艾波比城堡飯店(Appleby Castle)

So, we booked a room at Appleby Castle Hotel, only to arrive and all the gates, doors, and reception locked. Abandoned. We arrived 1 and a half hours before check in, as everybody does, expecting to be greeted with a warm welcome, and possibly waiting in the bar area with a coffee or beverage. Instead we had to ring a telephone number which was on a gate, to be told by the "manager" Peter was in Penrith and "maybe back around 3pm" and told us to come back then. The place was abandoned. We decided to go home as there was absolutely nobody there. We rang the "manager" again and he laughed. Passed the phone to the "lady owner" who was ranting in the background to tell us there is no refund and if we want, we can come back to the hotel to spend the night as it is non refundable. How she knew we had booked a non refundable room without our name or any information about our booking leads us to believe we were the only people to be booked in to this absolutely disgrace of a "hotel" This is how they make money, by coning people with non refundable rooms. Disgusting way to treat customers that paid hundreds of pounds to stay the night. AVOID AT ALL COST. No refund. Absolutely disgusting. Do not believe the description on their website. Manager and owner both laughed at us. They do have some good reviews on their website which we were fooled by. PLEASE take our advice, and listen to the poor reviews as these are the truth, as we found out today at our expense. If we could score a minus, we would. Avoid at all cost.

Highly recommended. Very atmospheric accommodation, with superb dining. A stay at Appleby Castle feels like a stay in a home, not a hotel. Generic hotels have their place, please don't expect the quotidian experience of a Holiday Inn or similar - however if you have any kind of taste for the unique you will not be disappointed.

An incredible experience. . We stayed here with my family in one of the self catering cottages. The cottage was very clean and comfortable. The meal in the C15th dining room was outstanding, it was an experience I will not forget. The beautiful grounds were topped offf with a visit to the Norman Centre - a relic from medieval England. Breakfast in the C15th Great Hall was superb - there’s just so much to remember. I can’t wait to visit again. Surprisingly the TIC in Appleby had nothing good to say about the castle - are they nuts or just bitter twisted old ladies. This is the best place I have visited in ten years.

Absolutely amazing experience we just had at the castle last night with my mam for her 80th, Peter was fantastic so helpful and nothing was too much trouble, sally was amazing what a wonderful character. The place was emaculate and yet still authentic and full of history. The rooms we had were fabulous. The food in the dining hall was amazing we thoughly enjoyed and will be recommending to all our friends my mam is already planning a walking group to make a day of it on summer thank you Peter and sally and all yuur lovely staff from Johanna lindsey and Margaret

I have just returned from one of my lifes wonderful experiences,celebrating my eighthy birthday with family. This Castle has everything anyone could wish for. Steeped in history, great atmosphere the food was to die for, loved every bite, service was brillient staff very helpful, l did require a little extra help because had just broken my collar bone before arriving wasnt even sure we would make it but they were so understanding offered to change dates ect. Peter the manager played the pinano whilst we were eating making it a more special occasion. We climbed the Keep which again is a must see with views at the top stretching from Yorkshire Dales Pennines & our fabulous Lake district fells. Would highly reccommend this experience and will be telling all my friends about it. Will try and organise agroup visit. Havent got any photos myself due to injury, but family took loads. Thank you to family for this treat & to the Castle for making it so memorable.

Stayed here for a weekend break. Was a fantastic unique experience and would highly recommend. The staff were all friendly and couldn't do enough for you. We will definitely be heading back soon. Had an evening meal in the restaurant on the Saturday night and the food and service was brilliant.

Wow another amazing stay one of my favourite hotels ever! Always made welcome by the owner and the lovely staff! Beautiful breakfast in a most amazing setting. Historic adventures in this grand castle. A unique and homely stay! Our room the state room was just so comfy the bed comfortable the best night sleep I’ve had, tranquil and peaceful just what you need!

Was advised that we would be able to walk in grounds if gate was open by tourist office today Gates were open and duly entered - after several yards at man at distance appeared with 3 dogs who ran aggressively towards us ( including Irish large wolf hound). The man concerned did not call the dogs off. I believe the man is called Peter - he then made reference to us being trespassers. We fully understand that there was a misunderstanding about access - but his initial lack of control of the dogs and his failure to control is scandalous. If we had had young children with us it could have been a very distressing and possibly dangerous incident I had considered booking in this hotel for our stay in Appleby but the reviews put me off - Appleby is a great place but this experience indicates that the castle manager is damaging its reputation.