Castle stay went a Lang way back
LANGLEY Castle has attracted famous names such as author JK Rowling and astronaut John Glenn.
So it was something of an honour to go to the 14th-century fortress in Northumberland and see what this luxury hotel has to offer.
The driveway offers the first hint of grandeur, leading to a structure with battlements, seven-foot thick walls and loads of peacocks.
The exotic birds strut around the manicured grounds, adding another touch of grace to the surroundings.
Once inside the castle, we were met with a feast for the eyes.
There were exposed stone walls, majestic candelabras, suits of armour, tapestries, portraits and 12 garderobes – supposedly the finest remaining example of the posh toilets dating from the MXidXdXleXAXgXexs.xxxxx
OXurxxtwxo-hour drive from central Scotland had my tummy rumbling but before we got down to some serious eating, we had arranged to go roaming with a Roman.
We had booked a private tour with Kevin from Wild Dog Outdoors.
He appeared resplendent in his Romano-British outfit. He had authentic chainmail, handmade boots and weaponry – the lot.
He took us to Cawfields, minutes from Langley Castle, where there is a wealth of archaeological information visible on the ground.
We visited Hadrian’s Wall, a milecastle, and one of the best preserved sections of the Vallum, the defence ditch running parallel resting south of the wall.
Cawfields also has some of the best views across the Northumberland moorlands. Kevin revealed what life was like before, during and after the Roman invasion, the significance of their 368-year rule and the purpose of the wall.
Gazing south, it was awe-inspiring to think the Roman Empire once stretched to Africa and as far east as Baghdad.
By the time we arrived back at the castle, we had worked up quite an appetite.
Which was just as well, because Langley Castle prides itself on its food. Their menu is constantly updated with the finest produce. Our walk along the wall had set us up nicely for the restaurant, which boasts two AA rosettes and a Michelin-star chef.
Some of the delights on offer included steak tartare, lamb cooked to perfection and pineapple tarte tatin.
The dining room went for the full on medieval look with gilt-framed portraits aplenty.
After the feast, we retired to the hotel bar. Following a nightcap, we went to our bolthole in the Josephine Room, below.
The splendid room is named after Josephine d’Echarvines, who dedicated herself to restoring the castle in the early 20th century.
The castle’s surrounding area also offers plenty to take in – including the market town of Hexham and its wonderful abbey.
Langley and its historic hinterland provide a marvellous spot for a weekend away.