Northumberland Hotel Launches Children’s Story Podcast to Stay in Touch with Lockdown Families

Northumberland-based hotel, Langley Castle, has adopted what is potentially the most innovative approach towards staying in touch with its younger guests, of any hotel in the UK.

Undeterred by the third UK lockdown and no reopening under government regulations until May 2021, Langley Castle has turned to its loveable resident and teddy-bear knight, Langley Bear, to tell his own tales of lockdown at the castle.

With a poignant undertone and deep desire for the return of visitors to the 14th century castle hotel, Langley Bear’s first story, for the children he loves to welcome, has drawn inspiration from winter weather, with the very first tale being  – ‘Langley Bear and the Snowy Night.’

Narrated by Langley Castle manager, Margaret Livingstone-Evans, with help from Front of House Manager, Jess Rutherford and further characterisation from assistant manager, Bob Rutherford, the story tells of the fun Langley Bear and his knight pal, Gilbert, have when they discover a blanket of snow across the Langley grounds.

The joy soon dissipates, however, when the kind-spirited little bear realises so many more people could be enjoying his wonderful castle and enjoying one enormous snowball fight.  Determined to do what he can, he engineers a unique way to send out the signal from the castle’s battlement and bring in many new friends, who all celebrate the wonderful Northumbrian fresh air with smiles and laughter.

The story is now the first in what will be a podcast series and is downloadable from Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as being available via a link from the Langley Castle website.  The intention is to create a series of Langley Bear lockdown adventures which people of all ages, in any location in the world, can enjoy.

“Langley Bear has long been a favourite at the castle,” says Margaret Livingstone-Evans, “having been a bear left on guests’ beds, over the past few years, so they could hang him outside their door, if they wanted a good knight’s sleep and an extra lie-in.  Now, he is becoming the star of our lockdown communications and a means to stay in touch with younger visitors – or indeed any child, anywhere, who wants to learn about his antics.

“We know how hard lockdown is for children, so we hope Langley Bear can spread some joy.  He and his friend Gilbert, who stands in our reception area, are very much looking forward to meeting lots of families and little ones, whenever the situation allows.”

Bookings are continually being taken by the castle and have been very strong, despite lockdown, so to find out more about a future stay and meet Langley Bear in person, visit www.langleycastle.co.uk or call 01434 688888.

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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.