Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

A mile from Brough, it's closer to the Yorkshire Dales, although technically in Cumbria. Whether arriving from north or south, it's not hard to find. Not a lot is on the doorstep, so a car is essential - on the other hand, with no neighbours it's blissfully quiet. Brough has a ruined castle, while the market town of Kirkby Stephen is a stop on the famous Settle-to-Carlisle railway. Otherwise, it's a car drive to Windermere (45 minutes) or Swaledale (20 minutes).

By car: 2 hours from Manchester, around 3 hours from Edinburgh and 5 hours from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (just over 1 hour), London Euston (3 hours) and Edinburgh (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is a 40-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

It's a castle - albeit a Victorian rich man's fantasy - so expect towers and turrets, thick walls, leaded windows and spacious rooms. Everything is on a big scale - bold wallpapers, billowing curtains, huge sofas, bright colours - with furniture a mix of antiques, vintage and quirky saleroom finds. It's not precious but is of good quality.

There's so much space, with a drawing-room, sitting room, conservatory and bar, so no one will feel crowded, while outside there are terraces for idling, lawns for mucking about, woodland and a pond for exploring, plus a tennis court. Children will appreciate the games and dressing-up box, and everyone enjoys films on the pull-down screen in the drawing-room

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Terrace
• Tennis court
• Pet-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Free parking

We love any of the rooms in the main castle for their atmosphere and surprises, like a wardrobe in a turret. The thoughtful touches, such as china teapots and cups, and a cut-glass decanter of sherry and glasses, make your stay special.

Room types: Four Poster, Master King, Master Super King, Castle Interconnecting Suite, Garden Suite, Family Estate Houses

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with towels and bathrobes, comfy beds, high quality linen

Chef Justin Woods, who cut his teeth at London's The Lanesborough, has returned to his roots and promises 'local produce cooked simply'. There's a short menu of Modern British dishes, such as sea bass with beetroot gnocchi (Tuesday to Saturday), or a limited-choice casual all-day menu of burgers and a vegetarian dish. On Sundays and Mondays, guests can opt for pizzas.

JustinWoods@Augill: informal modern British cuisine. Open for dinner Tues-Sat, casual bar menu served 12-8.30pm. Dinner £35 for three courses.

The Great British Bar: focus on local, independently produced drinks. Open everyday. Afternoon tea served 1-5pm. £20pp or £27 with a glass of fizz.