Our Northumberland castle hotel, Langley Castle, is launching ‘Wizardly Wonderful’ kids breaks for the February half-term holidays, as well as an exciting Potions 11 competition for children, which will fully engage them during their stay.
The atmospheric and imposing castle will be known as Haydonwarts during the period between February 15 and 25, when children will be able to check out some weirdly similar features to those of the castle at which a certain bespectacled wizard studied.
A great February half term family break
If they can tear themselves away from the cupboard under the stairs (once linked to an underground tunnel, allegedly leading to the local village of Haydon Bridge) and the dramatic Hogwartsesque staircase, they will revel in the opportunity to play wizard (or witch).
Whether they enlist shiny knight Gilbert or castle mascot, Langley Bear, as an ally, or are told the secret of the Grey Lady ghost, they will have a fantastic time on a true voyage into an imaginary world – and all in a castle said to have inspired J K Rowling, when she visited.
A young wizard’s dream
All of this can become a young wizard’s dream, in a truly authentic medieval castle dating back to 1350, with nooks and crannies in which to hide from enemies and window seats set into the seven-feet-thick walls that are perfect for a spot of inter-wizard whispering.
Gowns will be available for children’s dress-up and Harry Potter spectacles might even be on offer to kids wanting to live out their fantasies. Both could be worn on the daily Battlements Tour, which will allow kids and their parents to fully appreciate the wonders of Haydonwarts and even perhaps have a wand fight on the battlements.
Children can also explore the woodland areas around the castle, perfect for finding a wood wand and appreciating the magic of nature. This will also inspire their entry into the castle’s Potions 11 competition – brand new for 2024.
All-year Potions 11 Competition
Every month from February to December, one young wizard, who conjures up a written formula for the best suggested potion, using items they can find in or around the castle, and gives it a brilliant name and suggested use, will become a monthly winner. The prize is a Langley Bear for the child and a 10% money-off voucher for a return visit to the castle, for their accompanying adults.
Potions 11 entries can be submitted during their stay and handed in at reception. The monthly winner will be decided on the last day of each month.
Family-friendly accommodation for young wizards
Accommodation for families wanting to enjoy a Wizardly Wonderful kids break can be either in the castle itself, or in the Castle View or Castle Lodge accommodation in the grounds. Family rooms inside the castle are priced according to room, which are categorised as either Feature or Deluxe. February half-term bed and breakfast rates are from £270 per night, for a family room for two adults and two children inside the castle.
Bed and breakfast rates for a room in the grounds start at £205. Breakfast is a full Northumbrian breakfast, sure to fire up any young wizard. A dinner option can also be added and wizarding families might also like to book an afternoon tea during their stay – sure to cast a spell over anyone, when served in the exquisite chandelier-filled Drawing Room.
More details about the castle are at www.langleycastle.co.uk and you can book your Wizardly Wonderful break by calling 01434 688888.