On a narrow, twisty road that leads up into the North Pennines, it's a mile south of the A69 Newcastle-Carlisle road so easily accessible, yet feels remote. Set in woodland, and 20 minutes from the nearest town, Hexham, no other buildings can be seen, although the line of Hadrian's Wall is visible from the battlements. A car is essential unless you're happy to just relax in the hotel. Hexham, with its Abbey and independent shops, is 20 minutes, while Vindolanda, an impressive Roman Fort just south of Hadrian's Wall, is 15 minutes.
By car: the hotel is 2 hours 45 mins from Manchester and 5 hours 45 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.
By train: trains from London Kings Cross to Hexham take around 4 hours and trains from Manchester around 3 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Hexham.
With suits of armour, wrought-iron candelabras, tapestries, gilt-framed portraits and acres of regal red velvet, the decoration is well-matched to the medieval bones of the building. Admittedly, much of the heavy furniture is reproduction, but it suits the building well, and the rich colours, and candles at night, set the tone.
The vast first-floor drawing room has plenty of sofas and armchairs - no bar as such, but staff are on hand to bring drinks where requested - while there's a small grassy terrace for warmer days. There are several short walks in the grounds but, for many guests, the highlight is the castle tour including the battlements with their far-reaching views.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Grounds
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
All bedrooms are generous, with super-king- or king-size beds, but, undoubtedly, the starring rooms are those in the castle: vast, atmospheric, thick-stone walls, heavy drapes and often a four poster bed. The outside rooms, in converted outbuildings, are in a conservative, country-house style of florals and tartans, and are extremely comfortable with cracking views.
Room types: Feature and Deluxe Castle Rooms, Castle View Rooms, Castle View Lodge Rooms
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
This is formal fine dining, with drinks in the drawing room followed by a table d'hôte three-course dinner with amuse bouche, where classic dishes are inventively interpreted: roast duck with plum tart tatin, for example, or halibut with lobster thermidor tortellini. Everything is made from scratch, including the bread, and there's a more modestly priced lounge menu too.
Josephine and Pavilion Restaurants: 2 AA Rosettes, traditional British fine dining. Open daily for dinner. Three courses from £49.95.
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