The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
The Good Hotel Guide
About Us
Independent
Recommended
Trusted
Independent
Recommended
Trusted
Augill Castle
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
With its towers and battlements this Victorian-folly castle, in 15 acres of grounds, looks imposing yet 'you actually feel like it is your castle'.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
With its towers and battlements this Victorian-folly castle, in 15 acres of grounds, looks imposing yet 'you actually feel like it is your castle'. 'A magical place to stay,' says a reader on a return visit. 'Quirky, unique and delightful, with the warmest of welcomes.' 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 very family friendly. Bedrooms in the castle might feature turrets for wardrobes, floor-to-ceiling Gothic windows, a four-poster or Victorian chaise longue. They are eccentrically furnished with sale-room finds, bold wallpapers and 'sumptuous bedding, towels and robes'. Bathrooms are huge, some with a roll-top bath. Evening meals in the former Music Room might include braised supreme of guinea fowl with pearl barley risotto or wild mushroom arancini with chilli tomato sauce. An 'amazing breakfast' includes freshly squeezed orange juice, smoked salmon and scrambled egg, and egg Florentine. 'Each time it feels better. Wendy and Simon continue to improve the offering.' (Timothy Allen, Steve Marshall)
Hotel Details
Address
South Stainmore, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4DE, England
Telephone
Bedroom
12, including 4 in the Orangery and Stables. 1 suitable for wheelchair user.
Openings
all year, restaurant open Wed-Sun Apr-Oct and Thurs-Sat Nov-Mar.
Background Music
light jazz/piano in dining room.
Children
all ages welcomed (family rooms, or extra bed £25).
Dogs
In Orangery and Stables rooms (£20), not in castle public rooms.
Credit Cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £160. Small plates £10 each. 1-night bookings often refused at weekends.
Facilities
hall, sitting room, dining room, bar, conservatory, music room, library, in-room TV, civil wedding licence, 15-acre grounds (tennis), EV charging, public rooms wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.
Location
IN THE MEDIA
Reader's Digest
6 best hotels to treat your mum for Mother's DayLuxury Lifestyle Magazine
10 of the top UK hotels for a luxury Christmas in 2022Britain magazine
The 10 best British country house hotelsThe Mirror
Best romantic boltholes in the UK