Appleby Castle

I had booked a night here as a special treat for my wife who loves castles, I had booked early enough to get the Vipont room. On arrival all was quiet, just one person was around to tell us where to park - under the tree out front. In reception the young girl was friendly enough, I said that I had booked dinner for 6pm, oh we haven't got dinner this evening she explained. It would have been nice to have been told before we arrived!! The castle itself is fascinating, has a varied history and we wandered freely. There seemed to be no one else staying there that evening, which I found very odd. Breakfast was offered but declined, 15GBP was a bit steep considering they couldn't make dinner! All in all, we had a pleasant evening, fish and chips in Appleby by the river which was lovely. The castle really does need some TLC, and I don't mean it needs repairing, it is very old, but some human warmth and soul. I am led to believe it is for sale, however the owner needs to put some effort into getting customers through the door to enable this wonderful castle to live up to it's grandeur. So, in summary, is it worth it? Yes if you wish to stay in a castle. Would I stay there again? Not in a million years while the owner doesn't seem to care about it. It is very disappointing that a place with such potential has literally been let go to fend for itself, and I can't help but think unless there is a huge input of cash this will not get any better.

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.

What a lovely quirky old place. We nearly didn’t book this due to some of the negative reviews but we shouldn’t have worried. The staff are under trained but lovely, it is old and a bit battered around the edges but it is clean and warm and comfortable. It is also NOT expensive for anyone other than those who think McDonalds is fine dinking and a Travel lodge the height of sophistication. It’s a castle, it’s historic it’s different and fun. Will definitely be 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 !!

We booked one night as a special treat, but OMG! Greeted by a very sweaty man who was ‘just back from squash’ After checking in and making the full payment, he took us to the cottage, which turned out to be freezing as the heating was off. After trying to turn on, I walked back to reception and was told the manager would be over shortly to sort it out. Meanwhile, my wife had a look around and: Cupboard over washing machine in bathroom was full of random half used toilet rolls. Boiler cupboard was full of decorator stuff The kingsized duvet was stuffed into a smaller cover that did not reach the sides of the bed. One of the roller blinds was stuck in the down position. Several lights not working. Had a visit from reception to say the manager and director were aware of the situation and the manager was on his way. Asked if we would like something from the bar. We declined. Five minuets later another knock at the door and it was the sweaty man, now showered and dressed. Asked if we would like a bottle of Prosecco 🤷‍♂️. We declined. Well, the last guest was to blame ( I doubt it as all the thermostats were set to max), the rooms are checked daily, he had been on holiday, the heating system was really efficient and would warm everything up in a jiffy as soon as it was fixed. He proceeded to fiddle about with the programmer, pulling it off the base to expose the connections and eventually managed to get it back on and working. By this time, still yet to receive an apology, my wife was looking less and less amused. Time to go. But No! A refund was impossible, we were not being fair, the room should have been double what we paid for it. Eventually, we got a refund and went on our way. A special experience, but not in a good way.

This place is a wonderful experience , stayed in Wordsworth Cottage , a place of contrasts , amazing comfortable Sealy mattresses on all the beds , central heating on , lots of hot water , don’t expect the ancient character front door to lock or close ,but not to worry they lock the main gates at night Wonderful breakfast in the medieval banqueting hall , next time I’m that way will stay in one of their castle rooms , it’s mostly a wreck but I much preferred it to a modern 5 star hotel , go you will not forget this place