This afternoon on the blog we’re excited to introduce you to another dream venue in the north (aren’t we fortunate to have such fabulous choice up here in the top half of the UK!)
Today it’s the turn of Lumley Castle – a
unique fairytale setting
located in the North East, County Durham to be precise.Brimming with character and charm, the 14th century castle is the perfect choice for those who plan to be a real princess on their big day, as well as those who simply crave a more unusual ‘something old’.
So let’s find out from the venue what lies within its thick stone walls…
Where is Lumley Castle Hotel located?
Lumley Castle stands proud within nine acres of grounds and has dominated the County Durham landscape for more than six centuries. Surrounded by beautiful parklands, the castle provides a truly stunning backdrop for couples’ big days.
Tell Brides Up North about the venue, what is its history?
The 14th century castle has a fascinating history which began when it was inherited by Sir Ralph Lumley in 1389. Then a relatively modest manor house, Sir Lumley set about remodelling the building into the impressive castle that stands today.
Unfortunately, Sir Ralph barely had time to enjoy his castle before he and his son Thomas, were imprisoned for their part in a plot to overthrow Henry IV and replace him with Richard II. In 1400, they were stripped of their titles and then executed.
From that point the castle’s occupancy was unsettled as it changed hands on several occasions, being governed by various Earls and courageous soldiers, before being returned to and remaining with its original owners, the Lumley family, for 400 years.
Now part of the No Ordinary Hotels Group, the exquisite building has become a popular wedding venue. Though developed and extended over the centuries, Lumley Castle has never lost its unique charm and today offers brides and grooms the perfect blend of ancient history and modern luxury.
What facilities does it have?
The castle houses 73 bedrooms and a choice of stunning function rooms. Meanwhile outdoors, its nine acres of grounds provide the perfect setting for welcome drinks, fireworks and photographs. All wedding catering is handled by the castle’s team of talented chefs at its renowned Black Knight Restaurant.
Does Lumley Castle cater for weddings?
Yes, it is one of the best loved wedding venues in the North East with a range of exquisite function rooms. These include the Garter Suite, a light, airy and elegant room, accommodating up to 180 evening guests and the Barons Hall, which features wood panelling and a minstrels’ gallery, and can also cater for up to 180 evening guests.
For more intimate weddings there is the Scarbrough Suite, a romantic, ivory painted room with deep blue damask curtains; the Northumbria Suite, with feature fireplace, ornate ceiling and tall windows; The Gilt, a small but beautifully formed room at the heart of the castle and the Sceptre another equally gorgeous space for smaller wedding parties.
There is also the option for smaller, less formal celebrations to take place in the castle’s Black Knight Restaurant – famous throughout the North East for its superb food served in the most intimate and welcoming setting.
Is Lumley Castle licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes. Ceremonies can be held in either the Scarbrough Room – one of the largest state rooms overlooking the grounds with a maximum capacity of 80 ceremony guests – or in the Garter Room, which boasts exquisite Georgian plasterwork and can hold up to 132 guests.
What makes Lumley Castle a special wedding venue and sets you apart from others?
With its enchanting turrets and towers, Lumley Castle could have stepped straight from the pages of a story book. In reflection of its long history, its opulent interior reflects the styles of several centuries – from the medieval grandeur of its Barons Hall, to the exquisite elegance of its Georgian Garter Suite. Its stone flagged floors and log fires make for wonderfully atmospheric winter weddings, while its light and airy, high ceilinged and chandeliered State Rooms, overlooking the grounds, are ideal for spring and summer celebrations.
What sort of bride would be a Lumley Castle bride?
Lumley Castle appeals to all sorts of brides for all sorts of reasons. Some fall in love with its Gothic grandeur while others see it as the perfect storybook setting for their own particular fairytale. Lumley Castle is, and can be, all things to all people – and that is what makes it so special.
How can your staff help to make the planning process easier and the big day amazing?
Couples will be provided with their own personal wedding coordinator who is their point of contact from the moment of booking up until the wedding day. On the big day itself, our dedicated operations wedding coordinator will make sure proceedings run smoothly, taking the stress away from the couple so that they can enjoy themselves.
Lumley Castle also works with some of the North East’s best wedding suppliers, who are familiar with both the castle and the staff, and therefore help to ensure the very best for our brides and grooms.
Can guests stay over at your venue?
Yes. We have 53 bedrooms in the castle itself and located in the converted stables in the courtyard.
Tell us about your catering services?
Our award winning head chef has worked hard to create a variety of wedding menus. A lot of the produce is locally bought and seasonal. At Lumley Castle we can accommodate for all dietary requirements. Our duty manager has a wealth of experience and has created a superb wine list to complement our menus.
Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price or let us know about any special packages available?
As Lumley Castle Hotel is a fairytale wedding venue, we have created a fitting ‘Fairytale Wedding Package’ at a magical price of just £2,500 for up to 40 guests.
Any really memorable weddings at the venue?
We have recently had a Snow White themed wedding. The groom, a gallant prince, arrived by his trusty steed (a white helicopter) to his awaiting guests who were sipping on Verve Cliquet champagne. The bride had stayed in our King James Suite the night before and wore a Alfred Angelo wedding dress.
The ceremony took place in the beautiful Garter Suite and the bride walked down the aisle to a string quartet playing.
Cherry blossom was the choice of flowers and the guests enjoyed a three course meal of duck and pancetta taurine, a fillet of local beef wellington with dauphinoise potato and a dessert of baked chocolate tart and Horlicks and Malteaser ice cream. Throughout the wedding breakfast famous Disney songs played, which really amused the wedding guests.
The evening entertainment kicked off with fireworks display set to music and our resident DJ playing a variety of oldie and modern day songs. The bride and groom’s first dance was to a Tale as Old as Time from Beauty and the Beast.
Do you have any bridal events or open days coming up shortly that our readers should know about?
We have wedding a Wedding Showcase on 10th January 2016 and a Wedding Fayre on 13th March 2016.
Where can readers get more information or contact the venue?
To find out more about weddings at Lumley Castle call 0191 3891111 or visit www.lumleycastle.com.
