Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther's official 2026 visitor promotion now specifically encourages visitors to explore the newly opened western range alongside the established castle ruin. It expands the part of the historic structure that visitors can discover and is an important change for anyone who has visited Lowther before. The wider castle remains deliberately presented as a ruin rather than a reconstructed stately home. Planting and garden design have been integrated into and around the surviving walls, creating one of Lowther's defining features. The Garden-in-the-Ruins combines the architecture with naturalistic planting, while the wider grounds include formal and informal areas developed as part of a long-term landscape masterplan led by designer Dan Pearson. The gardens cover around 130 acres. Highlights include the Parterre, Rose Garden, woodland, meadows, historic garden remains and the Western Terrace, which has wide views over the Lowther Valley and towards the Lake District mountains. The gardens continue to evolve, so repeat visits can feel noticeably different by season and from year to year. Families are particularly well served by the Lost Castle, the enormous wooden adventure playground hidden within the grounds. It includes towers, tunnels, slides, zip wires and climbing features, plus provision aimed at younger children. The playground is included with normal Castle & Gardens admission rather than requiring a separate standard entry ticket. The Story of Lowther exhibition in the stable gallery explains the long history of the Lowther family and estate. The same family has been associated with the site since the 12th century, and the exhibition helps put the surviving ruin, changing fortunes of the estate and modern restoration project into context before or after exploring outside. Standard admission published on 8 August 2026 is GBP 16 for adults, GBP 10 for children aged 3 to 15, GBP 45 for either published family-ticket configuration, free for children under three and free for carers with the required evidence. Lowther is taking part in the 2026 summer VAT saving scheme, with temporary prices advertised until 1 September 2026 of GBP 14 per adult, GBP 8.75 per child and GBP 42 per family ticket. Prices and promotions can change, so online booking is recommended. Standard admission includes the Story of Lowther exhibition, castle ruins, gardens and Lost Castle adventure playground. Annual passes and discounts for selected membership schemes are also available under current terms. Lowther is open daily throughout the year except Christmas Day. Published summer hours are 10am to 5pm and winter hours are 10am to 4pm, with last entry one hour before closing. The main courtyard cafe and takeaway open from 10am, while additional seasonal food provision can operate nearer the Lost Castle during busy periods. Parking at Lowther Castle is currently GBP 2 per day. Payment can be made through RingGo, at Admissions or the cafe, or added when purchasing an online ticket; a RingGo booking fee may apply. Adult Lowther annual-pass holders receive parking benefits under the current pass conditions. Well-behaved dogs are welcome provided they remain on leads, but dogs are not allowed on the Lost Castle adventure playground. Scooters and bicycles are not permitted within the gardens; bike racks are available in the courtyard. Accessibility varies across the historic landscape. The official visitor information says visitors of all abilities are welcome but acknowledges that some terrain is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Guests who need to drop a less-mobile passenger close to the castle can contact the attraction in advance or ask the team for assistance. Carers receive free admission with accepted evidence. Lowther Castle is at Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2HH, south of Penrith and convenient for the M6, A6, Ullswater and the wider Eden Valley. Allow enough time to explore the castle, newly opened western range, gardens, exhibition and playground rather than treating it as a short photo stop.