Lumley Castle Hotel

Breakfast had a good selection, and the bar food was surprisingly good too. Everything was nicely presented and enjoyable, and the staff were welcoming and friendly throughout. The castle is beautiful, full of character and has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It really does feel like stepping back in time, which made the stay memorable and special. I'd definitely recommend it for a relaxing getaway with a different feel.

We've stayed here twice now, and it definitely won't be our last. It's one of our favourite hotels in the country. The rooms are each a bit different, comfortable and beautifully appointed, and the breakfasts are awesome. There are fabulous dining options too. It's a real gem, an amazing historic castle in a lovely setting, with fantastic service from friendly, helpful and professional staff. So much better than a chain hotel, and exceptional value for money.

Breakfast was a letdown. At £23.95 per person for a cooked meal, we expected much better, especially when they had run out of some ingredients. It didn't feel like good value, and we wouldn't pay for it again. On both mornings, the red-haired woman serving breakfast was unpleasant to the younger staff. The way she spoke to them made my partner and me uncomfortable and left an awkward atmosphere. The castle is beautiful and full of character, and the room was lovely once we finally found it. But the directions from reception weren't clear, the signs around the building weren't great, and nobody offered to show us the way. There's also a fair bit of walking from the parking area to the room. We had to park down a muddy path, and anyone with mobility issues might find the stay difficult. While the setting and room were lovely, the service and organisation didn't meet expectations. We wouldn't stay again.

I paid £81.00 through Booking.Com for B+B and parking, which was excellent value. The staff service was excellent, and I really liked the poached eggs at breakfast. The rooms are a little tired in general, though mine had a new carpet and a really comfortable bed. Lumley Castle is genuinely an old castle, and I can imagine kids loving the medieval feel of the courtyard. A great stopover while working in the North East.