The Ghosts of Lumley Castle, County Durham

Ghosts of Lumley Castle

Lumley Castle is supposedly haunted by the spirit of a 14th Century lady of the manor, Lily Lumley. She was apparently murdered by two priests after she refused to follow the Catholic faith. It is believed she was thrown down a well on the castle grounds. She continues to haunt the castle to this day, wandering the corridors and rooms, spooking guests and staff alike.

The castle was in the headlines for its hauntings in 2005, when some of the Australian cricket team reported strange activity and refused to sleep on their own. One member of the team was so spooked by something, that they fled their room and ran to the reception in just their underwear!

Lily of Lumley

Lady Lumley also spooked the West Indian cricket team in 2000, when the then captain of the team, Jimmy Adams, and his team checked out of the hotel early because they were so scared!

Lily is not the only ghost at the castle. There is a ghost known as Black Jack, who’s a mischievous spirit that likes to play pranks on guests, such things as sliding glasses off the table, moving belongings, etc. have been reported. There have also been many reports of children being heard talking, screaming, and laughing originating from the top floor. There has also been the sighting of a strange man that has been sitting in the corner of the bar, and orbs are often seen in pictures taken of guests’ hotel rooms, with some light anomalies also witnessed.

History of Lumley Castle

Lumley Castle was originally a manor house built in the 14th century by Ralph Lumley. Upon Ralph’s return from the wars in Scotland, the house was converted into a castle. However, after being involved in a plot to overthrow King Henry IV, Ralph was sentenced to death, ultimately losing his lands to the Earl of Somerset.

In 1421 the castle was returned to the Lumley family when Sir Ralph’s grandson Thomas became the owner. During the 19th century, the castle was used as a residence for University College, Durham. The castle was sold by University College in the 1960s so they could fund halls of residence in central Durham, so all students could stay on the same site. In 1976 management of the castle was handed over to No Ordinary Hotels, however, it’s still owned by Lord Scarborough.

Today it’s a stunning castle hotel, and also a picturesque backdrop for Durham County Cricket Club’s cricket ground.

About

This magnificent castle has stood proud over the County Durham Castle landscape for over 600 years. Situated along the River Wear and in the middle of beautiful parklands, the hotel is a location full of natural beauty. As with all ‘No Ordinary Hotels, hotel rooms are all unique and finished to the highest of standards, with the addition of the quirky features that make these hotels so popular.

All rooms include an en-suite, with a flat-screen TV, and free wireless internet. Room choices include Courtyard singles and doubles, four-poster bedrooms, and executive bedrooms. If you want to experience complete luxury, the hotel also offers the King James Suite. It has a 20ft high four-poster Queen Anne Bed, a reception room, an en-suite with a jacuzzi, fresh flowers and champagne, and spectacular views over the surrounding parkland.

Dining at Lumley Castle is a delight for all the senses. Whether you choose to dine in the luxurious surroundings of the Black Knight restaurant, or in the sophisticated style of the private dining rooms, the food at Lumley is of the highest quality. The Library Bar is also open for pre/post-dinner drinks for guests who’d like to unwind in comfortable surroundings or cosy up next to the log fire in the winter.

Afternoon tea is also available in the Library Bar from 3 pm – 5 pm daily.

Features

73 Uniquely Designed Rooms
Air conditioning
Flat Screen TV with satellite
Free wireless internet
24-hour room service
Snooker/Billiards
Radio
24-hour reception
Free on-site parking
Interconnecting rooms available upon request
Porter
Wedding license
Meeting facilities
Restaurant
Bar

Things to Do

If you would like to travel back to a bygone era, the hotel regularly holds Medieval Banquets. You will enjoy a five-course feast with wine in goblets, whilst being entertained by Lord and Ladies. prices are £35.00 per person, you can book with the hotel itself upon arrival. Lumley Castle is ideally located between the historic city of Durham and the liveliness of Newcastle, making it an ideal base for all desired activities.

There are also many attractions and places to go whilst staying at Lumley, such as Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Beamish Museum, and Hadrian’s Wall among many others.