We’re Not Saying You Need a Break. But… A Little Time Away in the Eden Valley Might Be Just What You Need
Let’s be honest. Life gets busy.
There are things to do, places to be, people to look after, work to finish and a seemingly endless list of jobs that never quite gets any shorter.
And while we wouldn’t dream of telling you that you need a holiday, we might gently suggest that a change of scenery could be rather nice.
A few days somewhere different. Somewhere with big skies, proper countryside, lovely places to explore and absolutely no expectation that you should be doing anything in particular.
Somewhere like Augill Castle.
Tucked away in the beautiful Eden Valley, between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, Augill is a rather lovely place to put the everyday on pause.
And you don’t need a grand plan to enjoy it.
A change of four walls can work wonders
There’s something rather wonderful about waking up somewhere different.
A bedroom with its own character, a leisurely breakfast, a view of the countryside and the delicious realisation that you don’t have to rush off anywhere.
Our rooms each have their own personality, with different corners of the castle to discover and spaces to settle into.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure or simply a couple of nights away with friends, there’s something rather lovely about having somewhere comfortable to come back to after a day out exploring.
Fresh air is always a good idea
You don’t have to be a serious walker to enjoy the countryside around Augill.
Sometimes it’s enough to pull on your walking boots, head outside and see where the day takes you.
The Eden Valley is full of lovely walking country, from gentle rambles to longer routes that reward you with wonderful views. There are quiet lanes, open fields, rolling hills and plenty of opportunities to stop, look around and remember why getting outside feels so good.
And if you’re travelling with children, there’s plenty of scope for a little adventure along the way.
We have some lovely ideas for exploring the area, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly walk or something a little more challenging.
Or perhaps you’d rather not go very far at all?
One of the nicest things about staying at Augill is that you don’t have to fill every minute.
The gardens and grounds offer space to wander, explore and simply enjoy being outside. There are places to sit, corners to discover and plenty of room for children to let their imaginations run away with them.
Find the treehouse, have a look at the castle from a different angle, say hello to the sheep or simply enjoy the views across the valley.
Sometimes the best part of a stay is the bit you hadn’t planned.
Bring the people you love
A little time away can mean different things to different people.
For some, it’s a couple of nights away together. For others, it’s getting the whole family under one roof, making memories and enjoying a proper change of pace.
Augill is particularly lovely for family stays. There’s plenty to discover, from the castle itself to the treehouse, gardens and surrounding countryside.
And if you’re bringing the dog, we’re happy to welcome four-legged guests in our designated dog-friendly rooms.
You can find more ideas and inspiration in our guides on the blog!
A little time to yourself isn’t a bad thing
We’re not suggesting you abandon your responsibilities, switch off your phone forever or become a completely different person.
Although, we wouldn’t necessarily stop you.
We’re simply suggesting that a few days somewhere lovely, with good food, comfortable surroundings and a little countryside on your doorstep, might be just the thing.
And if that sounds appealing, we’d love to welcome you to Augill Castle.
Perhaps you don’t need a break. But perhaps you’d rather like one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Eden Valley a good destination for a weekend break from London?
Absolutely. The Eden Valley makes a lovely change of pace from London life, with open countryside, pretty villages, walking routes and plenty of space to unwind. Augill Castle is near Kirkby Stephen and is accessible by train, with the Settle–Carlisle railway offering a particularly scenic journey into the area. It’s a wonderful destination for a couple of nights away or a longer countryside stay.
2. How do you get to Augill Castle from London?
You can travel by train from London Euston to Oxenholme or from London King’s Cross via the Settle–Carlisle line, depending on your route. Kirkby Stephen is our nearest railway station, and we’re happy to discuss collection arrangements in advance. If you’re driving, the journey takes you north through some beautiful countryside, with the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales both within easy reach.
3. What is there to do near Augill Castle for a weekend away?
Quite a lot, actually! You can explore the Eden Valley’s walking routes, visit traditional market towns and villages, discover the Yorkshire Dales or venture into the Lake District. Closer to home, there’s plenty to enjoy in our own grounds, including the treehouse, gardens and our flock of sheep. Whether you’re after a full weekend of exploring or a slower couple of days, there’s plenty of choice.
4. Is Augill Castle a good alternative to staying in the Lake District?
If you’re looking for somewhere with beautiful countryside but a little more breathing space, we’d say yes. Augill sits in the Eden Valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, making it a lovely base for exploring both. You can enjoy the surrounding landscapes and attractions before returning to a characterful castle, with comfortable rooms and a rather different pace of life.
To book a stay in a castle near the Lake District, you can jump on the links here, or give Augill Castle a call on +44 17683 41937
