Josephine Restaurant at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

The Josephine Restaurant at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland

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The romantic 2AA Rosette Josephine restaurant, at medieval Langley Castle Hotel in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland, named after one of the castle's former owners, Josephine d'Echarvines. Another pa...

Credit: Langley Castle, Northumberland, England

The Radcliffe room bathroom at Langley Hotel, Northumberland

The Radcliffe room bathroom at Langley Hotel, Northumberland

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The contemporary bathroom of the Radcliffe Room at medieval Langley Castle Hotel, which features a sunken spa bath and sauna. The room itself features a four-poster bed - a feature found in many of t...

Credit: Bathroom of the Radcliffe Room at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland