Photos courtesy of The Otterburn Tower
A cousin of William the Conqueror founded Otterburn Tower in 1086 as a defensive measure to keep the marauding Scots at bay. The Scots weren’t easy to repel, however. In 1388 the bloody Battle of Otterburn threatened to destroy the tower.
In the late 16th century, Otterburn Tower came into possession of the powerful Hall clan, whose most famous member was one “Mad Jack Hall,” a well-known justice of the peace and Jacobite hanged for treason.
Over the centuries a spacious dwelling was built around the tower and additions were made. In 1812 the poet and author Sir Walter Scott was a guest.
Otterburn Tower has operated as a hotel since 1947, with only a few years closure when ownership changed hands.
Pamela’s Perspective
In a country with extraordinarily expensive accommodation, Otterburn Castle Hotel is one of the more affordable choices. Convenient to exploring England’s North East, ask the friendly staff for suggestions on all the area has to offer.
Splurge on the Library Room; its the best one in the hotel.
The Otterburn Castle Hotel
A 14th-century castle
Contact
Otterburn
Northumberland NE19 1NS
Tel: ++44 (0)1830 520620
Fax: ++44 (0)1830 521504
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
18 rooms
Double rooms: £130–210
Rates include breakfast
Open: all year
Getting there
Otterburn is 25 miles north of Newcastle. Otterburn may be found off A696, which is the main Newcastle to Edinburgh road. Buses connect from Newcastle.
What to do
Nearby: hiking; birding; fishing; horseback riding; golf; stone age sites; Hadrian’s Wall
Weddings
Yes. Civil ceremonies. Inquire hotel for details.
Situated in the heart of Northumberland National Park, Otterburn Castle Hotel makes an excellent base to explore the natural wonders of England’s North East.
An open log fireplace, oak paneling, and leaded windows help set the atmosphere of another era. There’s a bit of an old-fashioned ambience to the hotel, which gives it its charm and character.
Comfy guest rooms have all the modern conveniences, and if you want something special, opt for the Library Room, with its four-poster bed and bookcases lining the wall.
Surrounded by 32 acres of lawns and woodland, the hotel grounds are adjacent to the village of Otterburn.
The hotel’s restaurant, the Oak Room, has won a number of awards, priding itself on using fresh, local produce, meat, and seasonal fresh trout and salmon from the nearby Rede River.
Something special
Great location in Northumberland National Park