Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Otterburn Castle is a Gothic Revival country house in Northumberland National Park, run today as a boutique hotel, event venue and dining destination. It offers 17 en-suite bedrooms inside a Grade II listed building, set in 32 acres of deer park and woodland.

A thousand years of history

The first stronghold on the site was founded in 1086 by a cousin of William the Conqueror, a Norman fortress guarding England’s northern frontier. In 1388 the surrounding land saw the Battle of Otterburn, in which Scottish forces led by James Douglas faced an English army under Henry “Hotspur” Percy. Both commanders were captured, and the battle was later retold in ballads across Europe.

The estate passed to Clan Hall, and the present building dates from 1830, when Thomas James, a magistrate, rebuilt it using stones from the old medieval fortress. It became a Grade II listed building on 7 January 1988.

Staying here

The 17 bedrooms are all en suite. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is at 11am. Early check-in is possible from 11:30am at half the room rate, or from 1pm for a fee, and late check-out until noon is also available, subject to availability and best arranged ahead with the team.

In-room gym kits are complimentary for guests, with resistance bands, yoga blocks, a ball, workout dice and a yoga mat, to use in the room or in the castle gardens.

Eating and drinking

TEPÉ is the farm-to-table restaurant, built around local ingredients and seasonal menus, and it is open to non-residents. A Ride at Dawn espresso bar serves coffee and tea for early risers, and a pub is planned in the castle’s stable.

Weddings and practical notes

Weddings are a large part of the business: the venue is licensed and the ceremony space holds up to 250 people. Parking is available on site, with EV charging. The hotel describes itself as ideal for romantic stays and special occasions.