Good breakfast and lovely location but a bit difficult to find

Booked with friends of ours. Bit of a mix up at reception on arrival, booked for 2 double rooms and we were given a double and a twin. Complained and they gave us a room in the ground floor and a room upstairs. As our friend had mobility issues we said we would have the upstairs room. They had barely got into the room which was exceptionally small when they were transferred to an upstairs room. The room they were given was twice the size of ours which was a bit of a disappointment as we expected the same size room as we had both paid the same. Other than that we couldn't fault the stay. Exceptional staff, lovely food and superb atmosphere.

From arriving to leaving everything was perfect. All staff friendly and would do anything to help. Receptionist even give us a tour of the dungeon and told us so much history about the building itself (we told them we were on a holiday touring castles and abbeys)Food was amazing. We had evening meal and breakfast and couldn't fault it. Room was spotless with everything we needed. Water bottle when leaving was such a lovely gesture too.

The walls between the rooms are very thin. Next door to us when he closed his door, shook our entire wall. We could hear them putting clothes away in wardrobe and could hear them walking around their room.

The castle is great, a comfy lounge near the bar for guests. the restaurant and evening meal was delicious and of large portions (we shouldn’t have had the starter 🫣) and breakfast of good quality and plenty of choice set us up for the days travels. We’d like to thank Ashley for the Dungeon tour and information given, love it and she went above and beyond when they were busy. The staff were lovely. And the room comfy enough with a nice printout with best wishes for our anniversary being a lovely touch.

Unfortunately our room (25) was above the fans, which ran all night. The room was a little tired and could have been cleaned better (marks on carpet and muck on skirting under window. The bathroom window also had. no privacy glass or film, so you had to close the blind constantly. Nothing major and we would return, just small issues.

Was very pleased to be allocated a room in the castle. Excellent large modern shower room, I had requested a walk in shower for medical reasons and the staff were vey helpful, this was perfect. Staff very helpful in all areas.

Only slight hitch was a long wait for breakfast on the first morning. Understood the reasons as breakfast was busy with wedding guests from the previous night but a 40 minute wait was too much for my husband. Have to say that day 2 breakfast was fine and we had 2 very good evening meals in the restaurant.

The castle location surrounded by fields , the staff are very friendly and couldn’t do enough to help . my son is autistic and they were very understanding of need and the breakfast staff were brilliant! The first hotel that I’ve stayed at where the breakfast is hot. House keeping very good as was the food especially the portions

having an electric car it advertises free electric charge but unfortunately would take 27 hours from empty and only one therefore couldn’t charge car overnight . There’s not enough milk for overnight drinks and room service is £5 to get drinks to room

The room was a little on the small side but there again it's only for sleeping in ! but it was nice and clean and was cleaned every day during our stay . The staff couldn't have been more helpful . I found the room slightly chilly on our first night and when I mentioned it at reception and said I'd be quite happy with a portable heater one was outside the door within 5 minutes .I did enjoy breakfast , which was freshly cooked and served in the dining room which was in the older part of the castle . It's in a quiet location but extremely handy for the M1 . We will definitely return :)

We Had an excellent night at the castle, beautiful historical building, with lots of stunning original character. The restaurant, the dungeon, the beautiful detail in every room. The 1189 restaurant had an exceptional choice especially, for us being vegan, there was a great menu, and every dish was outstanding. The Best vegan dishes ,we have eaten in any restaurant by far !!! 5* ,to the chef for his creativity and choice ,the vegan menu was truly exceptional. Thank you. Also to all the staff who were just excellent ,so warm and friendly and attentive. Something you don't see every day. To the housekeeping ,the rooms we're spotless ,cosy ,and just delightful. We will definitely be back and recommend 100% .

Nothing.

the castle, rooms and restaurant we great, we really enjoyed the experience. We also got a guided tour of the dungeon and ground before we left, a great stay overtall.

The only thing we didn't like was finding out via the advertisements around the wall that we could have paid so much less for the whole experience. We booked in December 2022 to lock in our room and paid 215GBP. In addition we paid for meals and drinks for dinner. Our price included breakfast. The flyer on the wall promoted an equivalent price of 159 GBP but included a glass of prosecco, chocolate dipped straw berry, a 2 course dinner and breakfast. With the cost of our meals we probably paid about 100 GBP more, so you can see we're not very happy.

This is my second stay and this time I upgraded to a castle room to be honest it was nice to be in the castle but the room was no better than the west wing I stayed in previously so maybe should have gone for the serious upgrade Like a four poster bed room But for it being a work trip I didn't feel I could justify it. From reception onwards all the staff are friendly and helpful the rooms are clean and well appointed. I learnt from the last visit about the Meal portions so only had the main in the restaurant as the portions are very generous. Outside there is plenty of parking and its only 5-10 minutes from Darlington where I needed to be next day. I cannot fault this place it cost the same to stay as the Premier Inn in Darlington the same night and although the Meal is more pricey there is no comparison Castle or Chain Hotel .....

I loved that you could upgrade your room by a bid option but i don't feel the the basic upgrade option to have a room in the castle unless you really go for it, was worth it the rooms in the west wing were equally as nice as the one I had this time. I cannot fault this place.

The setting is lovely and it was only a short trip to Darlington where I was going to be working, The reception was friendly and efficient, the rooms comfortable and well furnished. It had a good hospitality tray and bathroom was large and clean. There was plenty of parking and some lovely gardens to walk around if you arrive in daylight.

I stayed in the West wing which is a bit of a trek from the main building if you are up stairs and at the gatehouse end! otherwise you couldn't fault it. Now if you are using the restaurant be warned the Portion sizes are HUGE if like me you like a good meal seriously forget a starter or pudding unless you have starved all day and you don't want food waste