Appleby Castle

This short break was booked as an additional stay in a visit to the UK. We are very glad we booked. From immediately arriving everything was excellant, on driving into Appleby Castle it looked amazing, exactly what you expect from arriving at a castle and period home. On checking in we were taken to our room (Clifford room) and it was perfect. A period room that fit perfectly in the setting steeped in history. The views were awesome, the room was awesome with a modern bathroom across the hall. The bed was very comfortable and the house was so quiet. We booked a impromptu breakfast and dinner, very glad we did (so much we immediately booked the next days breakfast) the service was top class, the food was amazing, nothing was to much trouble and very relaxed. The second breakfast we didn't even need to order as he remembered our order. Dinner was a great experiance, meeting the owner and manager, having a drink and chat in the bar then being shown to the dining room, classical music when eating and a fire. Before leaving Peter opened the Norman keep and we had a look around. It was very interesting loved wandering around it. The whole experiance was better than expected, it began to feel like a home before we left and I would love to return during Xmas with snow on the ground. 5 stars is not enough!!!

We had a couple of fantastic nights at the castle. The food was lovely. The host and hostess were absolutely brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay Applebee town is a lovely character place castle and walk a lovely. I would recommend this to anybody beautiful place.

We booked a 3 night stay in No. 1 cottage at the end of August, arriving on Friday evening at 11pm after a long journey. The hotel was aware of our late arrival. We left on Saturday morning before breakfast. We tried to discuss our concerns with reception, who were less than helpful. We found a total of 2 staff on site, neither of whom were able to discuss a complaint or direct us to anyone else at all, let alone management. We followed their advice to send an email to their reservations address. We are yet to hear back. We had paid in full, in advance. Despite no refund, partial refund, or other compensation or apology, we still think we made the right decision to abandon our stay. Our favourite memories of Appleby castle will always be: The apparent spider sanctuary in the living room. The thrill ride spiral staircase, with more screws missing than present. “Shower slice” a game where you make yourself slippery wet in the shower and then try not to rip yourself open on the badly broken bath fascia as you get out. Sofa jenga - unfortunately we seemed to have arrived after this game had finished, but it seems to involve taking apart the sofa, throwing the component cushions at it and leaving them however they fall (upside down and backwards in this case). And finally, the lovely fire we couldn’t make from the old decking board and huge lump of Christmas tree from the log store. We’ll always regret not being able to poison ourselves with those fumes while we shared our tea in the 2 filthy mugs supplied between the five of us. It wasn’t all bad. We thought we didn’t have enough bedding, but the guy at reception told us it was in a cupboard upstairs. He didn’t tell us the cupboard was locked and the sofa bed was buckled anyway. So we can’t complain about the bedding - we never found it. And sharing the fewer than expected beds brought us closer as a family. We’re still wondering if that’s wine or blood by the sink. Maybe a previous guest had a shower. Anyway, I guess we were lucky to see it through all the spiders.

we really enjoyed our stay we were upgraded to a cottage next to the keep i think because we said we would be returning late at night after a wedding we loved the castle and the breakfast was very good we had a picnic on one of the tables outside and the surroundings were so peaceful.the cottage was a bit tired as a previous reviewer mentioned one blind did not open there was paint pots in kitchen cupboard and half toilet rolls in bathroom these were all still there the bathroom was very modern and spacious.the reason not more than 3 stars a couple of niggles parking is only permitted in grounds to certain people as there were cars and motorbikes in grounds but i was told no parking in grounds i would not have liked to paid full price for the cottage this place is up for sale and obviously the owners are not spending any money renovating so its only going to get worse the longer the castle is up for sale which is a shame as we would love to go back.

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.

Last minute booking to this castle and we were not disappointed. Booked it on the road and was in the room within an hour. A beautiful authentic building and we will be returning. Watching TV in our own lounge surrounded by wood paneling, i felt like a princess and didn't want to leave. Shame it was the gypsy fair build up so the town was shut up but didn't spoil anything for us. Most comfortable bed, our room was huge with enormous ensuite bathroom - didn't eat there but we intend too next time. Love it !!