Augill Castle isn’t really a castle. It’s a mad building, a proper folly, built in the 1800s by a demented lawyer. But that’s not the point. It looks like a castle, feels like a castle and everything about the place is fun. It’s a charming, bonkers place where you get to sleep, eat and hang out in a strange, dare we say it, magical, environment. With its lavish wood panelling, characterful furnishings and dramatic turrets, Augill Castle is about as far from a conventional bed and breakfast as it’s possible to get. Its rooms vary in size and style but are either in the main castle (eccentric, grandiose, plush) or its surrounding estate and garden (modern, conventional, comfortable).
Aside from the castle’s inherent castley-ness, Augill’s main attraction is its context. Nestled in eye-wateringly picturesque countryside, the hotel sort of exists both in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. A hiker’s dream, in other worlds. It’s also, despite the setting, a surprisingly informal place. Mooching around the castle and its 15-acre grounds, having a drink in the Music Room, playing a board game, it’s all very casual. Anyone wanting something a bit more hair-raising, meanwhile, can book nearby activities like canyoning, kayaking and mountain biking.
In terms of food, the kitchen is open for proper dinners from Wednesday to Saturday, with a more straightforward supper served on the other days. The chef does a good line in locally sourced, seasonal produce; definitely a cut above normal hotel fare. Afternoon tea’s served every day too, if you like that sort of thing. We also liked the charmingly shonky (but well-stocked) bar at the end of the building, which feels very much like a boozy labour of love. A bit like the whole place.
Part of the eviivo Collective, a browsable collection of independent, one-of-a-kind European hotels including windmills, castles and treehouse cabins, Augill Castle is perfect for families wanting the kind of getaway that will live long in the memory.
