A COUNTRY house hotel has built a pavilion, named after a former owner, in its grounds to host outdoor wedding ceremonies.

Walworth Castle Hotel, near Darlington, is officially launching Lady Palmer’s Pavilion at a special event on Wednesday, May 17, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Lady Palmer owned Walworth Castle until 1935 as a private residence.

Castle owner Rachel Swain said: “We feel that this is a key part of the castle’s history and should be celebrated. My husband and I have owned Walworth Castle since 2000 and we are passionate about restoring the castle to its former glory.

“This pavilion in the grounds of the castle includes a ceremony garden and will be licensed for civil ceremonies from tomorrow, which just turned out to be our wedding anniversary.

“If a couple chooses to have their ceremony in the pavilion, we will also have a room ready inside in case the weather is bad. We only have one wedding a day at the castle so it’s easy to do that.”

Darlington Mayor Brian Jones is officially opening the pavilion and garden. To book, call 01325 485470.