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Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

If you’ve always dreamt of staying in your very own castle, then Augill is the place for you.

A 19th-century pile built in mock-medieval style, complete with turrets, towers and castellated ‘battlements’, it’s actually a very welcoming family home: owners Simon and Wendy Bennett have restored it with passion and care, and do their best to make it a relaxed, friendly home away from home.

Rooms are suitably grand – many have four-poster beds, clawfoot baths and antique furniture – but it feels stylish rather than stuffy. More contemporary rooms are available in the estate’s old stables and cottages.

Surrounding area

The castle sits in its own private gardens, surrounded by three areas of outstanding natural beauty: the Lake District to the west, the Yorkshire Dales to the south and the North Pennines to the north.

The nearest village is Brough, a sleepy place, while the little market town of Kirkby Stephen is about 4.5 miles south.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hill Top

Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

Beatrix Potter’s cottage is every bit as pretty (and popular) as you’d expect – and, for fans of her books, offers the chance to see some of the places that inspired her illustrations.

Best for ages: 13+ | £15

Best walks in the Lake District

Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

The Lake District’s many hills – or ‘fells’ as they’re known in Cumbria – offer some of the best hiking in England, from short walks to full-day multi-summit treks. There’s nowhere better to appreciate the best of the British landscape.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours

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Overview >

Boating on the Lakes

Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

Wooded islands, beaches, lakeside mansions, craggy fells – you’ll see them all on a Lakeland cruise. The only question is which lake to choose.

Best for ages: 4+ | £5 | Any

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Overview >

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

The most dramatic stone circle in all of England, standing on a lonely hilltop near Keswick for the last 3,000 years, and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre fells.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Lady staring at a painting by Beatrix Potter, at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, Cumbria. Beatrix Potter's original artwork on display in a 17th-century house.
Experience

Beatrix Potter Gallery

Hawkshead, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

This small gallery in Hawkshead is located in the old office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, solicitor William Heelis. It holds regular exhibitions of her work, including her beautiful botanical paintings.

Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 3 hours

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Overview >
Pedestrians outside the gift shop and cafe in the Main Street in the centre of Grasmere Village
Experience

Grasmere Village

Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

The region’s most picturesque and charming village. Grasmere is set on the shores of its eponymous lake and cradled by green fields and fells. William Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s – you can see the poet’s tombstone.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours

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Overview >
Exterior of the brewery
Experience

Hawkshead Brewery

Kendal, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

The best-known of some fantastic craft breweries in the region. It has a brilliant beer hall at its main site in Staveley, where you can also take a guided tour to learn more about the brewing process

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 3 hours

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Aerial view of the country home
Experience

Holker Hall

Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

Surrounded by acres of gardens, deer park and woodlands, this impressive stately home is home to Lord and Lady Cavendish. It is worth visiting for its ornate architecture and antiques, including original Chippendale furniture, as well as for its extensive grounds. There is also an excellent farm shop and restaurant.

Best for ages: 13+ | £14 | 3 hours

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Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Lake District

Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)

Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.

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Overview >