Augill Castle

Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

With its towers and battlements this Victorian-folly castle, in 15 acres of grounds, looks imposing yet is ‘a wonderful place to relax, kick back and take it easy’. More

Good Hotel Guide Review

With its towers and battlements this Victorian-folly castle, in 15 acres of grounds, looks imposing yet is ‘a wonderful place to relax, kick back and take it easy’. Owners Simon and Wendy Bennett have furnished the huge rooms – wood panelling, ornate ceilings – in a grandly shabby, homely style. Family photographs and cushion-heaped window seats complement the antiques. ‘It is quirky but very welcoming’ and ‘family-friendly’, report readers. ‘Our girls had a blast around the gardens.’ Bedrooms in the castle and separate buildings range from big to vast. Eccentrically furnished with saleroom finds, bold wallpapers and ‘sumptuous bedding, towels and robes’, they might have a four-poster or Victorian chaise longue. Bathrooms are huge, some with a roll-top bath. Evening meals in the former Music Room might include spiced venison haunch with celeriac purée, and local lamb with parsnip mash. An ‘amazing breakfast’ includes freshly squeezed orange juice, smoked salmon and scrambled egg, and field mushroom and poached egg Florentine. ‘A fantastic experience and cannot wait to rebook.’ (Guillaume Post, Mark Vincent, and others)

Hotel details

Address

South Stainmore
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
CA17 4DE
England

Telephone

01768 341937

Bedrooms

13. 8 in main castle, 5 in stables and orangery, 2 on ground floor, 1 suitable for disabled.

Open

all year, restaurant closed Mon/Tues.

Facilities

hall, sitting room, 2 dining rooms, bar, conservatory, private dining room, in-room TV (Freeview), civil wedding licence, 15-acre grounds (tennis), EV charging, public rooms wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.

Background music

light jazz/piano in dining room.

Children

all ages welcomed (family rooms, or extra bed £25).

Dogs

allowed in 4 bedrooms (£10 per night, by arrangement, welcome pack), not public rooms.

Credit cards

Amex, MC, Visa.

Prices

B&B doubles from £220. 2-course meal £38, 3-courses £45. 1-night bookings often refused at weekends.