Lowther Castle & Gardens

Rising above the Lowther Valley, Lowther Castle is one of the Lake District’s most dramatic sights: a vast Gothic revival ruin wrapped in 130 acres of reimagined gardens, terrace walks and woodland. Explore the Garden-in-the-Ruins, parterres and woodland glades, then step into the stables for The Story of Lowther exhibition, café and shop. It’s a full-day destination for families, garden lovers and photographers, just a few minutes from the M6 at Penrith and Ullswater.

Why go

• Spectacular castle ruins with far-reaching views over the Lowther Valley

• Restored formal gardens, woodland and meadow trails (parterre, rose and rock gardens, terraces)

• One of the UK’s largest wooden adventure playgrounds – The Lost Castle – included with admission

• Exhibition in the stables charting the Lowther family and estate from medieval times to today

• Excellent café and courtyard shop; plenty of picnic spots and seasonal events

• Dog-friendly (on leads) across most of the grounds

Good to know

• Location: Lowther, near Penrith CA10 2HH – signed from the A6/M6 J40; on-site parking close to the entrance

• Opening: generally daily, year-round; last entry mid-afternoon – always check current times before visiting

• Tickets: admission includes gardens, ruins, exhibition and The Lost Castle; online booking recommended in school holidays; season tickets available

• Families: buggy-friendly main routes; play area within the grounds; baby-change facilities; supervision required in the playground and near water

• Accessibility: level access to the courtyard, café, shop and parts of the gardens; some paths are gravel/grass with gradients; accessible toilets; assistance dogs welcome

• Dogs: welcome on leads (usually not permitted inside The Lost Castle); water bowls provided in the courtyard

Perfect for: memorable family days out, garden and history fans, relaxed walks, picnics with views, and combining with Ullswater, Penrith or nearby village pubs.