Scargill Castle

Scargill Castle in Teesdale, County Durham, is a self-catering retreat for two inside a restored Tudor castle. History here starts in the 12th century, when it was built by Warren de Scargill while overseeing work at nearby Bowes Castle. It was rebuilt around 1550 as a Tudor dowager house for Mary Scargill, with a three-storey gatehouse and buildings around a central courtyard.

From ruin to retreat

The castle fell into decline and by the 19th century had become a farm labourer’s cottage. It later served as a target for Home Guard practice in the Second World War, which left the roof collapsed. In 1998 English Heritage declared it a Building at Risk. It was bought as a wedding present in 1999 and restoration began in 2000. In 2009 Channel 4’s Time Team partly excavated the site, uncovering the medieval barmkin and a pile of ashes with two gaming dice and a farthing of James I.

The stay

The accommodation is one private unit: a sunny entrance hall, a well-equipped kitchen, a lavish bathroom, a banqueting dining hall, a living room and a bedroom. Private parking leads through a gate into your own sheltered courtyard gardens, laid out from the remains of the old Tudor manor house. On arrival you are welcomed with a hamper of food and wine and a tea tray, and treats are not forgotten for visiting dogs.

Setting

The castle lies in Teesdale, close to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bookings are made through the castle’s own website. It suits couples celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon.