If you’re searching for a day out that will have the kids absolutely buzzing from start to finish, Lowther Castle Playground is the answer! Tucked away in the stunning Lake District, this extraordinary adventure playground isn’t just big. It’s officially one of the largest in the UK, and once you see it, you’ll understand why families travel from all over the country to experience it!
TL;DR: The Lost Castle adventure playground at Lowther Castle, Penrith, is one of the UK’s largest. Open all year (except Christmas Day), tickets from £10 per child and £45 for a family of five. Built from 25,000 metres of sustainable timber, it features zipwires, turrets, slides, a toddler zone, and so much more, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of a real ruined castle.
Nestled within the 130-acre grounds of Lowther Castle & Gardens, the playground is called The Lost Castle and it really does feel like stumbling upon something magical. You wander through historic gardens, past castle ruins, deeper into the woodland, and then suddenly there it is. A towering, timber adventure world waiting to be explored!
What is The Lost Castle Playground at Lowther Castle?
The Lost Castle is the adventure playground at the heart of Lowther Castle & Gardens, and it’s unlike anything you’ll find at an ordinary park. Designed by CAPco (the Curious Adventure Play company), the whole structure is an architectural echo of the castle ruins themselves, built from an incredible 25,000 metres of sustainable timber.
Think turrets, walkways, ramps, firepoles, cages, crawl-throughs, and a maze of zipwires and slides. The whole thing feels like a proper medieval fortress brought to life, and kids absolutely love every inch of it!
The best part? The playground has been thoughtfully designed for all ages. There’s a dedicated toddler area with a sandpit and rope mesh for the little ones, while older children and confident climbers can tackle the bigger structures, including the Dragon’s Lair, a turreted wooden building attached to the main Lost Castle that adds even more space and excitement.
Who is it for?
The Lost Castle truly is a playground for everyone in the family:
- Toddlers and young children will love the sandpit, rope mesh, and gentler climbing areas
- Primary school-age kids can go wild on the slides, firepoles, cages, and crawl-throughs
- Older children and tweens will want to conquer the zipwires, turrets, and higher walkways
- Adults will find plenty of seating for spectators and resting, with views of the castle ruins as a bonus!
It’s worth knowing that the playground is a 10 to 15 minute easy stroll through the gardens from the main castle entrance, which adds wonderfully to the sense of discovery. The walk itself is beautiful, so factor that into your day!
Lowther Castle Playground Tickets and Prices 2026
One ticket covers the whole site, including the castle ruins, the gardens, the exhibition, and the adventure playground. Great value for a full day out!
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £15 |
| Child | £10 |
| Family Day Ticket (2 adults + 3 children) | £45 |
| Adult Annual Pass | £48 |
| Child Annual Pass | £38 |
| Carer | Free |
| Parking | £2 per day |
We’d highly recommend the Family Day Ticket if you’re visiting with two adults and up to three children. At £45 it works out as brilliant value, especially when you consider you’ll easily spend a full day here between the playground, the gardens, and the castle ruins.
If you’re planning to visit more than once, the annual passes are worth every penny! Annual pass holders get unlimited visits throughout the year, which is ideal if you’re based in Cumbria or the Lake District.
Good to know: Carers get free entry, and dogs are welcome throughout the castle grounds and gardens on a lead. However, dogs are not permitted on the adventure playground itself.
You can find out more and check the latest ticket information on our Lowther Castle listing page. We always recommend booking online ahead of your visit where possible!
Opening Times
Lowther Castle & Gardens is open all year round, except Christmas Day. That means you can visit in every season, from snowy winter days to long summer afternoons!
| Season | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 10:00am to 5:00pm | 4:00pm |
| Winter | 10:00am to 4:00pm | 3:00pm |
Important: If the weather is particularly snowy, icy, or stormy, it’s worth checking in advance that the adventure playground is open before you travel. The castle and gardens may still be accessible, but the playground can occasionally close in extreme weather conditions.
We always recommend arriving early, especially in peak school holidays, to make the most of the playground before the crowds build up!
Beyond the Playground: Everything Else to See and Do
The Lost Castle adventure playground is the undisputed star of the show, but the wider Lowther Castle & Gardens estate has so much more to offer. A day here really does feel like proper value for money!
The Castle Ruins
The ruins of Lowther Castle itself are absolutely spectacular. Built in the 19th century, the castle once had a room for every day of the year! In 1957, the interior was demolished, leaving just the dramatic outer walls. Since 2008, the castle has been restored and opened to visitors, and exploring those towering ruins with the kids is genuinely magical. It sparks the imagination in a way very few attractions can!
The Historic Gardens
The 130-acre gardens are a real highlight in their own right. Laid out in the 17th century by Sir John Lowther, they include:
- The Great Yew Avenue and Knot Gardens, centuries old and still breathtaking
- The Rose Garden, designed by acclaimed garden designer Dan Pearson, planted in the shape of an English Rose
- The Garden-in-the-Ruins, a living garden growing up through the old castle walls
- The Parterre, a contemporary take on a classic garden with woolly yew hedges and unusual perennial planting
- Wildflower meadows, woodland paths, tree hives for wild bees, and summerhouses
It’s a genuinely beautiful place to wander, and the contrast between the formal gardens and the wild woodland where the playground hides is part of what makes the whole experience so special.
The Exhibition
There’s also an indoor exhibition on-site, perfect for a quieter moment or if the weather turns. It tells the story of the castle and the Lowther family, bringing the history of this extraordinary place to life.
The Cafe
Feeling hungry after all that adventuring? Head to the ‘Into the Woods’ cafe for freshly prepared soups, homemade sandwiches, snacks, and ice creams. Everything is made in the Lowther kitchens, so the quality is excellent. It’s the perfect spot for a family lunch before heading back to the playground for round two!
How to Get to Lowther Castle Playground
Getting to Lowther Castle is straightforward, and it’s well signposted once you’re in the area!
Address: Lowther, Penrith, CA10 2HH
By Car
Lowther Castle is within 15 minutes of the M6 at junctions 39 and 40, and also accessible from the A66 at Penrith. It’s signposted from the A6 at Hackthorpe. Parking on-site costs just £2 per day, which is fantastic value.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Penrith, just 5 miles away. Penrith is on the main west coast line with regular direct trains from London Euston and Glasgow, making it surprisingly easy to reach even without a car. From Penrith, you’ll need a taxi or local bus to complete the journey.
Location
Lowther Castle sits on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with dramatic views over the River Lowther and the Lowther Valley. It’s 5 miles from Ullswater and perfectly placed for a wider Lake District holiday!
Top Tips for Visiting Lowther Castle Playground
A little planning goes a long way when visiting Lowther Castle! Here are our top tips for making the most of your day:
- Book online in advance. The site recommends booking ahead, especially during school holidays. It saves time on arrival and guarantees entry.
- Arrive early. The playground gets busy, particularly in summer. Getting there when the gates open at 10am means you’ll have the best of it before the crowds arrive.
- Wear layers and sturdy footwear. The walk to the playground is through woodland and gardens, so sensible shoes are a must. British weather being what it is, a waterproof layer is always a good idea!
- Allow a full day. Between the playground, the gardens, the castle ruins, and the cafe, there’s genuinely a full day here. Don’t rush it!
- Pack a picnic. There are plenty of lovely spots in the grounds to sit and eat. You can supplement with snacks and ice creams from the cafe.
- Check the weather before you go. The playground may close in extreme icy or stormy conditions. A quick check of the Lowther Castle website before setting off is always worthwhile.
- Dogs are welcome in the grounds, but not in the playground. If you’re bringing the family dog, plan accordingly. There’s plenty of gorgeous walking around the wider estate for them to enjoy!
Is Lowther Castle Playground Worth It?
Absolutely, without question! The Lost Castle adventure playground is one of those rare attractions that genuinely lives up to the hype. It’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s brilliantly designed, and it sits within one of the most atmospheric and historically fascinating estates in the north of England.
The combination of a real ruined castle, 130 acres of stunning gardens, and one of the UK’s most impressive adventure playgrounds makes Lowther Castle a day out that the whole family will be talking about for a long time.
At £45 for a family of five (2 adults + 3 children), it’s also genuinely excellent value when you consider everything that’s included. And with the option of annual passes, regular visitors to the Lake District could easily justify returning again and again throughout the year.
Whether you’re based in Cumbria, visiting the Lake District on holiday, or making a special trip from further afield, this is one day out that belongs at the very top of your list!