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Fernhill Castle

SKIPTON, Yorkshire Dales - South
  • 30 guests
  • 10 beds
  • 8 bathrooms
  • No pets

Description

Fernhill Castle is one of Yorkshire’s finest and most important houses. Dating back to the 14th century, it nestles in its own fifteen-acre estate on the outskirts of Skipton, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The grade one listed fortified mansion was built by Edward De Fernhill to protect nearby Bolton Abbey from starving marauders who, having been defeated at the famous battle of Bannockburn, had travelled from Scotland to find food in the form of the cattle which grazed the Bolton estate. He was gifted the title Lord of the Manor for his loyalty. Throughout the centuries the house was beautified firstly in the 17th century and later in the 20th, when master craftsman Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson of Kilburn created a rare and impressive panelled drawing room, with eight hidden carved mice, also on three of the four open fire places. It is considered one of his most important works in a private home. Fernhill has been carefully restored so you fully enjoy the Lord and Lady of the Manor experience. It has eight individually designed bedrooms in the main house, seven unique bathrooms and one separate WCs. In the separate annexe named The Coach House, there are two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and WC. All with bespoke toiletries and a house fragrance designed specifically for the castle. The carefully chosen bedroom furniture includes mattresses and duvets made from the finest Yorkshire wool and bedding woven from pure natural linen. Our welcome pack is brimming with the county’s finest produce. The kitchen boasts all modern equipment, including an AGA and separate oven. But for a truly relaxing experience we also offer a wide range of catered options from simple hors d’oeuvres and grazing platters, Yorkshire picnics, to five course fine dining experiences - all of which will be enjoyed in the magnificent 17th century dining room with a huge open fire and banqueting table seating twenty. Find your favourite spot in the castle, be it the cosy panelled snug, the formal sitting room with its gothic shutters and marble fireplace, or the 14th century hall with magnificent medieval arched windows. Or perhaps take a book and play traditional games in the ‘Mouseman’ Drawing room. All offering far reaching views of Yorkshire’s rolling hills and dales. Maybe unwind with your favourite tipple, which can be ordered ahead of your stay from our sommelier’s hand- picked list of fine wines, award winning Yorkshire spirits and ales. View the ancient turrets and try to discover the whereabouts of the secret priest holes said to have led occupants underground to the safety of Kildwick Church. Continue outside with a stroll in the sunken gardens or woods. Visit the wildlife and formal ponds. Walk around the walled kitchen garden or enjoy a barge trip along the Leeds Liverpool canal which borders the estate, which we are happy to arrange. Maybe play a game of chess on the original outdoor chess board or enjoy a massage from our list of home spa experiences. When evening comes the castle is even more magical. A time perhaps to enjoy a dip in the hot tub, toast a marshmallow on the firepit or cosy up next to the roaring fires.

If you want to venture further afield the castle is the perfect base from which to explore the glories of Yorkshire’s largest national park. Bolton Abbey, the Duke of Devonshire’s estate is a stone’s throw away, as is the picturesque market town of Grassington, where All Creatures Great and Small is filmed and historic Haworth, home to the famous Bronte sisters. The spa towns of Ilkley and Harrogate home to the famous Betty’s tearooms.


Your dates


Everything you'll need

  • Wifi
  • Baby Friendly
  • Dishwasher
  • EV Charging
  • Garden / Patio

What guests are saying

4.9
Based on 53 reviews
Accuracy of the listing
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Cleanliness
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I love old buildings and it's clear that the owners feel the same!

In lesser hands, all the interesting bits would have "smoothed over" in a dull white paint. I'm grateful that they stick to their guns in a world that pushes for modernity, it was the perfect place for my nerdy birthday bash. There were 17 of us staying in total and plenty of space for us all to spread out, yet also space to come together when the time called for it. My horse hating friend has now come around to liking horses and we had a great time watching the frogs in the pond! Overall every quirk is beautiful and fun. The only things I would prepare you for are the BBQ (which is not in the best state, we skipped our BBQ night) and the fridge space - plan carefully and spread shopping throughout the week rather than getting everything at the start. Otherwise it's a brilliant place and I'm very glad I chose it!

M
MadelineSep 2026

What a special place Fernhill Castle is.

Truly a home and truly a castle. We had the lost fabulous time with our friends, from enjoying the extraordinary rooms to meeting the donkeys and walking the canal.

C
CharlesSep 2026

If you are looking for a big, quirky house and have no other expectations, this is a great house to hire.

We played a week-long Traitors game and found lots of unusual props to use. If you are expecting it to match the description and photos, you may be disappointed. There was no welcome pack, no giant chess set or croquet. We found a few outdoor games in the garden in a hollow in the wall. The hot tub was hot, but the jets did not work. The garden fountains were not on, and the patio area needs a lot of maintenance. The fridge is too small for the size of the house, and the water pressure is very poor, so the showers, although they look lovely, only produced a trickle at best, as long as no one was running a bath. The turret shower was the only shower worth using. The house has no guest book and no house instructions. On the upside, the views are lovely, the house is quirky, and we had a lot of fun. The pool table and poker chips were used a lot. The owner attended the property during our stay without prior notice, and we were not left any keys to the property. If the property received further maintenance, it could be amazing

R
RachelAug 2026

Good to know

House Rules

  • Good housekeeping bond

    This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £1,000

  • Smoking

    Not permitted

  • Property notes

    Please note. If you would like to book this property for a wedding, please contact us for more information as this must be agreed in advance with the property owner.

    Please note: this property doesn't accept same day bookings.

    Note: This property has a refundable Good Housekeeping bond of 1000GBP.

    Note: Minimum stay for this property is 3 nights.

Stay Information

  • Check-in / Check-out

    16:00 / 10:00

  • Property ref

    1069783

  • Parking

    Private Driveway

Guest & Pet Policy

  • Pets

    Not allowed

  • Children

    Children and infants welcome

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