Lowther Castle & Gardens
Penrith, Cumbria
About Lowther Castle & Gardens
Visit a hidden treasure in the Lake District National Park at Lowther Castle and Gardens!
Built during the 19th century, the castle is rich in culture and had a room for every day of the year! Although, in 1957 the castle was demolished and only the outer walls were left. The gardens grew wild and the castle remained empty. Nowadays, visitors love to visit Lowther Castle & Gardens. To learn more about the history of Lowther Castle and explore the wild gardens, dramatic ruins and a fabulous adventure playground.
Lowther Castle Ruins
The same family has resided here since 1150, with buildings having come and gone. With the castle's fate sealed in stone in 1957 where James Lonsdale the 7th Earl removed the roof, chimney pot, door handles, fireplace and everything inside to be sold. Due to the war-time requisition.
Lowther Castle's Historic Gardens
The beauty of Lowther Castle is reflected in its 130-acre garden. Where you can explore the past and present. Having been laid out in the 17th century by Sir John Lowther. As well as The Great Yew Avenue and Knot Gardens which were where fruit and veggies were grown for the Lowther Hall kitchens!
If you explore, you'll find the Roman Baths and stone columns that remind you of a by-gone era - the Victorian period. Where you would have found Rock, Japanese, Sweet-Scented and Iris Gardens, all from the early Edwardian period. This was because the Yellow Earl liked to keep up with the latest in horticulture trends! But he emptied the family fortune, as the castle and gardens fell to disarray. After it was stripped in the 1950s, the vast space was then used for commercial chickens and a pig farm.
But in 2008 the castle and gardens were saved and have become a fantastic attraction. With hornbeam sentinels, woolly grasses, clipped yews and an array of botanical flora. The Rose Garden which was inspired by Sleeping Beauty and planted in the shape of an English Rose is a beautiful addition to the imaginative garden. There are also summerhouses, tree hives for wild bees, wildflower meadows and a gorgeous woodland with woodland paths that all reside here. Spanning across the 130-acre garden. It's also the ideal visitor attraction to view the Lowther Valley and the Lake District mountains.
The Lost Castle Adventure Playground
Your kids are in for a treat here, where they can discover and explore one of the UK's largest adventure playgrounds.
After exploring the ruined castle, your kids can stumble across this wonderland. Built from 18,000 metres of sustainable timber, with ramps, slides, steps, firepoles, a maze of turrets, zip wires and walkways. The kids will have the most exciting fun for hours! The little ones aren't forgotten here either, they can have fun in the toddler's area, with a sandpit and a rope mesh!
The playground is big on fun and wonderment! Where you'll feel like you're truly lost in the woods.
Food & Drinks
Head over to the 'into the woods' cafe, for some delicious soups, homemade sandwiches and food. All freshly prepared in the Lowther kitchens! You can also grab some snacks and ice creams!
- A historic building and historic house located in Cumbria
- Wonderful and exciting gardens to explore
- A spectacular visitor attraction
Opening Times
10:00 - 17:00
Winter
10:00 - 16:00
into the woods
(open school holidays & summer weekends)
11:00 - 15:00 (winter)
Pricing & Tickets
Adult £12.00
Family ticket (2 adults & up to 3 Children) £38.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Last Updated: 09:27 07/04/2025
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