Fodor's Expert Review Langley Castle

Close your eyes and picture an English castle: you're probably seeing Langley, a lavish 14th-century fortification complete with turrets and battlements. Today, the castle is a romantic hotel, offering large, well-appointed rooms—both in the castle and out in the grounds (with castle views)—as well as one of the region's best fine-dining experiences. The romantic baronial dining room, with little candlelit alcoves draped in rich fabric, offers an excellent three-course prix-fixe menu of traditional English dishes with Italian twists; think ravioli stuffed with ox cheek. There's also a lighter (and cheaper) snack menu, served in the equally attractive drawing room. Langley Castle is six miles west of Hexham. Stick around after breakfast for the free morning tour of the battlements.