Milwood Hotels acquires Walworth Castle Hotel

Milwood Hotels has acquired Walworth Castle Hotel near Darlington, County Durham for an undisclosed sum.

The mediaeval castle was built near the end of the 12th Century by the Hansard family, who owned it for nearly four hundred years until it was sold to Thomas Jenison in 1576.

During the Jenison family ownership, which lasted around two centuries, the castle hosted King James VI of Scotland on his way to be crowned King James I of England, and the room in which he stayed is now named the Bridal Suite.

From the mid-18th Century until the middle of the 20th Century, ownership of the castle passed through the hands of several wealthy local families before being used by Durham Light Infantry during World War II. The castle then became a school for girls, before being converted to a hotel by a private owner.

The castle has been sold by Chris and Rachel Swain, who have owned the hotel for 25 years and refurbished the rooms and public areas, preserving and restoring much of the character and historic features.

Boasting 32 bedrooms including four-poster rooms and suites, The Cardinal’s Court banqueting room, Hansard’s Restaurant, a bar, a selection of function rooms, and even a dungeon which is licensed for civil ceremonies, the castle is a “profitable” hotel and wedding venue set in around 12 acres of lawns and woodland. It also includes a stone-built lodge and a two-bedroom holiday cottage.
Millwood Hotels Limited plan to continue to operate the premises as a hotel, restaurant, wedding and function venue.

Christie and Co assisted in the sale of Walworth Castle Hotel.

Chris and Rachel Swain said: “It has been a privilege to own Walworth Castle, given its illustrious history and stunning architecture. What’s more, it has been a tremendously enjoyable experience, dealing with some wonderful customers across the years, many of whom chose our hotel for their holidays, special occasions, and weddings.

“We could not have achieved this without the help of our loyal, dedicated and talented team who, we are pleased to say, will remain in place. We leave with a heavy heart, but the time has come for us to move on and to pass the reins to the new owners.”

Milwood Hotels said: “We are delighted to take ownership of Walworth Castle and recognise the great responsibility we have being custodians of this historic building. We are committed to delivering the highest levels of service and providing investment when required to help maintain and develop the building and our offering. We would also like to place on record our thanks to Chris and Rachel as well as Mark Worley of Christie and Co.”

Mark Worley, Hospitality director at Christie and Co, concluded: “There are only a handful of hotels in the north of England, indeed across the country, which are actual castles and Walworth is a superb example of a wonderful mediaeval building incorporating a very successful and highly regarded business. We are very pleased to be able to help Chris and Rachel achieve a sale enabling them to move to the next phase of their lives and equally pleased that the hotel remains in good hands with further investment planned.”