Adventure Calls You to a Hidden 14th Century Castle Hotel

Come join me as I continue to share hidden secrets in the Northumberland county series. 

The car turned into the driveway and the trees cleared to reveal an impressive fortress. One of the best restored medieval castle tower houses left in England. Found in the village of Langley, in the valley of the River South Tyne. This Grade I listed building is Langley Castle Hotel, and the place that my family and I settled upon for New Years Eve. 

Our stay 

We arrived in the late afternoon and took tea in the drawing room. Paintings of monarchs like Edward III and Elizabeth I hung over us and the roaring fire kept us cosy. The grandfather clock struck upon the hour and we headed to our rooms to prepare ourselves for dinner. 

It is pretty typical for my family and I to dress up for New Years but it was the first time we were staying in a castle for it. We donned our black tie and returned to the grand drawing room for pre-dinner cocktails. I opted for an espresso martini and wandered around the room, inspecting every little detail. The stone walls are adorned with golden-framed paintings. Miniature silver knights are high up and watch over the room. I peered through stained-glass windows and found I could see nothing but the rain lashing and the wind whipping ferociously. 

We ordered our meal in the drawing room and were called down to our dining table 30 minutes later. I chose the scallops for starters, monkfish and seasonal veg for my main, and chocolate mousse with lemon sorbet as dessert. I wasn’t crazy about the dessert, I found the sorbet and orange curd to torte for a pairing with an equally rich chocolate, but the first two courses were exquisite. 

We dined and laughed and cheered for the forthcoming new year. Then, it was dart back to our rooms and we readied ourselves for the Allendale Tar Bar’l, which you can read about here. When we returned back to the hotel, a little after midnight, my brother had brought champagne for us to toast together in the warmth. The perfect way to round off the evening and retire to bed, ready to awaken to a new year. 

Our hotel stay package included breakfast so we came down for that the next day.  I enjoyed homemade granola with berry compote, fruit salad and yoghurt. The hotel offers continental and cooked breakfast (with veggie options available too). A delicious and hearty meal ahead of our short trip back home. 

Overall, it was such a wonderful stay. We had a fabulous time and a massive thanks must go to the helpful and kind staff at Langley Castle. A place that is brimming with history and legacy, with longstanding ties to royalty and has stood firmly during raging wars. It’s a beautiful place to stay and all the more magical during New Year's Eve. 

If you do opt to stay during NYE, then I would also suggest their dinner event. It is quite a ceremonious event, with bagpipes playing as you enter the hall and feast on an eight-course dinner. The evening concludes with live music and you can go to your room with ease, instead of the dreaded commute back home amongst the New Years Eve crowds. Had we not already organised the Allendale trip, we probably would have done this and been very happy. 

The History

The history of this place is incredible. In the 12th century, the first records of it were found 200 years before Langley Castle was even constructed. The property was first owned by the Tindal family in 1165, but the castle itself was built in 1350. 

Langley Castle has had many owners over its 674 years of existence. It has stood proudly against the turbulent history of England. It has survived fires, its stewards have been beheaded, it has belonged to relatives of royalty (Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots) and it has supported Jacobite risings and the exiled Bonnie King.

Northumberland is a wildland. Due to its close proximity to the Scottish Borders, it’s a county that has endured so many battles and territorial claims. The county has the most castles built than anywhere else in England. This is pretty incredible, considering that it is also one of the largest counties with the fewest inhabitants. It’s a strategic area to control, especially during the historic Scots and English battles. 

Langley Castle had strong ties in support of the Scottish Kings. In fact, a cross stands by the road from the Castle to Haydon Bridge, commemorating their loyalty to the King of Scotland. 

If you would like to learn more about the history, then the website offers a knowledgeable read here

Langley Castle History Tour

The hotel also offers free daily tours that expand on this and we were lucky enough to attend on New Year's Day, which was great! I loved that they still offered the tour on a bank holiday and lucky thing too, because it was a very big group of us who attended. 

The history walking tour takes through different rooms of the castle and you get to visit the roof and see wonderful panoramic views of the beautiful countryside and nearby villages. We even went inside one of the towers! Inside was a chapel built by Josephine d'Echarvine that was dedicated to her late husband and blessed by the Pope. The history here is rich and diverse. You would never believe that such a building could have so much legacy attached, considering how small and relatively unknown this area of England is. 

Congham Hall Hotel & Spa

*Ad - PR stay

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Disappear and no one knows where you are. I certainly needed it towards the end of June. No big or bad reason why, sometimes I just want some alone time to recharge the social battery. 

Congham Hall Hotel & Spa had kindly invited me for a weekend stay and I still can’t believe how lucky I am for these opportunities. Bloxham PR did it again - You know I am always going to sing those incredible women’s praises!

I arrived early on Friday morning and enjoyed the space before checking into my cabin. The spa had my name on it for sure, and I couldn't wait for an early morning swim and soak in the hot tub. A tip for anyone visiting, please book any spa treatments in advance - they get very busy on weekends especially. I was too last minute to book something, so just a heads up! But the pool and hot tub is free to use at any time.

The Georgian manor house is every bit the country hotel aesthetic you expect to see on Pinterest. The boots all lined up, flowers on every table top, vintage furniture in the lounge areas. The spa and restaurant have a more contemporary look and it feels elevated. The cabins remind me of Scandi architecture, where the sliding doors open up and nature can be welcomed in.

Friday evening and I sipped a glass of wine as the golden glimmer of sunset enveloped the sky. Baby deer foraged amongst the wild grass. You couldn’t make this up, it was something I imagined in a film. As I journaled and listened to the soft coo of cows in the distance, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Over the last couple of months, I have felt a grounding sense of peace within. As a producer in the media industry, your mind is always racing ahead to the next potential obstacle. Anxiety and over-preparation become your closest friends. But despite this, I have found a way to block that noise so I can be truly present.

Now, I couldn’t give that peaceful energy away if I tried. It’s too precious. I finished my wine, closed up the blinds and sank into the glorious bed. What is it about hotel beds? How do they find the softest, comfiest bedding, and those linens are just always perfectly white and crisp. I have tried hard to replicate it, but yet to be successful. Maybe that’s why travelling can feel even more magical.

I am an early bird so I got up around 5am and began running the roll top bath outside. I grabbed my Country Living magazine, a cup of coffee and continued to enjoy my solitude. That’s the thing about Congham Hall, you can just lie back and feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Even though the cabins are closely located to one another, I always felt a huge sense of privacy. As far as I was concerned, I was the only person staying there.

It was a big day ahead and the forecast was sunny skies - a rare one for us presently. A morning swim to clear the mind and a hearty breakfast in The Samphire Kitchen to keep me energised, were on the cards. That Saturday, I headed to Sandringham Estate. I figured with it being my first time in Norfolk, I should go and see an iconic royal residence. The house stands in a whopping 22,000 acres estate in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate has been occupied since Elizabethan times, when the manor house was constructed, and is listed as Grade II. 

I opted for just the Gardens visit as it was too hot to be inside. There are eight rooms in the house available to the public for viewing. But there are also gift shops, a restaurant, multiple cafes, St Mary Magdalene Church and the royal park, all available to visit. You easily need at least half a day if you want to explore thoroughly. The church and the park are free to roam if you want to opt out of paying tickets. But the Gardens give you great views of the house.

Whilst sunbathing, I had to get an ice cream, which fun fact - the milk is sourced from Windsor farm. It was really delicious and a big hit for the day. I leisurely made my way back to Congham Hall, but stopped off for a pub lunch at The Three Horses. It was such a cute roadside pub and the meal was so good! I inhaled my food and people watched. It was really nice to see lots of locals greet each other as you’d expect in a small village. That wholesome neighbourly energy is exactly what I search for in my future. Being back in London for two years now, I do enjoy the bustle, but I can imagine that it will later become fatiguing. Village life, where I walk my dog and say hello to people in my street, will call upon me soon.

As I sipped one last cup of tea in the cabin, I couldn't help but wonder, what was it about Congham hall that brought me so much peace? Was it the natural beauty of Norfolk, the peeled back simplicity of the cabin’s interior design? Perhaps it was the wildlife, unafraid and unabashed by my presence? All of the above and it embodied how I feel energetically. You can’t beat inner peace. When you feel this good, things align and those that do not, will be removed from your space. Don’t fight it, let it go, with ease. And if you’re really lucky, you can stand and look at an apple orchard, knowing that life couldn’t be any better right now.

The Painswick

As we sipped the last few drops of our tea, basking in the breathtaking views of the valley, and listening to the busy hum of bees, I turned to my mother and smiled. ‘This is all I want in the future.’ I said to her earnestly. ‘A garden, a great view and good company.’ 

Our taxi pulled up to the late 18th century Palladian building, known today as The Painswick hotel. The first thing I felt was how cosy and elegant the furnishings were. The second thing I felt was the warmth of The Painswick staff. Before we get going on this article, I want to offer the biggest thank you to The Painswick staff and of course, Bloxham PR, for a fantastic stay.

To those that have never been to the Cotswolds before, you can’t imagine a more idyllic and picturesque vision of England. It’s how most tourists believe England looks everywhere (lol)! The storybook villages, rising valleys, undisturbed landscapes - you can’t really go wrong with this particular region of the country. 

The town of Painswick perhaps isn’t as well known but in it, you will experience all the quintessential trimmings of countryside living. The hotel is in the heart of the town, and as we sat down to enjoy our afternoon tea, we gasped at the views. Large valleys sit in the background as Mum and I dug into our sandwiches, scotch eggs and desserts. The afternoon tea was exceptional! It doesn’t seem like a lot when you first gaze upon the board, but I can assure you, you will be stuffed to the brim. We sat upon the balcony that screamed Romeo & Juliet vibes. The last few remnants of wisteria hanging onto the edge and the gentle, warm breeze blowing through our hair. 

It had been a long time since my Mum and I had done something just the two of us. With all these incredible experiences I have had with brands and PR stays, I really wanted to take someone along this time. And who is a greater cheerleader of your accomplishments, than your Mum? Forever fueling my confidence, I wanted to thank her in a special way. A huge shout out to the fact that she travelled all the way from the north to join me on this trip.

Next, we wanted to explore the area. We left our bags comfortably and ventured into the village, which is also known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ and is one of England’s oldest ‘Wool Towns.’ The wealth generated from wool production and weaving gave the area many fine buildings, like the Painswick and St. Mary’s Church. One of our first stops was the church, which is less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The tall beautiful spire grabs your attention in any direction you walk.

Just like any church in England, this one is stunning to view from an architectural perspective. The churchyard is well-known for its 99 Yew Trees. Dating the planting back to the 18th century, the walkways of these trees are not one to miss and legend states that the 100th Yew will never grow! 

Bask in the Cotswold stone buildings and Georgian era windows. It’s Jane Austen and Bridgerton rolled into one. Every corner is scenic, you want to take photos constantly, and I was just obsessed. 

Ok, one of the highlights you’ll have during your stay at the Painswick hotel, are the meals. Mum and I opted for the lamb chops. We tend to always eat the local produce for the restaurant and places like these, the ingredients are always locally sourced. Oh my word, the lamb chops were the greatest I have ever eaten. Succulent, tender and we were served healthy portions! Lots of meat haha! Complemented by seasonal vegetables, Mum and I cleaned our plates. We paired it with a malbec and oh chef’s kiss, the meal went down beautifully. Sadly, we were just too full to try dessert, but next time!

The same goes for breakfast the next day. The restaurant itself is understated, with imposing archways that open up to wood panelled walls and herringbone flooring. It’s a contemporary setting with a country living twist, and I think that best describes the hotel overall. After we had eaten well (Mum had avocado on toast and I opted for granola), it was off to explore some hidden gems in the area.

First up was a visit to Stroud Farmers’ Market. The award-winning market is hailed as one of the biggest and most popular farmers’ markets in the country. The weekly market is exceptional, with hundreds of locals coming out every weekend to support local businesses. The market opens from 9am, we arrived at 9:30am and were shocked at how crowded it already was. 

Most things were nearly sold out already! I had never seen anything like it before, and what was available to purchase was some of the best produce I had seen at a market. No wonder it was crowned ‘Best Farmers’ Market’ in 2013 by FARMA. It was living up to its reputation and the quality of goods on sale, makes it understandable how Stroud Farmers’ Market is somewhat of an institution now.

My personal favourite purchase was the mushrooms from Slad Valley. Lions mane and speckled chestnut mushrooms were unfamiliar to me. They were wild and exotic looking and I had to get my hands on them! I ended up using them in pasta dishes and the flavour was spectacular. Lions mane has a bit of a meaty taste to it and the speckled mushrooms pair beautifully with scrambled eggs and avocado on sourdough toast. It’s true that finer ingredients elevate the simplest of dishes. I shall be ordering online or better yet, I will be able to grow my own with the Slad Valley Mushroom starter kit!

Our final day concluded with an afternoon at the Painswick Rococo Garden. As gardening enthusiasts, Mum and I adored this place! Rococo Garden is a 15 minute walk from The Painswick, so it's a great thing to visit locally during your stay. In 1748, Benjamin Hyett asked local artist Thomas Robins to paint Rococo. Little did either of them know that the painting would be used as inspiration for the restoration for the garden from the 1970s, right up to today!

Take in vista views from the magical follies and race each other in the maze to get to the centre. Take a seat and enjoy the beautiful Cotswold views, the garden is built within a valley so you can imagine the extravagant parties that were held here, centuries ago. Enjoy the sunlight streaming through the trees on your woodland walk and grab a bite to eat at the cafe before you depart. Oh did I mention that they are growing a vineyard there and a food kitchen? Soon, you’ll be able to purchase their wine in their gift shop. Mum and I love local businesses and support where we can. 

Overall, Mum and I had the most amazing time. It was Mum’s first visit to the Cotswolds and she couldn’t get over the natural beauty of the landscape. Although we did visit local places, we found ourselves really enjoying sitting in the hotel gardens and the balcony, just enjoying the views. This trip was equally significant for me, because I had some of the deepest conversations with Mum. The kind of talks you can only rarely have. Most likely because now you're an adult child rather than a child child, and you’re away from home with all the familial baggage. 

We can talk frankly, and one of my fondest memories will be sitting in the balcony until 1am, talking to my mother, as one woman to another. Seeing her not just in the roles of ‘Mum’ and ‘Wife’, but as a woman in her own right. A woman who had dreams and nightmares well before our family came into the picture. She’s human with flaws and she didn't always get everything right. She’s no superhero, but she’s pretty damn close to one. There’s so much wisdom, pain, love and determination beyond her beautiful, brown eyes. We argue as mothers and daughters tend to do, but there’s no person I have higher respect for than her. No woman I hold in higher regard. I strive to be as strong as she is and she has had to be. 

Hands down, this was one of my favourite trips. Sitting in the gardens, enjoying our afternoon tea and listening to the hum of bees in one of the most beautiful corners of England. I want to thank The Painswick hotel and their staff for the incredible hospitality and warmth. We were very well taken care of there and I couldn’t recommend this cosy spot more. As always, I am very grateful for the lovely Bloxham PR agency. They are incredible and their clientele speak volumes in elegance and countryside living. Another trip down to Painswick is due!