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Northumberland hotel, Langley Castle Hotel, is offering ‘castle keep-safe’ stays to those British holidaymakers for whom having a safe 2021 staycation is top of the agenda.
For those desiring a venue with all the right defences in place come May 17, when hotels are allowed to reopen, the authentic castle hotel can offer the reassurance of having tried and tested its siege mentality to the full. It enjoyed 97% occupancy in summer 2020, when it became the ‘poster boy’ within the Government’s official nationwide staycation campaign.
Langley Castle is “everything an English castle should be” according to 33% of those surveyed in a consumer research survey, and has long been adept at metaphorically pulling up the drawbridge to keep its occupants safe.
The castle was built in Langley-on-Tyne in 1350, to safeguard the de Lucy family from marauding Scottish invaders and Border Reivers. The fact it has the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe – and a whopping 12 of them – proves siege was always in the crisis planning. Having survived many centuries of traumatic historical events, the castle has a resilient nature running through its seven-feet thick walls.
The castle has always taken every step to keep guests safe and is not stopping now. When it reopens, it will even have domes in its grounds, where families can have private celebrations or afternoon teas, keeping them literally in their own bubble, if they want extra peace of mind.
Inside the castle the robust stone walls are brilliant natural dividers and the 9 bedrooms offer sanctuaries full of delights – four-poster beds, atmospheric window seats up to which you climb via a few steps and then imagine life as a medieval knight or lady, comfy chairs, sofas, desks and all you could want, if you wish to stay inside and work, read or relax.
In the castle grounds, there are Castle View suites, rooms and lodges which are very private, with just a few rooms per stairwell within the converted former stable block. These open out into a courtyard, located just a short walk downhill from the castle. More secluded still is Castle Lodge, newly refurbished and tucked away in its own little glade of trees.
The ancient Josephine dining room within the castle is all set up for socially distanced meals served to a 2AA-rosette standard and has lots nooks and crannies for tables.
The Langley grounds are a brilliant space to explore during these times, with both lawned areas and extensive woodlands. Detailed walks around Langley’s estate are available and, for those with a car, Hadrian’s Wall is just around 6 miles away, at the closest point, offering lots of opportunity to walk in Romans’ footsteps. Just an hour by car will also take you to the heart of Kielder Forest, another outdoor playground perfect for socially distanced relaxation.
Those preferring to stay safe in their car when venturing out, will be delighted to find that Langley Castle is situated on the A686, with the route down Hartside voted one of the ‘Greatest Drives in Britain’ by the AA and 9th best in the whole country, by Top Gear.
Langley Castle’s manager, Margaret Livingstone-Evans, says: “Our defences were tried and tested to the maximum in summer 2020 and we came through it with flying colours. The Northumberland standard flies high here. It will not be lowered in 2021. We have an authentic castle, complete with thick walls, robust doors, battlements and lots of other ways to keep the enemy out. Covid-19 will not stop us providing a first-class guest experience.”
Stays at Langley Castle start at a price of £199 per room, for bed and breakfast. Visit www.langleycastle.co.uk or call 01434 688888 for more information.
Ends
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.