Welcome to Lumley Castle

Where ancient history and modern luxury combine.

The magnificent spectacle of Lumley Castle dominates the County Durham landscape. Surrounded by beautiful parklands, overlooking the River Wear and Durham County Cricket Ground, Lumley Castle Hotel is a superb monument to a proud history.

As one of the most iconic hotels in the region, Lumley Castle effortlessly combines old and
new to create a unique venue in the north-east of England for leisure breaks, weddings,
conferences, celebrations and private dining.

Experience Lumley Castle

What's On

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December

Santa's Grotto

Guess what? Santa is on his way! Don't forget to bring your kids along to meet him and hand over their Christmas wish list! There could even be an early gift waiting for them.

The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is a collection of heritage attractions, gardens, and galleries in historic Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Lumley Castle is proud to be an Accommodation Partner.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall, built 2,000 years ago, stretches from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth. This iconic Roman frontier became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Durham Heritage Coast

From Sunderland to Hartlepool, the Durham Heritage Coast has emerged from its industrial past to an area worthy of Heritage Coast status with one of the finest coastlines in England.

Angel of the North

The Angel of the North, an iconic steel sculpture in England, stands tall with a 54m wingspan. Its red-brown color comes from weathering steel, symbolising home for many Geordies.

Beamish Open-air Museum

Beamish is a world-famous open-air museum that brings North East England's history to life through its 1820s Pockerley, 1900s Town and Pit Village, 1940s Farm, and 1950s Town exhibits.

Durham Town Centre

Bill Bryson called it ‘a perfect little city,’ The Telegraph named it a top UK city break for 2023, and Condé Nast readers voted it ‘Best UK City’ – now Durham awaits your visit.

Chester-le-Street Golf Club

Set in the countryside around Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street's parkland golf course winds along the River Wear, offering views of the Emirates Durham Cricket Ground and fells to the west.

Durham County Cricket Club

Walking distance from Lumley Castle, Riverside is home to Durham County Cricket Club and has hosted world-class events, including the 2013 Ashes, with a modern media and education centre.

Riverwear, Riverside Walks

The River Wear, rising in the Pennines, flows east through County Durham to the North Sea at Sunderland. At 60 miles, it’s one of the longest rivers in North East England.

31st December

New Year’s Eve Knight’s Restaurant

Currently only available to hotel residents. Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the new year in the more intimate surroundings of our Knights Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious six-course taster menu and live music from our local guitarist. Guests can join the Masquerade Ball or Elizabethan Banquet disco to continue the celebrations.

31st December

New Year’s Elizabethan Banquet

See in the New Year in style of 16th century Kings and Queens in our majestic Barons Hall. Enjoy a five-course feast and stage show entertainment served with one goblet of wine and one goblet of mead. Toast 2025 with the sound of bagpipes and a dram of whiskey at midnight, followed by a disco.

31st December

New Year’s Eve Midnight Masquerade Ball

Welcome in the New Year of 2025 with an extravagant evening in the splendour of the Garter and Waterford Suites. Enjoy a Champagne cocktail and canapés on arrival, followed by a beautifully executed six-course taster menu, live entertainment by our resident singer, Shelley Stevens followed by a disco.

Thursday 19th December

The Ultimate Christmas Party Night

Get ready for a festive night with a 90s-themed disco at Lumley Castle! For just £35.95, enjoy a delicious 2-course Christmas dinner and dance to your favourite 90s hits all night long. Plus, £2.00 from every ticket will go to support Tiny Lives.

Saturday 21st December

80’s Bonkers Bingo

Bring your dabber, grab your shell suit and join us for some non-stop 80’s nostalgia. Two parties in one, belt out some killer 80’s anthems along with the craziest bingo ever, with our “sassy and not classy” drag host and with some just as fabulous prizes.

14th December - Friday 20th December

The Magic of Motown Night

Are you planning a gathering with loved ones or want to reward your team for their dedicated efforts this festive season? Our Christmas Tribute Nights are an ideal way to celebrate the holiday season. Join us for an upbeat night filled with rhythm and blues as our Motown Tribute Act, Chris Waites, takes you on a nostalgic journey with all the hits you love.

Monday 23rd December

The Polar Express Experience

This wonderful event brings the beloved Christmas movie, the Polar Express, to life against the magical backdrop of Lumley Castle Polar Express Lumley Castle Hotel By teaming up with Make My Day events, we’re able to create the ultimate Christmas Experience for your little ones!

Throughout December

Little Elves Christmas Hunt

Our Little Elves Christmas Hunt is back by popular demand! Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our elves, receive a map, clues, an elf hat, cocoa, and a warm mince pie. Explore the grounds, solve riddles, and find Santa’s festive friends for a chance to win an extra sweet prize!

14th December - 21st December

Breakfast With The Grinch

Mr Grinch hates Christmas and he has been plotting to steal Christmas again this year and we need your help to stop him! We have teamed up with Make My Day Events to bring you the ultimate Christmas experience. Come along and be entertained by our very own Grinch and Cindy Lou while you enjoy brunch and refreshments.

Throughout December

Festive Afternoon Tea With Carol Singers

Indulge in the delightful flavours of Christmas with our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea. Back by popular demand, our in-house entertainment team will be on hand to entertain you during your festive afternoon tea with traditional carols and some of your favourite Christmas songs. Please bring your best singing voice to join in with this relaxed festive fayre.

Throughout December

Santa Sunday Lunch

If there’s one thing that’s better than a delicious Sunday lunch with loved ones, it’s one with a visit from Santa himself! That’s right – Santa is heading to our Knights Restaurant to have a traditional Sunday lunch with all the boys, girls and parents who have made his Nice List this year.

Throughout December

Festive Afternoon Tea

Indulge in the delightful flavours of Christmas with our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea Enjoy this perfect way to spend a winter afternoon in the unique and warm ambiance of the Knights Restaurant. Savor tea and coffee, delicious finger sandwiches, and desserts crafted by our executive pastry chef with family and friends.

30th November Onwards

Christmas Wreath Workshop

Immerse yourself in creativity and Christmas Joy as you learn step-by-step how to create luxurious festive wreaths to proudly display on your door. Our friendly specialist tutors will be on hand taking you step by step through each of the stages using techniques with a festive range of dried fruits, berries, pinecones and stylish coloured ribbon.

Throughout December

Christmas Elizabethan Banquet

Come live like lords and ladies as we transport you back to a bygone era. This Christmas, come and step back into a world of gallant knights, gracious ladies, feasting and merriment in the candlelit setting reminiscent of days gone by. Enjoy the singing and humour presented by the Court Chamberlain, Herald, Musicians and Ladies of the Court, while feasting yourself on succulent food, wine and mead.

Throughout December

Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner

Experience a thrilling night of festive fun with our Christmas Murder Mystery events! Immerse yourself in a fresh storyline at each event, filled with laughter and hidden motives. Return to test your sleuthing skills against our suspicious suspects, each harboring their own secrets.

Multiple Dates

Elizabethan Banquet

A world of gallant knights, gracious ladies, feasting and merriment in the candlelit setting reminiscent of days gone by. Enjoy the singing and humour presented by the Court Chamberlain, Herald, Musicians and Ladies of the court, all in traditional costume while feasting yourself on succulent food, wine and mead.

Multiple Dates

Murder Mystery Night

Secrets, lies and plenty of motives for murder will have you laughing out loud in our new murder mystery nights. And with a new plot every month you can come back whenever you wish to pit your detective wits against our shady suspects who all have something to hide.

Saturday 16th November

A Night With The Spirits

Join our resident Paranormal team, GhostWatchers UK, this September and October, and take part in paranormal experiments in and around a Castle! With the addition of fine dining and historic entertainment, this makes for a night you don’t want to miss!

Multiple Dates

Escape Room

The Ghost of Lumley originates from the centuries old story of a woman named Lily Lumley, who was secretly married to Ralph Lumley before he met his wife Eleanor Neville.