LANGLEY CASTLE - THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF

When you enter through the hallowed doors of Langley Castle its easy to see why it was awarded the title of Best Hotel for Romance – this place is the stuff dreams are made of.

You can sleep like a princess amid the regal interior of Langley and having slept in dozens of castles both in the UK and Europe that have been transformed into hotels I can honestly say that this castle is just like no other.

From the minute you journey up the woodland drive and arrive at the fountained water feature the 14^th century castle nestling in the Northumbrian valley of the South Tyne will weave its spell on you.

Langley has the unique distinction of being regarded as one of the few medieval fortified Castle Hotels in England. Built in 1350 during the reign of Edward 111 Its seen battles, victories, been lost and regained through invasion and bloody battles and been a girls school, a hall for medieval banquets and a private dwelling.

But in 1985 all changed when it was acquired by Professor Stuart Madnick of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States who lovingly restored and renovated it into a luxury hotel and restaurant.

The atmosphere of the place is regal to say the least with exposed stone walls, wrought iron candelabra lighting, hanging tapestries and pictures in gilded frames with heavy lush fabric and regal red curtains and swags in abundance.

The castle boasts both luxury and de-luxe rooms within its medieval walls with others in Castle View and Castle Lodge conversions of other listed buildings in the grounds.

We stayed in one of the four de-luxe rooms each named after significant people who have made their mark on the castle. Ours was The Cadwallader Room named after Cadwallader John Bates who bought Langley in the late 1800’s and began the monumental job of restoring the ruined castle to its true grandeur in the but sadly died before he completed the task .

We were handed a proper key – no plastic room cards here- at reception and given help with our luggage as we ascended the carpeted spiral staircase to the room of my dreams.

Opening the heavy wooden door was exciting even for a seasoned hotel reviewer and travel writer like myself. The room was large and a four poster king-size bed dominated the room.

The furnishings were antique but there was the little piece of modernity like a coffee maker, kettle and all the technology you may require but well hidden.

What really fascinated me was the raised window seat set within the 7 foot stone walls that gave fascinating views over the grounds. Experiencing this type of window seat was a first for me.

A granite lined bathroom fitted in perfectly. It was huge and had a deep sinkable bath and shower and a wonderful expanse of washbasin space set within its own alcove. What luxury!

After taking a short stroll to stretch our legs after the drive we decided to relax in the sitting room.

This was a piece of pure indulgence. Again the décor, seating – which was just so comfortable and expertly choreographed affording privacy if you wanted it- was like experiencing times past.

Later after unpacking we returned to the Drawing Room where we indulged in a pre-dinner drink and where our order for dinner, in two AA Rosette Josephine Restaurant was taken.

The restaurant is a design masterpiece so in keeping with the surroundings and the overall décor and perfect for a candlelit dinner. White linen cloths adorn tables with shining silver cutlery and sparkling crystal glasses and old style service abounds.

Our meal began with an amuse bouche – a one bite sized hors d’oeuvre and fresh castle made breads. For starters I chose a fresh take on a Goats Cheese in the form Pannacotta, Arancini, Tomato with Basil, Walnut and Olive – an unlikely combination that turned out a to be more than delicious.

My partner decided on the Chicken Terrine, Bahji, Raisin served with an emulsion. It was smooth and again a very good fusion of flavours combined.

The Stone Bass Fillet was the ultimate choice for me and what a big selection came on my plate including Tiger Prawns, a Cracker and a flavoursome Ravioli filled with Shrimps. The fish was moist and flavoursome and cooked to perfection.

The Rib Eye Steak was my partners choice and it came cooked to his exact specification. It was succulent and tender and accompanied by Field Mushrooms and Tomatoes, Peppercorn Sauce and Red Onion Jam.

I can only describe my dessert – Chocolate Caramel – as heaven on a plate from the angels kitchen! This dessert was one of the best I have ever experienced and I love my sweets – sometimes more than my main course.

The dream of a dessert consisted of Dark Chocolate Delice, Salted Caramel Mousse on a Shortbread Biscuit and a Caramel Shard and took ages to savour – I loved every mouthful.

My partner was guided by a lovely lady server on his choice of cheese – being a local she knew the best ones. He started out by asking for just a selection of two but was persuaded to go for the five recommended ones and eat every morsel – including grapes, celery, chutney and walnuts and the odd cracker.

After dinner we retired to the summer house just in front of the castle with our bottle of fizz and relaxed and talked in the moonlight about what we had been up to and where we had been in our respective professions over the last few months.

Next morning a hearty breakfast was the order of the day after which I joined with daily castle history tour that certainly opens your eyes to things you may have missed. Each day it’s a different guide and the tour lasts for 45 minutes and is well worth the effort of climbing around 100 steps – in stages I must add – to the top and on to the battlements. The view from here is amazing but its not only the view that is amazing it’s the castle’s history given in a light way so it doesn’t resemble a history lesson.

For younger guests there a Hairy History Guide – which I downloaded and it even had me fascinated plus there’s a tale of Langley Bear and the Snowy Knight (who my two travelling bears Heinrich and Lawrenzo met on my visit)

Soon it was time to depart Langley Castle but I know it won’t be farewell because both of us have been smitten by its romantic spell – and the bears as well who tried to hide without success for another adventure with the Langley Knight!