From Exploring the Eden Valley to Lamb Feeding
Springtime and Easter here at Augill Castle is one of those quietly magical times of year. The moors and dales starts to wake up, the light softens across the hills, lambs appear in nearby fields (and our own!), and we see families finally get the breathing space to slow down, together.
In 2025, Augill Castle was recognised by The Telegraph as one of the Best Family Boutique Hotels, a testament to the warm welcome, thoughtful details, and family-friendly experiences that make this corner of Cumbria so special.
Set just outside the market town of Kirkby Stephen, the castle is perfectly placed for Easter family holidays that balance fresh air, proper food, and time together – without needing a packed itinerary or forced “entertainment.” Whether you’re planning a relaxed family break, a whole-house celebration, or a spring gathering with children and grandparents in tow, Easter is when the castle really comes into its own.
Exploring the Eden Valley in Spring
If you’re searching for Easter activities in Cumbria, the Eden Valley is a perfect backdrop. Spring brings less challenging walking routes, riverside paths, and a more gentle vibe, ideal for families with younger children.
From the castle door, guests can explore our:
- Walks around the grounds, den building, quiet spots to hang out (ask us for some tea to take to the gardens!) and tree-houses to climb (take a blanket from the hall!)
- Explore the lane and villages around the castle, and head to Brough Castle across the fields where you’ll find ice cream, cake and teas galore.
- Drive a few miles to riverside strolls along the River Eden – the Poetry Path is a family fav!
- Explore nearby villages like Kirkby Stephen for cafés, shops, and ice-cream stops – some great fashion spots too!
Easter holidays here tend to be less frantic than high summer, meaning families can explore at their own pace – wellies on, pockets full of snacks (Brough castle also offers ice cream!), no pressure to “do it all.”
Seasonal Breakfasts & Long Easter Brunches
Mornings at Augill Castle are deliberately unhurried. Easter family holidays and spring mornings are made for slow breakfasts that stretch into brunch – especially after muddy walks or early starts to visit the lambs, with excitable children.
Expect:
- Hearty, seasonal breakfast dishes, all cooked in our castle kitchen using local ingredients
- Dietary requirements and fussy eaters catered for (please tell us when you book!)
- Big tables, relaxed timings, and space for families to linger
It’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for the whole day: warm, generous, and properly nourishing.
Lamb Feeding: A True Spring Highlight
One of the most memorable Easter experiences for families staying at Augill Castle is lamb feeding with our resident shepherds Oliver & Rose at weekends. It’s hands-on, wholesome, and quietly educational – without feeling staged or over-commercialised.
Children love the responsibility, parents love the photos, and everyone leaves with muddy boots and big smiles. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to connect younger guests with the rhythms of the countryside at Easter.
Family Holidays & Whole-House Easter Stays
For larger family gatherings, Easter is an ideal time to book exclusive use of the castle. Whole-house stays allow families to celebrate together – birthdays, reunions, or simply being in the same place at the same time.
With space to spread out, fires to gather around, and grounds for children to roam freely, the castle works beautifully for:
- Multi-generation family holidays
- Easter celebrations with cousins and grandparents
- Relaxed group stays without rigid schedules
Being named The Telegraph’s Best Family Boutique Hotels in 2025 means families can be assured that every detail — from food to furnishings to outdoor experiences — is designed to make these weekends extra special.
Planning Your Easter in Cumbria
Easter at Augill Castle is about being together, slowing down, and enjoying the season in comfort. Wake to long, leisurely breakfasts, stroll the spring-softened grounds, and watch lambs gambol across the fields — all while enjoying the space, warmth, and freedom that comes with a whole-house or family stay.
Special Easter 2026 Offer: Book two nights and get the third half price, available for family mid-week stays, weekends or exclusive whole-house stays.
Create lasting memories this spring and come hang out with us at the castle!
Follow the link or if you fancy a human at the end of a phone jump on +44 17683 41937. We can also be found hanging on the email at [email protected]
