艾波比城堡酒店

Booked as a birthday treat for my fella - thought it would be really cool to holiday for the weekend in a castle - we were not disappointed. Wow factor kicked in just driving up the sweeping drive. This place is located on the edge of a beautiful little village (Appleby); with a picturesque square, river walk and garden borders. This is a ‘Historic Houses’ house so expect other people mooching the grounds in the day - although light when we attended. Reception is ‘medieval’ - wood panelling, suits of armour and ‘rugs on walls’ adorn the stone walls and floors. Met by some lovely man, who (turns out) literally does everything from take breakfast orders to serve drinks in the bar. Check in was quick, showed to our room (room 12 - Hothfield); was at the end of a corridor. Own en-suite, king brass bed, wood panelling and creaking floors. Tea, coffee & bottled water provided, so too is a hairdryer and wardrobe space with hangers. No tv though, so don’t be expecting to watch ‘your programmes’. But the room does have great WiFi if you’re ‘pining Emmerdale’ and need to watch on your iPad etc. Bathroom and bedroom immaculately clean; shower functional. Towels provided. The breakfast room - just wow. 6 long tables with bench seats (medieval); wood panelling, suits of armour, shields and candlesticks with real candles. Breakfast is freshly cooked. Cranberry juice - to die for. Evening meals in a different room - wow again. The room is authentic medieval again, with lots of wood panelling, the food is freshly cooked and exceptionally tasty. Small bar, with authentic furniture and feel. Parking is provided - under a beautiful tree. You can drop off outside reception but parking is by the tree. The front door to the castle hotel is locked at all times - easy access, ring the doorbell. You might have to wait a few minutes but you’ll be let in with a smile and a warm welcome. Pay extra to see ‘The Norman Keep’ - £10. Well worth it and beautiful views for the top. The castle building has 2 flights of carpeted stone stairs to the first floor from reception (food & bar); and another 2 flights of carpeted stone stairs to the 2nd floor (bedrooms). There is a lot of wood panelling, authentic art & large mirrors - you truly feel like royalty walking down them. No suitable though if your mobility impaired - didn’t see a lift or handrails. There are cottages for rent though in a separate building annex across the courtyard. Absolutely loved our stayed. Castle - fabulous. Food - fabulous. Staff - fabulous. Medieval feel - just wow throughout.

My husband and I stayed in the castle for two nights. Our experience was wonderful! This place is full of history in every corner , I couldn’t believe I was reading my book in the great hall where Lady Ann Clifford used to walk. Our room had 17th century beds as well as tapestries! Of course it has uneven floors and old features, but it is the charmed of this place. You are not buying a luxury stay, you are buying the experience of staying in a real medieval castle. We have stayed in other castles in the past , but this one is definitely the most authentic one. The food was very good , the staff very friendly, Craig in the restaurant/bar was great. We also highly recommend to visit the Norman tower , it is a very interesting museum where you learn more about the history of the castle. The owner of the hotel , Sally is wonderful! Full of energy and a great hostess. We really enjoyed our chats with her and we wish her all the best! We recommend this charming place if you want to be back in history!