Lowther Castle and Gardens
Imposing castle ruins and 130 acres of stunning gardens, featuring an epic adventure playground. A must-visit for families and history lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, ideal weather
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, ideal weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Imposing castle ruins and 130 acres of stunning gardens, featuring an epic adventure playground. A must-visit for families and history lovers.
"Wow what a spectacular place to visit! The castle itself is so impressive."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your tickets in advance, especially for family tickets.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds and gardens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lost Castle Adventure Playground
Rear of the estate
An epic adventure playground with zip wires, climbing frames, and sandpits, perfect for all ages.
The Castle Ruins
Main castle structure
Explore the imposing ruins of this grand former stately home, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
The Gardens
Extensive grounds
Wander through 130 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, including a stunning rose garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your tickets in advance, especially for family tickets.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds and gardens.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the castle gardens and grounds.
☕ Delicious Cafe Options
Enjoy tasty food with vegan options at the on-site cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by booking your tickets in advance, especially for family tickets.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds and gardens.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the castle gardens and grounds.
☕ Delicious Cafe Options
Enjoy tasty food with vegan options at the on-site cafe.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, making your arrival hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lowther Castle and Gardens, highlighting its spectacular castle ruins, vast and beautiful gardens, and the exceptional 'Lost Castle' adventure playground. The on-site cafe receives praise for its tasty food and vegan options, and the free parking adds to the convenience. While some mention restoration work, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a highly recommended day out for families and history enthusiasts alike.
"Had a nice date at the castle gardens, had it all to ourselves. Very well maintained and perfect place to have a nice walk. It's great for kids too as they had a huge playground I can imagine it being loads of fun in the summer 😁 Entry is £30 pp and with regards to parking they have Ringgo or you can pay at the cafe. Once you've paid the entry they give you a map of the gardens."
Nicollette Gail Gamos
"The castle and grounds were beautiful. Admission was quite reasonable. The story behind the castle was quite sad, considering it was a lived in home until the 1950s and is now a complete ruin (dismantled to avoid inheritance tax). Visited because my fiancé has a family connection and were not disappointed. The gardens were enormous and very well maintained, ave there was something very peaceful in the way the trees and plants grew up inside the remaining castle walls. Also the view of the surrounding Eden Valley is stunning, and was apparently the favorite spot on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II when she visited it. The cafe was pretty nice too."
Serenity Van Halen
"What an amazing place to visit. The grounds are superb and the castle reconstruction is going great guns. The rose garden, in particular, is beautifully set out. It has a fantastic children's adventure playground in amongst the trees. There is also a great cafe with decent food too. Make sure you check out the fantastic view from the escarpment and see the bullfrogs in the pond."
Will Rodgers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lowther Castle is conveniently located near Penrith, close to the M6 motorway, making it an easy stop en route. There is ample free on-site parking available for visitors.
While public transport options exist to reach the general area, driving is the most convenient way to access Lowther Castle and Gardens due to its rural location. Check local bus routes for options to Penrith and then consider a taxi.
The postcode for Lowther Castle is CA10 2HH.
Yes, Lowther Castle offers free on-site parking for all visitors.
Absolutely! Lowther Castle is a great stop on the route between Scotland and the Midlands, easily accessible from the M6.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, with adult tickets around £14 and children (3+) around £10. Family tickets are available for £45 (2 adults, 3 kids). Carers often get free entry.
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to avoid queues and ensure entry.
Yes, Historic Houses members typically receive a discount, often around 20%, on admission.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lowther Castle website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Children under 3 typically get free entry. Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities may also receive free admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lowther Castle offers a variety of activities including exploring the castle ruins, wandering through extensive gardens, enjoying the 'Lost Castle' adventure playground, and visiting the exhibition.
Yes, Lowther Castle boasts 'The Lost Castle' adventure playground, described as one of the best and largest in the Lake District, featuring zip wires, climbing frames, and sandpits.
Dogs are welcome in the castle gardens and grounds on a lead, but they are not permitted in the adventure playground.
The gardens are extensive, covering 130 acres, and are beautifully maintained, featuring various sections including a notable rose garden.
Yes, the castle ruins themselves offer a historical experience, and there is an exhibition detailing the history of the Lowther family and the estate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Lowther Castle has a cafe that offers a good selection of food, including tasty burgers and chips, with high chairs available. +1
The cafe at Lowther Castle offers a very good selection of vegan mains and cakes, as well as good coffee.
The cafe serves a range of options, from burgers and chips to cakes and coffee, with positive reviews for both taste and quality.
Yes, the cafe is family-friendly and has high chairs available, making it a convenient spot for families to dine.
While not explicitly stated, the presence of a cafe suggests that bringing your own food might be discouraged, but picnics in designated areas could be an option. It's best to check their policy.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ruins themselves offer dramatic backdrops, while the extensive gardens provide beautiful floral and landscape photo opportunities. The 'Lost Castle' playground also offers unique shots.
While drone footage can capture the scale of the castle and gardens, always check local regulations and any restrictions in place at the attraction before flying.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for both the castle ruins and the gardens. Midday sun can be harsh.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Check with the venue for specifics.
Lowther Castle is ideal for landscape, architectural, historical, and family photography, offering a diverse range of subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The expansive gardens provide plenty of space for kids to run around, and the castle ruins spark imagination. The on-site cafe is family-friendly with high chairs and a good selection of food. 🐶 Dog Owners
+1 This allows your furry companions to enjoy the beautiful scenery alongside you. However, remember that dogs are not permitted in the adventure playground area. It's a fantastic opportunity for a scenic walk with your dog amidst historical surroundings. 🏛️ History Buffs
The ongoing restoration work adds another layer of interest, showcasing the efforts to preserve this significant heritage site. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Lost Castle' Adventure Playground
+1 Many visitors describe it as one of the best they've ever seen, making it a significant reason for families to visit. While dogs are welcome in the main castle grounds, they are not allowed in the playground area.
The playground is located a short stroll through the gardens from the main castle entrance, adding to the sense of discovery. +1Exploring the Gardens and Estate
Visitors can spend hours exploring the diverse landscapes, from formal rose gardens to more naturalistic areas. The gardens are meticulously maintained, offering a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a more focused exploration. During spring and summer, the gardens are particularly vibrant, showcasing a wide array of plant life.
The estate also offers opportunities to spot wildlife, such as bullfrogs in the pond, and enjoy scenic views from the escarpment. History and Restoration
The tale of Lowther Castle is one of immense wealth and subsequent decline, offering a compelling narrative for history enthusiasts.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit