Fernhill Castle

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.

This Grade I listed fortified mansion can be found in Farnhill near Cross Hills, West Yorkshire. Four open fires. Historic property. Hot tub. Skipton 4.2 miles; Keighley 5.3 miles; Harrogate 24.7 miles.

Sykes Gem Awards 2025 Bronze winner for Best in Yorkshire. Fernhill Castle is one of Yorkshire’s finest and most important houses.
MAIN HOUSE - In total 8 bedrooms with 7 bathrooms and 1 WCs.
FIRST FLOOR - 6 bedrooms:
. 1 x super king with Simon Horn double pull out bed, offering an additional 2 singles, and an en-suite with Jacuzzi bath, basin and WC. 1 x super king with Simon Horn double pull out bed, offering an additional 2 singles, and an en-suite with bath, basin and WC. 1 x super king with a single sofa bed, made up on request, and an en-suite shower room. 1 x super king with a single sofa bed, made up on request, with an en-suite including bath, basin and WC.1 x triple room with 3 single beds with a shared house bathroom with freestanding bath, basin and WC. 1 x king with separate wet room.

SECOND FLOOR 2 bedrooms:
. 1 x family room with king size bed and single bed with a freestanding bath in the room and separate turret WC and basin. 1 x king with a shared house bathroom with freestanding bath, toilet and WC on the first floor. GROUND FLOOR: sitting room, drawing room, snug and large hall all with ample seating. Kitchen, with AGA, separate oven, hob, freestanding fridge and freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer. Large dining room with seating for over 20 and a separate boot room. Ground floor WC. Four open fires with wood and fuel starter pack provided. WIFI, 5 x smart TVs and Bose portable sound system, a selection of books, indoor traditional adults’ games and high quality younger children’s toys. Games room, pool table.
COACH HOUSE detached annexe situated next to the main house. 2 bedrooms, sleeping 6. Coach house - Ground floor - Cinema room & Dining room, 1 WC. Coach House - Mezzanine level – 1 king size room, 1 room with 2 double beds, 1 bathroom

Large hot tub, fire pit, outdoor chess set, croquet, and a variety of other outdoor games. Electric vehicle charging is available on a pay as you go basis. Ample off-road parking secured behind electric gates and CCTV. Extensive outdoor space with BBQ and furniture, including large lawned areas, formal and wildlife ponds, walled kitchen garden, orchard and over 15 acres adjoining the canal. Personal virtual concierge service available to arrange a variety of additional services including: Private Chef & Catering, Housekeeping, Clay Pigeon shooting, Canal Boat trips, Cocktail Masterclass, at Home Spa, subject to availability. IMPORTANT NOTES:. Sorry no pets and no smoking. Check in time is 4pm and check out time is 10am. Note: This property has a refundable Good Housekeeping bond of £1000. Note: this property doesn't accept same-day bookings. Note: Minimum stay for this property is 3 nights. 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