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About

Lumley Castle Hotel is a four-star hotel in a 14th-century quadrangular castle in Chester-le-Street, near Durham in County Durham.

More photos 7

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Lumley Castle Hotel — Long stone castle facade viewed from the lawn Graham Hogg · CC BY-SA 2.0 · edited
Lumley Castle Hotel — Long stone castle facade viewed from the lawnLumley Castle Hotel — Castle facade and towers beyond the green groundsLumley Castle Hotel — Angled view along the castle's stone facade and towersLumley Castle Hotel — Castle towers rising above trees across the lawnLumley Castle Hotel — Narrow garden stairs leading toward a castle towerLumley Castle Hotel — Castle in the distance beyond its golf courseLumley Castle Hotel — Distant castle surrounded by trees and green landscape

Why go

  • Stay in the King James Suite, formerly the castle chapel, named for James VI and I’s visit; the king did not stay overnight.
  • The old beer cellar houses the Lily of Lumley escape game.
  • The castle forms a backdrop to Durham County Cricket Club’s Riverside Ground and often hosts visiting cricket teams.

Good to know

Diners ClubFamily roomsAccessible roomsBridal suiteSuitesNon-smoking roomsGreat ViewQuirkyRoom serviceComplimentary toiletriesTelephoneWake-up service / alarm clockFlatscreen TVHair dryerIronVIP room facilitiesFree parkingStreet parkingFree High Speed Internet (WiFi)Free internetWifiTaxi serviceBaggage storageParking

Good for

  • quiet stays Quiet hotel setting.
  • business Meeting rooms, conference facilities and a business center with internet access.

Amenities

  • parking Free parking and street parking.
  • Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi.
  • taxi service
  • baggage storage
  • gift shop
  • laundry service
  • ironing service
  • dry cleaning

Restaurants and bars on site

  • The Black Knight Restaurant occupies the Georgian library, part of the alterations attributed to Sir John Vanbrugh.
  • A bar/lounge and room service are available.
  • Breakfast options include a buffet and breakfast in your room; free breakfast is also offered.

Location

  • Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 4NX, England.
  • The castle stands beside Lumley Park Burn, a tributary of the River Wear.

With kids

  • Family rooms are available.

Check-in and house rules

check-in
From 15:00
check-out
By 11:00
pets
Allowed

Interesting facts4

1/4
  1. The castle is Grade I listed.

    Lumley Castle - Wikipedia
  2. Its sundial is Grade II listed.

    Lumley Castle - Wikipedia
  3. The great hall’s black-and-white marble lavabo bears a pelican, the Lumley family crest.

    Château de Lumley - Wikipedia
  4. The castle was never attacked.

    Chester-le-Street - Wikivoyage (sleep)

History

Sir Ralph Lumley was executed after involvement in a plot against Henry IV, and his forfeited lands passed to the Earl of Somerset. The castle later became a historic family seat of the Earls of Scarbrough. University College students spent their first year at the castle and later years at Durham Castle. They still mark the castle’s role with the biennial Lumley Run.

  1. 1389Sir Ralph Lumley converted his family manor into a castle after returning from wars in Scotland.
  2. 1421The castle returned to Thomas, Sir Ralph Lumley’s grandson.
  3. 19th centuryIt became the Bishop of Durham’s residence, followed by student accommodation.
  4. 1960sUniversity College sold the castle to help fund student residences in central Durham.
  5. 1976No Ordinary Hotels converted it into a 73-room hotel; Lord Scarbrough retained ownership.

Shorts

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access Wheelchair access is available.

Sources: Lumley Castle - Wikipedia · Chester-le-Street - Wikivoyage (sleep) · Lumley Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Lumley - Wikipedia · checked 7 Oct 2026

Where
Chester le Street, Durham DH3 4NX England

Questions and answers

How can I find the price for a stay at Lumley Castle Hotel?

Call +44 191 3891111 to ask the hotel for a quote for your dates and room type.

Are there facilities for a celebration at Lumley Castle Hotel?

Yes. The hotel has a banquet room.

Who is Lily of Lumley at Lumley Castle Hotel?

Legend says Lily was thrown down a well after rejecting the Catholic faith, and that her ghost haunts the castle.

Have guests reported ghostly experiences at Lumley Castle Hotel?

Cricketers reported paranormal activity in 2000 and 2005; those named include Sourav Ganguly.

What is the Lumley Run at Lumley Castle Hotel?

It is a biennial University College student tradition commemorating the castle’s university history.

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