The North East plays home to some truly unique venues although perhaps none are as historic as Lumley Castle Hotel. Wrapped in acres of leafy parkland, this 14th Century Castle has been beautifully preserved and remains the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The hotel really comes into its own during the Autumn and Winter months and having visited numerous times since my first stay in 1993, Lumley holds a real soft spot for my wife Lisa and I.
Our recent return felt long overdue, especially as I sought a brief respite from the busy world of magazine deadlines.
My journey with Lumley Castle began all those years ago when – doe-eyed and darkhaired – I was still finding my feet in the world of publishing.
I can still recall the infamous incident that has since become something of a legend in my career ordering “turbo” instead of “turbot” at the castle’s revered Knights restaurant. As mortified as I was, the staff handled my blunder with such grace and humour that, despite wanting to disappear into the floor, I quickly felt at home.
The experience left an indelible mark, and Lumley Castle has been a favourite ever since, becoming the setting for many memorable office Christmas parties over the years.
The castle’s unique atmosphere and historical charm – think clandestine courtyards and suits of armour – create the perfect setting for any occasion but feel particularly magical as the seasons turn.
Now managed by the excellent Jeff Hodgson, who has injected his personal touch into the property, Lumley Castle continues to thrive. So, when Jeff invited me to revisit, I couldn’t resist the chance for an overdue return. After all, what better place to recharge than this hidden gem, just a short 25-minute drive from Northern Insight HQ?
Upon arrival, we were checked in with the warmest of welcomes. The hotel boasts 71 guestrooms across castle and courtyard. Decked in grand baronial style, these pay tribute to the castle’s rich history. Ours came replete with four-poster bed and regency wallpaper alongside a range of modern amenities.
The weak September sun bathed the courtyard in a golden glow as we enjoyed a couple of drinks and exchanged stories with a lovely couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
As the evening drew in, we prepared for dinner at the Knight’s restaurant and the very place where ‘Turbogate’ had taken place all those years ago. This time round, the meal would pass without incident!
I opted for the pastrami-cured salmon to start, followed by the obligatory fillet steak cooked to perfection with all the trimmings.
She who must be obeyed, enjoyed the black truffle ravioli and roast chicken gremolata. A shared bottle of pinot grigio complemented our meal beautifully, while I couldn’t resist adding a goblet of Rioja to accompany my steak.
Despite Lumley’s widely held reputation as a “Haunted House”, there was to be no apparitions this time and we both enjoyed an undisturbed and thoroughly restful night’s sleep. A cooked breakfast the following morning set us up for the journey home – and a day spent finalising Issue 105 – although it was with some reluctance that we peeled ourselves away.
You don’t need to travel far to have a good time – and this classy venue exemplifies that.
For more information, visit www.lumleycastle.com