If you’re planning a family day out in the Lake District and you haven’t heard about the adventure playground at Lowther Castle, prepare to have your mind blown. When you visit, you’ll be amazed by the variety of Lowther Castle playground features designed for all ages. Tucked into the woodland grounds of this spectacular Cumbrian estate, the lost castle is one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds and, once your kids have spotted it, good luck getting them to leave!
TL;DR: The lost castle at Lowther Castle & Gardens is a massive timber adventure playground in Penrith, Cumbria. It features zipwires, turrets, slides, a firepole, crawl-throughs, a toddlers’ area, and the dragons’ lair extension. Admission is included in the castle entry price (Adult £15 / Child £10 / Family £45). Open daily from 10am.
Built from 25,000 metres of sustainable timber and designed by CAPco (the Curious Adventure Play company), the lost castle is an architectural echo of Lowther Castle itself. It rises out of the woodland like a discovery waiting to happen, and for most families, it absolutely steals the show.
Lowther Castle Playground Features: What’s Inside the Lost Castle?
So, what exactly are the Lowther Castle playground features that make this place so special? Quite a lot, actually! This isn’t your average park climbing frame. The lost castle is a full-on adventure structure that would give most theme park play areas a serious run for their money.
The Main Structure
The centrepiece is an enormous multi-level timber structure packed with things to do:
- Zipwires that send kids whooshing through the trees
- Turrets and walkways to explore at height
- Ramps and steps connecting different levels of the structure
- A firepole for speedy descents
- Cages and crawl-throughs for the explorers who love to squeeze into every nook
- Slides of various sizes for all ages and nerve levels
The whole thing is designed to feel like a ruined castle you’ve stumbled upon in the woods. It genuinely looks incredible. The timber construction blends beautifully into the woodland setting, and the scale of it really has to be seen to be believed.
The Dragons’ Lair
Attached to the main lost castle is a whole separate section called the dragons’ lair, and it’s every bit as exciting as it sounds! This turreted wooden building adds even more space and adventure to the mix, with its own cages, crawl-throughs and a maze of routes to discover.
Think of it as a bonus level. Just when the kids think they’ve explored everything, there’s a whole other building to conquer!
The Toddlers’ Area and Sandpit
Bear with us here! We know the big structure looks amazing, but Lowther Castle hasn’t forgotten the little ones. Alongside the main playground there’s a dedicated toddlers’ area and a sandpit, so even the smallest members of your crew can join in the fun. There are also plenty of spots for spectating grown-ups to sit and watch the chaos unfold.
This is one of those rare playgrounds where a 2-year-old and a 12-year-old can both have an absolute blast at the same time.
Beyond the Playground: The Rest of Lowther Castle & Gardens
The lost castle adventure playground is the headline act, but Lowther Castle & Gardens has plenty more to offer. This is a full day out, not just a playground visit!
The castle itself is a dramatic ruin, built at the turn of the 19th century and demolished in 1957, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful façade. Exploring it is genuinely atmospheric. The gardens are equally impressive, with gardens within gardens to discover across the estate’s sweeping grounds.
There’s also a fascinating exhibition, the Story of Lowther, which brings the castle’s 850-year history to life. For families who like a bit of history alongside their adventure, it’s a wonderful addition.
And if you want to keep moving after all that? Cycle hire is available on site, so you can explore the wider park on two wheels once you’ve had your fill of the castle and gardens.
Food and Refreshments
When little legs (and big ones) need a rest, head to the café options on site:
- The main café in the courtyard serves table service food and opens at 10am
- A takeaway option is also available in the courtyard from 10am
- into the woods is an outdoor café right next to the lost castle, serving snacks, drinks, soup and sandwiches. It opens at weekends and during school holidays from mid-morning. Perfect for a quick refuel without dragging everyone away from the playground!
There are also loos conveniently located both in the courtyard and right by the lost castle.
Lowther Castle Tickets and Opening Times
The adventure playground is included in the standard castle and gardens admission. Here’s the full ticket price breakdown:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £15.00 |
| Child (3-15 years) | £10.00 |
| Under 3s | Free |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £45.00 |
| Family (1 adult + up to 4 children) | £45.00 |
| Carer | Free |
Book your tickets online in advance at lowthercastle.digitickets.co.uk to guarantee entry on your chosen day.
Opening Times
Lowther Castle & Gardens is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day):
- Summer: 10.00am to 5.00pm
- Winter: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Last entry is one hour before closing. If the weather turns snowy, icy or stormy, it’s worth checking ahead that the adventure playground will be open before you set off.
Getting There and Parking
Lowther Castle is located at Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH. Parking on site costs just £2 per day, which is an absolute bargain. You can pay via the RingGo app, at the admissions till, the café, or online when booking your ticket. Annual pass holders get free parking.
Special Offers
There are several ways to save on your visit:
- Historic Houses card holders: free entry
- English Heritage card holders: 20% discount
- Gardeners’ World card holders: 2-for-1
- My Cumbria card holders: 2-for-1 (card holder plus guest)
And if you’re a regular visitor, the annual pass is worth considering: adults pay £48 and children (3-15) pay £38.
Tips for Visiting the Lost Castle Adventure Playground
A few things to know before you go, so you can make the most of your visit!
- Dress for the weather. The playground is outdoors and Cumbria can be unpredictable. Layers, waterproofs and wellies are your best friends.
- Leave the scooters and bikes at home (or in the car). They’re not allowed in the gardens, and there’s no easy storage on the way in.
- Dogs are welcome on the wider estate but are not allowed on the lost castle adventure playground for safety reasons.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on the site.
- Arrive early in peak season. The playground is popular with families visiting from across the north of England and beyond, and it can get busy during school holidays.
- Plan for a full day. Between the playground, the castle ruins, the gardens, the exhibition and the café, there’s genuinely no need to rush. Most families find they want to stay for hours!
It’s a popular destination for a reason! Lowther Castle & Gardens consistently draws visitors from across Cumbria and the wider north of England, and the lost castle adventure playground is a huge part of why. If you’re looking for things to do in Cumbria with the family, this is one that absolutely deserves to be on your list.
Ready to plan your visit? Check out more details and discover other brilliant parks and playgrounds in Cumbria on Day Out With The Kids, or head straight to lowthercastle.org to book your tickets.