Mrs Beardo and I are visiting Northumberland and Newcastle in mid-September for a week or so. Pretty sorted in terms of staying in most places, but want to spend a few days on Hadrian's Wall (based in Hexham). Its not a part of the county I know all that well - can anyone recommend a hotel? What is this place Langley Castle like? Also in Newcastle - what are the hotels on the quayside like?

Expense is no option. I paid for the honeymoon so Mrs B is picking the tab up for this trip!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Answers

Langley Castle is situated just outside Haydon Bridge, about 7 miles west of Hexham. Never been there but I know a couple of lads that worked there and it is probably the best place to stay in the area if expense is no option. Ideal for the Wall as well.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

mate-

try the swallow in Humshaugh, or Slaley Hall in Slaley is smart - especially if you like Golf the Angel in Corbridge is historic whilst not the most refined

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

The Swallow Hotel at Humshaugh is called The George and I used to work there when a lad, nice setting and decent hotel.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

DeBuilder - when were you working at the George out of interest ?

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

It must have been around 1990-91 ish. I worked as the porter during one summer, shit job, shit pay and working for tossers, who I hope you are not one of!!! ;0)

-- Anonymous, August 24, 2000

Well you weren't working for me De Builder, but that's not to say I'm not a bit of a tosser anyway !!

I actually worked at the George as a waiter for about 10 months in 1985-86 after leaving school. Had a cracking time, though it definitely wasn't well paid I'm sure you'd agree ?

I'd barely given a thought to the George in ages, so this is the freaky bit (well for me at least). There was a Mackem lass there who used to work with us as a receptionist. Last week I just 'happened' to be watching one of those crappy Funniest Wedding Video TV programmes, and who should pop up being interviewed but the very same lass. (Apparently she'd married some prat who'd crashed on his way to the service, refused hospital and painkillers so he could act the hero being carried into church in a wheelchair, passed out during the service and had to be carted off in an ambulance etc etc.) And then you go mention the next day or so that you worked there too. Small world innit ?

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000