Two stays in as many months due to proximity to a work event I was attending. First time wasn't too bad, but the second time was awful. Its an impressive and beautiful old building with a long and picturesque drive leading up to it. Reception is reasonably well hidden in the corner of the main car park. The car parking is terrible, just not enough spaces really. It took me 15 minutes and help from a member of staff to find my room the first time, thanks to some misleading information from Reception! I had the same room both times and it was a very small, quite tired looking room. There is a basket of treats in the room which was a lovely touch and quite frankly kept me going until room service eventually arrived. The food wasn't the best and was shockingly overpriced. The bed is quite comfy but the room is like a furnace. The second visit was terrible. The food was inedible (raw chips, cold burger), the staff were rude and the heating system made an infuriating tapping noise - all night. It was like water torture. I raised the issue with Reception but they didn't seem to care at all.

This is a great experience to stop in a castle if you are planning a family / romantic day or two away . The hotel is in its own grounds , so if you are thinking of walking somewhere and having a change of scenery in a different place for a meal or drink you can but you would have to drive . It is a great place to stop - room was really warm and bottle of fizz and chocolates in the room was a nice touch - I had the plonk , wife had the chocs .The corner bath was good and the bed was comfortable - what you would expect really . Restaurant is nice and service was efficient - glass of wine £15 - beer £6 a pint - what the hell ! If you're going to do this be prepared for open wallet surgery. The bar is quiet and elegant , just the kind of place you would like to be if the kids/grandkids are driving you mental . I don't know about stopping for two nights though as there isn't a lot to do - you would have to go out in the car - Beamish Museum or Durham . One night for us was perfect - place is easy to find and totally different to anything else I had ever stayed in . there are a variety of different rooms that have e.g. a bathroom through the back of a wardrobe - back in Narnia - other rooms available . It's also good to explore the castle - I would book again definitely if I wanted a night away .Nothing bad to say about this place - so if you fancy something different that you have never tried , this castle is a good one for a new experience .

I adore castles so to stay in such a historic one was a real treat. It would have been wonderful to have been given some more information about the history of the castle and the use of the various rooms. Lumley castle you are really missing a marketing opportunity here!! We did enquire about what the restaurant area may have been and the very helpful waitress informed us that she believed it may have been the chapel. This really elevates the customer experience. As I explored the castle I wanted to know which kings/queens and nobility may have graced the various rooms and corridors. Maybe some tasteful yet discreet information boards would be appropriate?

We had a courtyard room and enjoyed the view of the castle with the beautiful Christmas lights from there. No complaints at all about the quality and cleanliness of the rooms. They were warm and well appointed. We appreciated the snacks. Plenty of hot water and powerful shower. The main negative about the room (15) was the height of the glass shelf above the sink. Both my husband and I collided with it when washing over the sink. My husband grazed his head. It really does need adjustment or removing.

Another slight disappointment was that we were looking forward to the chocolate dipped strawberries to accompany the Prosecco as part of the date package. There is a lovely photo of them accompanying the package info. They were not in the room. I enquired via reception to be told no it’s a bar of chocolate instead!

We enjoyed our evening meal. The beef just melted in our mouths. The root vegetable side (extra) was a very small portion though for the price. The wine was lovely. Service was excellent.

Breakfast was very good and serving staff very efficient and helpful. Despite the very minor niggles we loved our stay at Lumley Castle and can’t wait to return.