Haunted Lumley Castle with ‘Narnia’ rooms and hidden bathroom

Lumley Castle, a 14th-century fortress overlooking Chester-Le-Street, has been attracting attention on social media thanks to glowing reviews from travel creators documenting their stays.

Originally built by Sir Ralph Lumley in the late 1300s, the County Durham landmark now operates as a luxury hotel, blending modern comfort with centuries-old charm.

TikToker Kirsten (@thoughtsforfood_) recently shared her experience of a two-night stay, describing her feature room as “like Narnia” because the bathroom was concealed behind a wardrobe door.

She praised the castle’s “amazing” interiors, including its corridors, bar, and dining areas, and highlighted the Library Bar and restaurant as particularly “cosy” and “full of character.”

Events are a key part of the Lumley Castle experience, with the hotel hosting everything from murder mystery evenings and paranormal experiences to outdoor cinema screenings.

During Kiersten’s visit, guests gathered in the castle grounds to watch Harry Potter beneath the castle walls—a moment she described as one of the trip’s highlights.

But while luxury and events draw many visitors, the castle’s enduring reputation is built on something far more mysterious.

Snug area inside Lumley Castle (Image: Tripadvisor)

The Ghost of Lady Lumley

Lumley Castle has become synonymous with the legend of Lady Lily Lumley , widely regarded as the castle’s most famous ghost.

According to local folklore, Lady Lumley was murdered by two priests after refusing to convert to Catholicism and was thrown down a well within the castle grounds.

Legend says her spirit still haunts the corridors and grounds.

The tale has become such a central part of the castle’s identity that many guests arrive hoping to experience a paranormal encounter of their own.

Reports over the years have included sightings of apparitions, unexplained noises and strange disturbances throughout the building.

The castle’s haunted reputation has spread far beyond the North East.

Visiting international cricket teams, including players from the West Indies and Australia, have famously spoken of unsettling experiences while staying there, helping cement Lumley Castle’s status as one of the region’s best-known haunted locations.

During her stay, Kirsten admitted the story left her feeling uneasy, telling viewers “Things like that creep me out, so I did get a bit scared.”

Whether visitors are drawn by the history, the grandeur, the packed events calendar or the possibility of a ghostly encounter, Lumley Castle continues to offer something few hotels can match: the chance to spend a night in one of the North East’s most legendary buildings.

Other reported phenomena include objects being moved and glasses knocked from tables, which some guests attribute to a mischievous spirit known as Black Jack.