ONE of the North East’s most historic venues is turning back the clock next month, for a bank holiday break with a difference.
On Sunday 3 May, four star Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is holding an Elizabethan-style banquet and offering an overnight stay at a special rate for diners and partygoers.
The 600-year-old venue’s dungeons will open for drinks at 7pm, before guests are piped into the opulent Baron’s Hall for a five course feast, served by Ladies of the Court and eaten with a dagger instead of cutlery.
To accompany dishes, such as sticky pork ribs and honey-baked chicken diners are served red wine and mead in earthenware goblets.
Meanwhile, in between courses, the Castle’s Lord Chamberlain entertains diners with tales of yore and local legends – including the sorrowful story of Lily of Lumley who was thrown into the castle’s well by priests and whose ghost has been seen by countless visitors and staff over the years.
Throughout the evening the Lords and Ladies of the Court, dressed in period costume, perform sketches and songs and guests can round off the evening with a disco in the dungeon.
Those wishing to extend the evening can then spend the night in an opulent bedroom in the converted stables, which adjoin the castle, before enjoying a full English breakfast the following morning.
“Our Elizabethan Banquets really show Lumley at its majestic, historic best,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Nola Collinson.
“This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a bank holiday break in spectacular surroundings with a great evening of entertainment.”
Lumley’s Elizabethan Banquet, Bed and Breakfast package is priced at £75 per person.
For more information, or to book, call 0191 389 1111, email info@lumleycastle.com or visitwww.lumleycastle.com.