Lowther Castle
Cumbria, England
Photo: fuji.tim, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: CharlotteFairbairn, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Northernhenge, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Penrith North Lakes, 3.8 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Stabilised shell with major gardens
Pinpoint
Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH
Telephone 01931 712192
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A stabilised ruin - the walls and windows stand, but there's no roof or floors - set within major gardens that have become the real draw, including a dedicated play castle for children. It isn't English Heritage; a dedicated trust runs it, with an exhibition on site telling the story of the house's decline and stabilisation.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The play castle in the grounds - reviewers say children can spend a couple of hours in full role-play mode without getting bored.
Before you go
Budget for both parking (around £2) and entry (around £16 for adults) - a few reviewers flag the combined cost as steep, though gluten-free food options are available in the cafe.
What visitors say
Lowther Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 4,609 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently love Lowther Castle's gardens, ruins, and children's play area, with several highlighting the annual membership as good value for repeat visits.
One reviewer felt the combination of an entrance fee and a separate parking charge was a little steep, but this is a minor note against an otherwise strongly positive picture.
“It's utterly beautiful. Stunning castle and the play castle is just wonderful. Kids spent a solid 2 hours buzzing around and full role play mode.”- Liz Dennis, visitor review
Getting in - what Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust says
Gardens, castle ruins, lost castle, café, shop all wheelchair accessible. Level hard gravel routes around lawns; some woodchip and turf sections. Areas less accessible due to natural site terrain. One free carer admission per disabled visitor. Wide doorways, easy pathways for pushchairs.
Taken from Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Car parking included in the entry, or you can use the car park and pay on RinGo and go for a walk where you want to.” - john tilley
- How long to allow
- “Kids spent a solid 2 hours buzzing around and full role play mode.” - Liz Dennis
Common questions about Lowther Castle
Where is Lowther Castle?
Lowther Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Lowther Castle?
Yes - Lowther Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Lowther Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Lowther Castle - one reviewer noted: “…the car park for some suggested walks. Dog friendly too, except the kids play area. Will definitely be back! Ca…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Lowther Castle?
The play castle in the grounds - reviewers say children can spend a couple of hours in full role-play mode without getting bored.
Is Lowther Castle a ruin or still intact?
Lowther Castle is a ruin - Stabilised shell with major gardens.
