English Castles
Scots American Travel Advisors represent
a number of Castle properties in
England.
 Heart
of England:
Studley Castle
- Studley / Warwickshire
Rowton Castle
- Shrewsbury / Shropshire
Thornbury
Castle - Thornbury/Gloucestershire
Northumbria:
The Otterburn Tower - Otterburn /
Northumberland
Lumley Castle
- Chester Le Street / Durham
Walworth
Castle - Darlington / Durham
North West:
Leasowe
Castle - Moreton / Wirral
South East:
Amberley
Castle - Arundel / West Sussex
South West:
The Castle
Hotel - Taunton / Somerset
Yorkshire:
Hazlewood
Castle - Tadcaster / North Yorkshire
Swinton Park
- Ripon / North Yorkshire
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Studley Castle
 Deep
in the Warwickshire countryside set in
the tranquil surroundings of its own
28-acre estate, Studley Castle is a
place of great character, charm and
contrasts. Close to motorway, rail and
air links, its central location with
ample, free and secure parking ensures
easy access and shorter journey times.
Built in the Victorian style of a
medieval castle it provides the perfect
setting for that unique conference,
training, overnight hotel accommodation
or wedding experience. Its' elegant
Georgian dining room and lounge allow
you to relax before taking advantage of
the modern comforts of the Castle's 57
ensuite bedrooms and 15 purpose-designed
meeting rooms.
With the benefit of over 30 years'
experience, whatever your event, our
friendly, caring and professional staff
are absolutely committed to ensuring
that your time with them will be
enjoyable, fulfilling, and above all
truly memorable.
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Rowton
Castle
Welcome to Rowton Castle Hotel &
Restaurant A castle has stood in the
grounds at Rowton for nearly eight
hundred years. The building has seen
many changes and alterations over the
centuries but has remained primarily a
family home. It has now been transformed
into a luxury country hotel, retaining
the splendor of yesteryear whilst
providing the facilities anticipated by
the most discerning of guests. Rowton
Castle is a beautiful 17th century,
grade 2 listed building, set in 17 acres
of tranquil grounds, six miles west from
the historic town of Shrewsbury. We are
the perfect venue for a prestigious
function, or a few days away from it
all.
History
In Camden's Britannia we read:
More northward Caus Castle standeth and
Rowton Castle near unto it, most ancient
of all the rest, towards the west
borders of the shire, not far from
Severn, which Castle sometime belonged
to the Corbets and now to the ancient
family of Lyster.
Before time it was the possession of
John Le Strange of Knockin, in despite
of whom Llewellyn, Prince of Wales laid
it even with the ground as we read in
the life of Sir Fulk Fitz Warin. It
flourished also in the Romans time under
the same name, termed by Antonius the
Emperor, "Rutunium."
As you can see, out Castle has a long
and colorful history, and we are
delighted to report that it has fully
recovered from the alterations of
Llewelyn, Prince of Wales.
Subsequent generations have added and
taken away and we are left today with a
Hotel of amazing beauty, set in the
stunning scenery of Shropshire.
Accommodation
The castle boasts nineteen charming,
individually designed bedrooms, six with
period 4 poster beds! Each beautifully
appointed bedroom has a fully equipped
bathroom with bath and shower,
television, direct dial telephone,
complimentary wireless internet access
and such thoughtful extras as trouser
press, hairdryer, mineral water, and
excellent beverage making facilities.
The Rowton Suite encapsulates the age of
the castle with its 17th Century carved
fireplace & traditional Oak Paneling.
Stunning views of the hotels Cedar Of
Lebanon to the front of the castle
(reported to be one of the largest in
Europe) are to be enjoyed from the bay
window of this beautiful suite. A
contrasting contemporary bathroom awaits
anyone staying in this room. A central
Jacuzzi bath, multiple jet shower
cubicle and Whites and Company
toiletries are in place to assist with a
truly relaxing experience. A flat screen
television is integrated above the
marble fireplace.
The Alberbury Suite is a wonderfully
light room, with an enormous bay window
and delightful antique furniture.
Relaxing on a window seat will enable
you to enjoy views of the formal lawns
including a view down the avenue of lime
trees to the rear of the castle. The
room is complemented by a spacious
bathroom boasting a corner hydrotherapy
bath and imposing marble fireplace.
All first floor bedrooms are equipped
with antique or reproduction furniture
and bathrobes are provided in our Four
Poster Rooms.
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Thornbury
Castle
Kings and queens have stayed here.
Courtiers have flirted with
ladies-in-waiting in the ancient
yew-hedged gardens. Serving girls have
chattered in the stone-flagged
courtyard. Today, Thornbury Castle still
resonates with history and is the only
Tudor castle in England to be open as a
hotel…and it’s only 15 minutes from the
M5.
However, step behind the heavy oak doors
and you'll find a magnificent hotel with
roaring fires, delicious modern cuisine
and sumptuous bedchambers – a truly
special setting for an overnight stay, a
weekend away or for more formal
occasions.
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked
these rooms and grounds. Today, the 500
year-old castle-palace with its
beautiful oriel windows, Tudor hall and
historic parkland is yours for the
duration of your stay. There has even
been a vineyard within the castle walls
for over 500 years, from which Thornbury
Castle wine is still produced.
Enjoy a regal night's sleep in the
Duke's Bedchamber where King Henry VIII
and Anne Boleyn slept or favour the
Gloucester Bedchamber and wake up to a
view of the oldest Tudor gardens in
England - the Privy Garden and Goodly
Garden.
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Otterburn Tower Country House
The Unique Otterburn Tower Country House
Hotel and award winning restaurant.
Located in the beautiful Redesdale
valley rural Northumberland, northern
England, the original building dates
back to the 11th.century as a castle
founded by a cousin of William the
Conqueror.
It is an excellent venue for a holiday,
a unique wedding, a peaceful conference,
fishing, shooting, horse riding and fell
walking.
The Otterburn Tower nestles in 32 acres
of its own estate, fronted by terraced
lawns and surrounded by woodland. The
gardens stretch down to the village of
Otterburn with all the facilities close
by. Beautifully restored with the
original features of oak paneling,
leaded panes, stained glass, very much
important features of the hotel. The 17
rooms are all en-suite with the old
library now a master suite with a four
poster bed and every comfort.
 The
Otterburn Tower is not only unique in
its wonderful surroundings and historic
fabric, the pride of the hotel is in its
food, prepared by our exceptional chefs
to traditional and modern recipes using
produce from the proprietors own and
surrounding farms. Here you can truly
taste the difference in food prepared
and presented fresh from the farm. The
hotel also has its own vegetable garden
ensuring freshness and taste throughout
the menu.
The hotel owns a three-mile stretch of
the river Rede, ideal for fishing the
beautiful salmon and trout that are
native to this part of Northumberland.
Walkers have a great choice with the
Pennine Way close by and many miles of
footpaths open to them. Hunting, racing,
shooting, bird watching and riding can
be arranged as special short breaks. The
delights of Kielder Water and Forest
Park are only seventeen miles away, with
water sports, sailing, birds of prey,
swimming and much, much more. So whether
you are looking for a relaxing break, to
explore the coast, castles and valleys
of Northumberland, to be active or for a
family holiday we look forward to
welcoming you to our historic hotel.
Otterburn Tower History
The Otterburn Tower is truly
distinctive. A fortified Northumbrian
country house founded by a cousin of
William the Conqueror in 1086.
The Umfraville family built the original
Pele Tower at Otterburn in 1308. It was
then described as a ‘capital messuage’.
14th Century
The Pele Tower featured in the old
accounts of the 1388 Battle of Otterburn.
The Otterburn Tower is described in 1415
as being owned by Sir Robert de
Umfraville, who died in 1436.
Late 16th Century
In the late 16th or early 17th century
the Hall family, a powerful clan in
Redesdale, acquired Otterburn Tower. The
most famous of the Hall family was ‘Mad
Jack Hall’.
18th Century
In this period the original Pele Tower
was in due course incorporated into a
more spacious dwelling.
In the early eighteenth century Reginald
Hall of Catcleugh purchased the
Otterburn Tower and added ‘ a square
building of the Scots farmhouse style,
not unlike the Troughend Hall which was
built about the same time’.
19th Century
In 1812 Sir Walter Scott, the border
poet and songwriter was a guest at the
Tower, while gathering information for
his poem ‘Rokeby’.
Early 20th Century
In the early 1900s a wealthy antiquary
Howard Pease owned the Tower. He carried
out further extensions, mainly at the
rear of the property. He also built the
lodge at the gates.
Late 20th Century to present day
Mr Halliday from Bellingham converted
Otterburn Tower into a hotel in 1947. It
remained a hotel until it closed in
1996.The present owner bought it in
August 1998. It was renovated and
refurnished during the winter months
before it reopened in June 1999.
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Lumley Castle
Standing proud for more than 600 years,
the magnificent spectacle of Lumley
Castle Hotel dominates the County Durham
landscape. Surrounded by beautiful
parklands overlooking the River Wear, it
is a magnificent monument to a bygone
age of chivalry and honor. A luxury
hotel, Lumley Castle continues to play
host to guests from throughout the
world.
 Although
we are in no doubt that once you arrive
at Lumley Castle you may not want to
leave, stray beyond the castle walls and
see what wonderful attractions the
region has to offer.
Lumley Castle is just a stone's throw
away from the historic city of Durham
and in easy reach of the glorious
Northumberland coastline. Add to that
the attractions of cities such as
Newcastle and Sunderland and you will
fast realize Lumley Castle is the
perfect base from which to visit the
North East.
Lumley Castle dates back to 1392. Sir
Ralph Lumley, a soldier and local hero
was the owner of the Manor House which
stood on its location. Sir Ralph played
a key role in the defense of
Berwick-on-Tweed in 1388 and in the same
year led the attack at the Battle of
Otterburn. In 1389 he petitioned the
Bishop of Durham for permission to
fortify his home and in 1392 the work
was complete. Sir Ralph did not have
long to enjoy his new home as in 1400 he
was involved in the conspiracy to
overthrow Henry IV and replace him with
Richard II, a coup that failed and led
to Sir Ralph and his son Thomas being
arrested and executed.
As with any historic location, Lumley
Castle has its resident ghost. Lady Lily
Lumley, the wife of Sir Ralph is said to
walk the corridors of her former home
where she was murdered by local priests
and her body dumped in the well, which
you can still see today
Lumley Castle History
1388 Lumley Castle takes its name from
the man who was behind its creation, Sir
Ralph Lumley. Ralph Lumley was a
well-known figure at the time, a popular
soldier, renowned for his bravery in
battles. He played a key role in the
defence of Berwick-on-Tweed in 1388 and
in the same year led the attack at the
Battle of Otterburn.
1389 Despite his bravery he was captured
by the Scots, imprisoned and finally
released the following year in 1389.
Upon his return he petitioned the Bishop
of Durham to allow him to convert the
Manor House built by his ancestors into
a castle - the remains of which can
still be seen at the castle to this day.
1400 Unfortunately Sir Ralph did not
have much time to enjoy his new home. He
was involved in the conspiracy to
overthrow Henry IV and replace him with
Richard II, a coup that failed and led
to Sir Ralph and his son Thomas being
arrested.
The pair were both stripped of their
titles and held prisoner until they were
both executed in 1400.
1421 The wealth and land belonging to
the Lumley family was given to the Earl
of Somerset who owned the Castle so
beloved by Sir Ralph until his death in
1421. The Earl had no son to bequeth his
inheritance to, so under Elizabethan law
Lumley Castle and all its land was
restored to its rightful owners - in
this case Thomas, Sir Ralph's grandson.
1461 Thomas Lumley continued the family
tradition and was known as a brave and
dashing soldier, a man of whom his
grandfather would have been proud. He
played a prominent role in the War of
the Roses and was duly appointed
constable of Scarbrough Castle for life.
Thomas' bravery did not go unrewarded
and he was summoned by writ to
Parliament in 1461 where his family
peerage was restored.
1485 Sir Thomas was considered an
important figure in court. He was
involved in the successful siege of
Bamburgh Castle and accompanied Edward
IV into battle to oppose the late Queen
Margaret's forces.
After his death in 1485 his son George
succeeded him. The name Lumley continued
to play an important role in court life
and in the day-to-day lives of the
people of Chester-le-Street well into
the 1800's
1976 In 1976 No Ordinary Hotels became
the new tenants of Lumley Castle,
turning it into a hotel which has fast
developed a reputation of international
renown.
Present Day Lumley Castle goes from
strength to strength and is well
established as a member of 'No Ordinary
Hotels' group.
The House of Scarbrough still owns
Lumley Castle however and the present
Earl plays an important part in its day
to day running.
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Walworth
Castle
Walworth Castle Hotel is set in the
rolling countryside of the Tees valley,
just to the west of Darlington and close
to the A1(M) in County Durham. It was
built in 1189 and is one of the few
castle hotels in England.
 Recently
refurbished to an extremely high
standard by owners Rachel and Chris
Swain, Walworth Castle Hotel really is
the ideal venue to sample England's
living history
Each of the 34 bedrooms and numerous
reception rooms has its own particular
character many with individually
designed upholstery. The feature rooms
have been recently refurbished to an
extremely high standard
Walworth Castle Hotel is committed to a
No Smoking Policy.
The hotel, as a building open to the
public, has a legal duty to provide a
safe working environment for it's staff
and visitors. There is now a majority of
people in the United Kingdom who do not
smoke and who increasingly believe that
their health is at risk when their
environment is polluted with tobacco
smoke. The objective of the No Smoking
Policy is to establish a healthy
environment for all staff and visitors
and its success depends upon the
consideration and co-operation of both
smokers and non-smokers.
Not smoker
friendly: Smoking is prohibited
in all hotel guest rooms, corridors,
bars and lavatories. Smoke alarms are
fitted where necessary. Anyone found
smoking in a guest room will be charged
to clean the room for subsequent guests.
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Amberley
Castle
 Wait
up until midnight and you'll be treated
to the spectacle of the awesome two
tonne oak Portcullis being silently
lowered for the night.
Hidden away for 900 years near the
picturesque village of Amberley in the
chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a
magnificent historical treasure that
offers a truly unique experience.
Through the Portcullis and 60 ft curtain
walls you will find beautiful landscaped
gardens, fine examples of medieval
architecture and an unrivalled
atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious
hotel bedrooms and suites, many with
four-poster beds and all featuring
Jacuzzi bathrooms. The hotel's
facilities include two restaurants,
lounge areas, tennis court, croquet
lawn, gardens and lakes, 18-hole
professional putting course and a
stunning thatched-roof tree house
complete with rope bridge.
The castle is still completely enclosed
by a high curtain wall, which is only
flanked by a magnificent twin-tower
gatehouse to the south and a kitchen
block and a garderode tower with gun
loops to the north. Square internal
towers stood at the corners, with a
small water-gate in the west wall and a
Norman postern in the east wall.
A visit or stay at Amberley Castle, the
finest of luxury hotels in West Sussex,
is like stepping back in time, yet all
the modern day luxuries are always
available.
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Leasowe
Castle Hotel
 Leasowe
Castle offers a perfect combination of
style, comfort and elegance in a
tranquil setting with 6
acres of grounds overlooking Leasowe
Golf Course and the sea.
The Castle dates back to 1592; it was
built for Ferdinand 2nd Heir to the
English throne, to allow him to watch
horse racing on the Meols sands.
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The Castle
Hotel
The Castle at Taunton is steeped in the
drama and romance of English history.
Once a Norman fortress, it has been
welcoming travellers to the town since
the 12th century.
In 1685, the Duke of Monmouth·s officers
were heard "roystering at the Castle
Inn" before their defeat by
the forces of King James II at
Sedgemoor. Shortly after, Judge Jeffreys
held his Bloody Assize in the Great Hall
of the Castle.
Today the Castle lives at peace with its
turbulent past but preserves the
atmosphere of its ancient tradition. The
Chapman family have been running the
hotel for 50 years and in that time it
has acquired a worldwide reputation for
the warmth of its hospitality. Laurels
in the Good Food, RAC and AA Guides also
testify the excellence of its
hospitality.
Located in the heart of England·s
beautiful West Country, the Castle is
the ideal base for exploring a region
rich in history. This is the land of
King Arthur, King Alfred, Lorna Doone·s
Exmoor and the monastic foundations of
Glastonbury and Wells. Roman and Regency
Bath, Longleat House and the majestic
gardens of Stourhead and Hestercombe.
All this and much more can be discovered
within easy driving distance of Taunton.
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Hazlewood
Castle
Set in seventy seven acres of delightful
parkland and historic landscaped
grounds, Hazlewood Castle Hotel offers
elegant private rooms, luxury
accommodation and award winning dining
in an idyllic rural location less than
30 minutes from York and Leeds.
Hazlewood Castle has been in the family
estate of the Vavasours since Norman
times and was mentioned in the Domesday
Book in 1086.
Hazlewood Castle opened in late 1997
after an extensive restoration.
Whilst retaining a relaxing, tranquil
atmosphere in a historic setting
Hazlewood offers an inspiring venue for
mid week or weekend breaks as well as
weddings, meetings and events all set in
an exclusive estate in Yorkshire ideally
located for York, Harrogate, Leeds and
the East Midlands.
The stunning interiors of Hazlewood add
a wonderful dimension to weddings and
family celebrations.
Set your most important family occasions
in a historic background complete with
family chapel and banqueting rooms.
Enjoy our fine catering in buffet style
food or a full banquet menu complete
with fine wines and the best of service.
Possibly one of the country's finest
venues for events and celebrations.
Hazlewood Castle is steeped in a history
of kings, knights and historical links.
The castle location provides the perfect
setting for company or private
celebrations, an intimate dinner for two
or a party of up to 500.
Castle Overview: Hazlewood Castle
History
The recorded history of Hazlewood Castle
starts with the Domesday Book carried
out for King William.
The Domesday Book introduced for the
first time taxation to the country. The
entry is for Sir Mauger the Vavasour
residing in the Hall of a Thane at
Hazlewood.
(Mauger was a Saxon and they only had
the one name! The Normans introduced the
second name as a defining name i.e. your
title or occupation). He was given his
name by the De Percy's.
The Duke of Northumbria who had been
given Northumbria, which began at The
Wash and stretched up the east coast to
Scotland, by King William. He was a
vassal to the King. The name Vavasour
described Mauger as the vassal of a
vassal or the tenant for a greater
tenant.
In 1283 Sir William built on the site of
the Hall of a Thane a manor house i.e.
Great Hall and Pele Tower but as a
result of the Barons' Wars he applied to
the King to crenellate and fortify his
manor. The license was granted in 1290,
transforming the Hall of a Thane into a
castle and his title went to a Baron as
Barons only were allowed to live in a
castle.
The 29th March 1461 saw the War of the
Roses take place on Towton Moor, which
is directly in front of the Castle to
the south and south east (which is the
valley of the River Cock which ran red
with blood from this battle for many a
day after the fight had finished. 70,000
people taking part with 28,000 killed).
The Tudor reign then followed (all the
families from Mauger through to the
Carmelites of 1996 were Catholic). When
Henry outlawed the Catholic Church,
priest holes were added to the Tudor
Tower and an underground passage went to
Crossroads Farm on the A1/A64
crossroads. These were imperative as the
priest if caught would be hung, drawn
and quartered and the person aiding or
abetting him hung!
In 1908 the Vavasours leave Hazlewood
after 900 years and go to the Awatere
Valley near Marlborough in New Zealand,
and begin vineyards.
Mr. Simpson, a solicitor, bought the
Castle and he and descendent families
were here until 1953. During the Second
World War from 1939 to June 1953 the
Castle was requisitioned as a maternity
hospital.
Mr. Fawcett then bought the Castle and
they still reside just down the lane
from the Castle (Mr. Fawcett married the
great grand-daughter of the Vavasours,
so a member of the family moved back on
site for a few years.)
In 1958 the Castle was sold to a Mr.
Donald Hart, who expressed a desire to
the Bishop of Leeds that the Castle
would make a nice place to be used as a
retreat.
To avoid gift taxes the Castle was sold
to the Carmelite Friars who opened the
Castle in 1971 as a retreat until 1996,
when it was closed and put up for sale.
Hazlewood Castle Hotel opened on the 1st
October 1997 having been sympathetically
restored. Please drive carefully within
the grounds, looking after our bunnies
and Hazlewood black cats! Old Tom sits
on the reception steps..stop and say
hello!
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Swinton Park
An exclusive 30 bedroom luxury castle
hotel.
With 4 Red Stars and 3 Rosettes awarded
by the AA for excellent facilities, high
levels of service and quality of
cuisine, this is one of the highest
rated hotels in Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Swinton Park is the ancestral home of
the Cunliffe-Lister family and is set in
200 acres of parkland, lakes and
gardens. The castle is surrounded by the
family estate in which guests have
access to rivers, reservoirs, moorland,
dales and the beautiful Yorkshire
countryside.
Lavishly furnished, this is a unique
opportunity to enjoy a stately home
experience, combining the traditional
warmth of a family home with all the
modern creature comforts of a
contemporary hotel. Each of the 30
spacious bedrooms is individually
designed, with a choice of views across
the gardens, lake, parkland or
gatehouse. Award winning cuisine is
served in the sumptuously furnished
dining room, with an emphasis on the
seasonal produce sourced from the
hotel's four acre walled garden and
surrounding estate.
The recently refurbished spa, is
equipped with a sauna, jacuzzi and
relaxation zone. The five treatment
rooms offer a wide range of face, body,
beauty and complementary therapies,
using the [comfort zone], Jane Iredale
and Jessica ranges of products.
The restored Georgian stables have been
recently converted into a state of the
art Cookery School, run by celebrity
chef Rosemary Shrager.
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