Live like a lord or lady at these historic houses in the Lake District, Cumbria

Fan favourite Downton Abbey returns to the big screen this year, in Downton Abbey: A New Era. If the grand houses and luxurious lifestyle of the Crawley family pique your interest, we’ve rounded up some places where you can live out your Downton dreams in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Stay
 

Augill Castle

Stay in a castle at the impressive Augill Castle, which offers chic bed and breakfast accommodation near Kirkby Stephen. Dating back to the 19th century, there are turrets and towers, beautiful private grounds, and decadent rooms in which to rest your head. And while you may be staying in a castle and feeling like royalty, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly - so you’ll also feel right at home.

Let someone else take care of the cooking and dine in the on-site restaurant, The Music Room, for delicious meals packed with flavour. There’s also a re-invented Afternoon Tea, while the bar showcases the best of small British distillers, brewers and fermentors. Chin chin!
 

Farlam Hall

In the north east of Cumbria lies Farlam Hall: a welcoming country house hotel which combines historic elegance with 21st century comfort and luxury. Once inhabited by the wealthy Thompson family, who made their fortune in the coal industry, it is now a beautiful hotel set amidst impressive grounds, offering the opportunity to stay in an English country house. Rooms are well equipped with modern amenities, and the on-site Cedar Tree Restaurant offers fine dining with a view over the ornamental lake and fountain.
 

Appleby Castle
 

Appleby Castle has seen its fair share of action since its beginnings as a Roman fort, and its historic importance endures to this day. It is home to one of the few intact Norman Keeps in Great Britain, and has passed through the hands of royalty across the centuries. Lady Anne Clifford lived in the castle during the 1600s, carrying out extensive repairs and renovations. Today, you can stay in this majestic castle, complete with original antique furniture and rooms with original features such as tapestries in place of wallpaper.

Choose between the rooms of lords and ladies, or the former servants quarters (upgraded with modern comforts), for a real taste of what life was like during the Downton Abbey era.
 

Melmerby Hall
 

Live like a lord or lady at the beautiful Melmerby Hall: once the manor house of the village of Melmerby. The Hall’s history dates back to Medieval times; today, impressive four-poster beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, en-suite bathrooms and stylish interiors await.

Lovingly restored after a devastating fire in 1982, today Melmerby Hall is reminiscent of its original glory.  Its rooms were built for entertaining, and now house a snooker table as well as roaring log fires for modern day entertaining. Available to hire as a whole, a stay at Melmerby Hall will take you right back to the Golden Age. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, this is the perfect place to escape to a time gone by.
 

Askham Hall
 

With hidden staircases and walls of up to 8ft thick in places, Askham Hall is steeped in history. Originally a Pele Tower dating back to the late 1200s when the Scots were invading northern England, this Grade I listed building was extended in the 16th century and been in the Lowther family since the early 1800s.

As well as being home to the Earls of Lonsdale, Askham has played host to high-ranking royalty down the years – the late Prince Philip was a frequent visitor. Nowadays you make yourself at home in this unpretentious ‘restaurant with rooms’ and dine in style at the Michelin-starred  Allium.  You can even tie the knot at this much-sought-after wedding venue.

Book your perfect place to stay in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Visit

Holker Hall and Gardens
 

Home to the Cavendish family, the Holker Estate is known for the historic Holker Hall; its extensive gardens; and the plethora of events which take place on the estate throughout the year. There’s also a cafe and food hall, while deer graze in the 200 acres of parkland across the estate.
 

Dalemain Mansion & Gardens
 

As well as being an impressive historic mansion complete with gardens, tea room and shop, Dalemain is also home to the World’s Original Marmalade Awards. Located near Ullswater, this beautiful stately home is well worth a visit.

Lowther Castle
 

While the site on which Lowther Castle stands has been occupied by the Lowther family since the 12th century, the castle itself was not built until the early 1800s. It stood for around 150 years, before being demolished in 1957 leaving dramatic ruins which can be visited to this day. There’s also a maze of beautiful gardens, an adventure playground for kids, and plenty more to discover.

Muncaster Castle
 

Dare you visit a haunted castle? The Crawleys may not have had to deal with ghosts, but at Muncaster Castle there are rumoured to be quite a few! As well as paranormal activity, there are also striking gardens, a hawk and owl centre, and even B&B accommodation if you’d like to stay like the nobility and explore the grounds once everyone else has gone.

Levens Hall
 

Originally built around a 13th century Pele Tower, Levens Hall is a welcoming family home in the heart of a 9,500 acre estate which includes a deer park and beautiful walks. Explore the Elizabethan House and stroll around the gardens: Levels Hall is home to the world’s oldest topiary gardens, with a unique collection of ancient box and yew trees in abstract and geometrical shapes.

Sizergh Castle
 

Photo: Sizergh Castle, The National Trust

Located on a 1,600 acre estate, Sizergh Castle is a striking medieval house surrounded by gardens and parkland. It is home to the Strickland family, who have lived here for over 800 years, and part of the house is open to the public - including its iconic 14th century solar tower.

Cumbria Crystal
 

Drink like a Crawley with the very glasses used in the films. Cumbria Crystal is the last producer of completely hand-blown and hand-cut luxury English crystal in the United Kingdom, and the Ulverston based company has made the glassware for Downton Abbey since its first season aired in 2010. The Grasmere Collection comprises pieces made for the period drama, showcasing the epitome of luxury living. As well as being available to buy online, the factory can be visited to see glass artists in action; there is also a factory shop in which you can see and buy the finished pieces.

Eat & Drink
 

Photo: Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall

The Lake District, Cumbria, is home to a whole host of fantastic places to eat and drink. If it's luxurious fine dining you’re after, we’ve got more than enough to satisfy your appetite with ten Michelin stars across eight restaurants; and plenty more great eateries serving up sophisticated dishes in stunning surroundings. If you’re in the mood for that quintessential British favourite, Afternoon Tea, you’ll be spoilt for choice: there are plenty of places to enjoy delicate finger sandwiches and cake, with beautiful views to match. Armathwaite Hall near Bassenthwaite serves up a delicious selection of bakes alongside teas from around the world; discover all the wonderful places to enjoy afternoon tea here.