Lumley Castle Hotel

The hotel is located at the edge of Chester le Street about half way between Durham and Newcastle. The hotel is a small castle built over 600 years ago with great function rooms that transport you into being a prince or princess. There is a lot of green around the castle and Chester le Street Golf Course is on the doorstep. Rooms in the castle are very nice but there are also rooms outside of the castle which may be preferable for older people. The restaurant serves a great meal and they have an extensive wine list.

The hotel was lovely. The downside was that the staff were not friendly or engaging at all at check in and our room was not serviced, though I had asked it to be serviced. My husband had to go to reception to get more tea milk and coffee and then we asked for some more they were reluctant to give it ! The staff at check out were very nice.

Quality hotel in a well maintained historic building which makes a refreshing change to the plastic accommodation thrown up today. Staff friendly and attentive, pity about the internet being down for maintenance which took the edge off my stay which was semi business but these things happen.

The drive up to the castle was was fantastic as the view of the castle looked stunning. The entrance to the court yard for parking was quaint and inviting. The look of the court yard looking at all the out buildings looked inviting and very well presented. The “stocks” make for great entertainment The entrance to the reception is like looking for the secret door but the plaque at the side with history information explains why and is interesting to read. Inside the reception is is quite dark but this for me added to the ambience of the place. The staff where welcoming, polite and explained the hotel set up. We stayed in one of the room in the courtyard which was beautiful. Very nicely decorated and good value for money. The room was cozy. We’d booked to have a meal in the Knights Restaurant and we had pre drinks in the bar first The walk to the restaurant through the corridor into the central courtyard was very different yet beautiful. It’s so old and it was nice to see it was decorated and kept within “keeping” The bar again was inviting and cosy and it was great to see that the drinks and wine list was very reasonably priced. So often places know you are a target audience and inflate the prices ridiculously however in our opinion the castle had not done this. There was a good choice of cocktails and the “smoked” cocktails added that something a little bit different and we didn’t mind paying a few pounds more for the “quirkiness”. Again the staff where very professional, friendly and well presented. The walk from the bar/lounge area to the Knights Restaurant was stunning through the corridors of the castle and past a lovely looking staircase and when we walked into the restaurant I was overwhelmed as it was stunning and not what I was expecting. The arched ceiling, the lighting, the privacy of how the tables where set out we felt was very nice. We thought it all created a romantic setting. It was very secluded but included. The menu choice was good and the food was beautiful. The service was great too and again the staff were very professional, polite and very well presented. The prices on the menu varied so I would say they’d catered fo most people’s budget and it was your own choice on how much you spend Our nights sleep was comfortable and the walk back from the restaurant to the courtyard was well lit but again in keeping with been in a castle environment. Great use of mood lighting. My husband even went into the stocks on the was home (🤣) Breakfast the next morning again did not disappoint. The selection was fantastic and plenty of food to choice from Overall we can can not fault our experience. It was a lively venue with great facilities and very well presented. The staff where Courteous, polite, friendly and very well presented. I would recommend this as a place to go and stay. We must go back so we can stay in one of the castle rooms as I am sure they would be as good and maybe even more “quirkier” than the courtyard rooms which were very nice.

This was just what we needed a quite and amazing hotel were we could relax X So peaceful and what a beautiful castle and surroundings Xx The food especially breakfast was amazing, tasty and locally sourced meet X this is our first time at Durham and we absolutely loved it in Seaham on the glass beach Xx perfect for couples and can't wait to bring our children 😀 😍 xx

Bedroom was amazing, bed was so big and comfy. We attended the Banquet which a must when staying at the castle. Love a sing along 🪱 We started our evening with cocktails made by Chloe (spicy margarita) and then we opted to end our evening there with more cocktails by Olivia. Both girls were fabulous. Breakfast was the prefect end to our stay Gemma, Jackie Jake and Stef are an asset to the hotel.

Great breakfast!

This was our second stay at Lumley Castle. The whole experience was excellent in all respects. The reception, restaurant and all the staff were friendly and welcoming. The freshly cook breakfasts were delicious and the porridge was the best I have every tasted in a hotel. The room was cosy with an excellent shower. It was a wonderful experience to open the window of our Courtyard Room to see the castle turrets. We look forward to our next visit later in the year.