Augill Castle

Rooms

Augill Castle’s rooms range from romantic doubles to self-contained cottages, converted from the old gatehouse and stables. Wherever you stay, expect thick swathes of curtain, old armoires, four-posters dressed in crisp linen, vintage luggage and the odd wall hanging. Don’t expect lots of chintz. Instead, you might find an Indonesian blow pipe, an old gramophone player or a wardrobe in a turret.

Those in the main castle are the most traditional: on our first visit we stayed in Appleby, a large room with rich red walls at the end of the long corridor. It has creaky wooden steps down to a big bathroom with a four-poster tub (!) and a brilliant rainshower. We also loved the claw-foot tub in Derwent & Raisebeck.

The old Orangery rooms offer huge arched windows; Greystoke’s pretty doorway is enchanting.

The converted outhouses are more modern and have added privacy. On our most recent visit, our family stayed in the Little Castle Estate House, a two-storey mini house with a bedroom with a brass bed, two bathrooms, a small kitchenette, and a small gravelled garden terrace outside. Best for families is The Coach House which sleeps 8-10 in four double bedrooms (one of which can be a twin) and features two bathrooms, a large sitting room (plus baby grand piano) and private outdoor seating in the castle's courtyard.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• WiFi

Eating

Dining at Augill takes place in The Music Room, a grand space set in what was once the castle’s ballroom. Dinner (served Wednesday-Sunday) is a contemporary small plates format, with a focus on locally-sourced produce from the Eden Valley combined with flavours of the world. We tucked into a small but tasty starter of pickled beetroot, goats cheese mousse and red onion marmalade, followed by a delicious loin of cod with mussels, clams, crushed new potatoes, spinach, and a white wine and garlic sauce. Dessert was a classic creme brulee.

Afternoon tea is also available here every day until 5pm (with or without bubbles). They've modernised it by re-imagining old favourites, swapping out finger sandwiches for paninis or mini tartlets. Of course, scones with jam and clotted cream come as standard.

After our meal, we relaxed at the castle’s Great British Bar (in the Conservatory), which tends to stock drinks from independent British producers. Simon and Wendy will happily recommend something for you based on your tastes - maybe a cocktail or two. We enjoyed a delicious Lemon Bon Bon made with toffee vodka.

In the morning, our breakfast took a good hour to devour: fruit and porridge, freshly-squeezed orange juice, homemade breads and croissants, Augill Eggs Florentine and Full English with Cumberland sausage and bacon.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Communal dining
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant

Activities

• The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Northumbrian National Park are all on your doorstep; Hadrian’s Wall is also close
  
• The Pennines lie behind you, so follow ancient footpaths and walk your socks off
  
• Alternatively, stay at the castle and play croquet on the lawn or tennis at the back
  
• Afternoon teas are available daily, and are particularly tempting when taken in the garden during summer
  
• Catch a movie in the 12-seat cinema - you can buy popcorn, too!

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Tennis

Kids

Augill Castle extends a warm welcome to younger guests, with a friendly teddy bear on their bed on arrival, and a library filled with books, toys and a bulging dressing up box. And what could be more exciting for any child than staying in a real castle?!

Your're also well placed for outdoorsy activities in the Lake District, whether that's learning to sail like Swallows and Amazons or trying out the newer attractions like the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

So many options: The Coach House sleeps 8 across 4 double/twin rooms, plus another 2 kids in a spare room, and boasts a large living room and outdoor seating; The Orangery Family Suite sleeps up to 4; The Little Castle House can take a child on an extra bed. Interconnecting Derwent & Raisebeck is a good option for families with older children. Book the whole place out for a big family gathering!

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 2 hours
• Doctor: 15 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Augill Castle is located 6 miles from Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria's Eden Valley. Ten minutes to the south are the Yorkshire Dales and half an hour to the west is the Lake District.

By Air
Teesside International (68km) is 45 minutes’ drive or Newcastle International (125km) is 75 minutes away.

By Car:
Take M6 exit junction 38, then A685 north through Kirkby Stephen. Just before Brough, take right signed South Stainmore; house is signed on left after 1 mile. If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations.

By Train:
The nearest train station is Kirkby Stephen, which is on the Settle-Carlisle line, with the only direct route from Leeds & Carlisle. Darlington, which is on the east coast line, is 50 minutes away & Penrith, which is on the west coast line, is 30 minutes away.

By Bus:
Please note public transport is very limited in this area.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.