Give Kids the UK’s Most Exciting History ‘Crammer’ Stay

Northumberland castle hotel, Langley Castle, is offering to bring kids up to speed with history in the best possible way this spring and summer – by living it!  

Langley Castle is distinguished by being a real castle hotel, not just a façade, and has stood in Langley-on-Tyne since 1350 – medieval times.  In fact, its ancient walls contain the best medieval garderobes (early toilets) in Europe.  That was due to it being very much in the thick of things when it came to the wars with Scotland, another National Curriculum history topic.  

Some of the stones in its seven-feet-thick walls were hauled from Hadrian’s Wall, just a short drive away and visible from the battlements, making it perfectly placed for voyages into Roman history, as studied in Key Stage 1 and 2.  Meanwhile, it is also a fine example of a fortified medieval castle for any children in Key Stage 3, studying castles. 

Two former owners (the Radcliffes) lost their heads at the Tower for supporting Jacobite uprisings in 1718 and 1748 – all, of course stemming from the English Civil War, Glorious Revolution, crowning of William and Mary and attempts to reinstate the Stuarts – all good material for Year 8 pupils.  The local Jacobite society meet at Langley every year and a bench on the grounds and shrine just down the road commemorate the two Radcliffe brothers.

Anyone staying at Langley Castle cannot fail to be wowed by its history, with tales of its first owner and his visits to the Crusades and its more recent use as a girls’ school in World War II, all adding to its historical flavour. More recent history will thrill the children, as it is thought J K Rowling took inspiration from Langley Castle for her Harry Potter books, following a stay.

To assist with the in-take of historical facts, Langley Castle offers a daily battlements tour, which will resume when the castle reopens, and has its own historical video as part of this, played in a chapel on the battlements created with Pope Leo XIII’s special permission.

The history lesson young and old can benefit from when visiting Langley Castle is significant but the castle also works with local tour guide and history re-enactor, Ancient Britain, who pick up at the door.

A Roam with the Romans Tour can be a full-day, half-day or two-hour tour, taking in a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, to view a milecastle and traces of the deadly ditch defence - The Vallum.  Facts about the Roman occupation are crammed in and brought to life through costumes and weapons handling.  Longer tours offer entry into one or two of the incredible Roman museums or forts, giving you the chance to perhaps view the Roman Army Museum or see the historical treasure that are the Vindolanda Tablets – early letters from home!

Take the Live Like a Roman Tour, however, and Roman lunch is served from inside a Roman camp tent.  Choose the Castle of the Coast tour and you can ‘up’ your castles knowledge in one day, whilst a Stone Circles tour sees you journeying to Cumbria’s mysterious stone circles, to learn all about Stone Age Man (and woman!).

Staying inside Langley Castle is a great way for children to appreciate the architecture of a fortified castle, with the enticing, raised window seats, set into the walls, always a kids’ delight.  Rooms with four-poster beds also add to the historical allure.  

Families preferring to stay in the more contemporary Castle View, in the converted stables block, however, get the benefit of studying the castle’s exterior and being able to identify different parts of its structure from the outside, whilst taking their meals inside.

Of course, family stays cannot be taken before restrictions lift on May 17, 2021, but booking now is very much advised.  Many parents are keen to help their children catch up on what they’ve missed at school and staying at Langley Castle is the perfect history ‘crammer’.

Families can stay at Langley Castle, within a castle room (accommodating parents and extra beds for up to two children) at a price from £199 for bed and breakfast, dependent on date, with Castle View and Lodge rooms also available in the grounds. Meals can be taken in the historic restaurant, or in the atmospheric drawing room, where a relaxed dining family menu is available.   

Full day tours with Ancient Britain cost £95 per person, half-day tours £55pp and a two-hour tour is £30pp.  Live Like a Roman costs £75pp.

Head to www.langleycastle.co.uk to adjudge for yourself how real this castle is and just what it could do for your child’s love, appreciation and knowledge of British history.

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.