- Play Hard
- 27th Aug 2025
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Stay in Augill Castle – where you can make your own history near The Lake District
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Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, you’ll find one of Cumbria’s best-kept secrets – Augill Castle.
A 19th-century Victorian castle set in the heart of the Eden Valley, this award-winning staycation spot is a dream for families, couples and anyone in need of a real escape.
Forget stuffy formality or hotel chains with no personality. Augill Castle is unique. It’s family-owned, full of quirks and character and built on warm home comforts.
It’s a place where you can let go, relax and feel at home in a castle.
STEP INSIDE AUGILL CASTLE
Augill Castle offers something elusive – space, time and connection. Whether that’s reconnecting with loved ones, taking a break from busy schedules or simply recharging in peaceful surroundings, Augill Castle has created a sanctuary where you can be your best selves.
There’s something deeply personal about staying at Augill Castle. It’s been a family home for over two decades, and that shows in the way it’s run. Guests often say they feel more like friends than customers – welcomed into a home that just happens to be a castle.
Every corner is packed with character, from Victorian-style bathrooms to antique décor and original windows. Rumour even has it that Queen Victoria once stayed here on her way to Balmoral.
What we love is the atmosphere shifts through seasons. During school holidays, the Augill Castle buzzes with families exploring every corner. Visit midweek in quieter months and you may have the place almost to yourself – the perfect backdrop for a romantic retreat. Either way, you’ll find a warmth and friendliness that’s hard to match.
It’s no wonder Augill Castle has picked up awards like VisitEngland’s Guest Accommodation of the Year, a Sawday’s Special Place to Stay award and the coveted Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award.
SLEEPING IN A CASTLE
All of Augill Castle’s bedrooms and suites have their own character. Think antique furniture, deep baths, dreamy linen and high ceilings. Some rooms have sweeping views of the Eden Valley countryside, while others are full of intimate charm.
Whether you choose a cosy garden suite for a family stay or one of the grander castle bedrooms for a romantic escape, you’ll find thoughtful touches everywhere – huge towels, fluffy robes and locally sourced toiletries. It feels indulgent yet homely, a balance that makes you want to stay longer.
A TASTE OF THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
Food at Augill Castle is all about generosity and flavour. Breakfast is the best way to start your morning with farm-fresh eggs, local bread and hot dishes cooked to order.
Dinner in the restaurant (served Wednesday to Saturday) showcases seasonal, hearty dishes with a global twist, while Sundays are reserved for traditional two-sitting lunches.
And then there’s afternoon tea – reinvented. Out go dainty finger sandwiches, in come savoury sliders, tartlets and creative bites, alongside homemade cakes and Wendy’s famous meringues with fresh strawberries.
Of course, no castle stay is complete without a good bar, and Augill Castle has gone one better. The Great British Bar champions independent distillers, brewers and producers from across the UK. At its heart is the castle’s very own 1837 Gin, infused with honey from the Eden Valley, lavender from the gardens and blackcurrant leaves from nearby hedgerows. A true taste of Cumbria in a glass.
PERFECT BASE FOR ADVENTURE
Location-wise, Augill Castle couldn’t be better placed. On one side lies the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, and on the other, the fells and lakes of the Lake District. Whether you’re into long hikes, cycling, wild swimming or simply exploring picture-perfect villages and cosy pubs, it’s an unbeatable base for adventure.
But if your idea of heaven is curling up by the fire with a book or sinking into a deep bath with a wine after a long country walk, then Augill Castle has you covered too.
PERFECT FOR FAMILIES, COUPLES AND CELEBRATIONS
Augill Castle has a special way of adapting to its guests. Families will love the dedicated playroom packed with board games, DVDs and space for little ones to let off steam. Couples can retreat into the quieter corners of the castle for a truly romantic escape.
It’s also an unforgettable setting for weddings, birthdays and private parties. With its beautifully decorated rooms, candlelit dining spaces and acres of surrounding farmland, it feels like stepping into your own storybook celebration.
MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY
In a world that feels fast-paced and impersonal, Augill Castle offers something truly unique – a chance to slow down, connect and create memories in a setting straight out of a fairytale.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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