Photo: Bill Henderson CC BY-SA 2.0 Source Cropped to fit
Lumley Castle is a Grade I listed historic house in County Durham, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Lumley Castle
Lumley Castle stands above the River Wear at Chester-le-Street, a Grade I listed quadrangular castle built by Sir Ralph Lumley in 1389.
One of the more substantial fortified houses in the North East to survive largely intact, it now operates as a hotel with 72 bedrooms set within the original walls and a courtyard extension.
The castle overlooks Durham County Cricket Ground and offers overnight stays, dining in the Knights Restaurant, and medieval-themed dinner events.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Lumley Castle
Sir Ralph Lumley obtained a licence to crenellate and built the castle in 1389, incorporating an earlier medieval manor house into its four corner towers. The Lumley family, later Earls of Scarbrough, held the castle for centuries, and the title's current holder still owns the property. The building was substantially remodelled in the early 18th century, giving the interior much of its present grand character.
Architecture of Lumley Castle
The castle follows a quadrangular plan with a tower at each corner, a design typical of late 14th-century fortified manor houses in northern England. Its 18th-century remodelling, traditionally associated with Sir John Vanbrugh's circle, softened the medieval fortress into a more comfortable residence while keeping the outer walls largely intact.
Worth knowing
The castle has long been associated with a resident ghost story, that of Lily Lumley, said to haunt the building after a scandal in the family's history. Durham County Cricket Ground sits directly across the river from the castle, giving guests a rare view of the pitch from the grounds.
Gardens & grounds at Lumley Castle
The castle is set within parkland running down to the Lumley Park Burn and the River Wear, though the grounds are informal rather than a designed garden attraction.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Lumley Castle
Nearest station: Chester-le-Street Rail Station (1 miles)
Admission
Historic Houses members must pay for entry
Places to visit near Lumley Castle
Finchale Priory
View Finchale Priory on heritage mapPenshaw Monument
View Penshaw Monument on heritage mapWashington Old Hall
View Washington Old Hall on heritage mapHylton Castle
View Hylton Castle on heritage mapMonkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey
View Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Lumley Castle there are 3 historic properties, including 1 monument, 1 priory and 1 manor house, across National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Within 10 miles of Lumley Castle there are 11 historic properties, including 2 historic houses and 2 archaeological sites, across English Heritage, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Lumley Castle there are 23 historic properties, including 4 historic houses, 4 castles and 3 churchs, across English Heritage, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Stay nearby
Make more of your visit with an overnight stay near Lumley Castle.
Find places to stay nearby Affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.Facts
A 14th-century fortress you can still spend the night in, overlooking a Test cricket ground.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- County Durham, England
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