Muncaster Castle
Cumbria, England
Photo: David Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Pennington family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Ravenglass, 1.1 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- B&B in stable-yard buildings, not castle
Pinpoint
Ravenglass CA18 1RQ
Telephone 01229 717614
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Home to the Pennington family for around 800 years, Muncaster Castle pairs its interiors with an owl centre in the grounds and a long-standing reputation as one of England's most haunted houses. Accommodation on site is in the stable-yard buildings rather than the castle itself.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The owl centre in the grounds - a working part of the estate rather than a bolt-on attraction, and widely rated as a highlight of a visit.
Before you go
No visitor reviews were available for this listing to draw specific practical advice from - check the castle's own site for current opening times, and note that overnight stays are in the stable-yard B&B, not the castle itself.
What visitors say
Muncaster Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 2,689 Google reviews
Visitors call Muncaster Castle far more than a stately home, praising how much is included in the ticket - hawk and owl flying displays, the interactive Weapons Hall with archery and axe-throwing, and beautiful, extensive grounds with views to the fells.
The friendly staff and free parking are frequently mentioned.
Several note it is a fair walk from the gate down to the castle.
“Not your average Stately Home. There's so much to do. I particularly enjoyed The Weapons Hall which included axe throwing, archery and crossbows all inclusive of the entrance price. Plus two birds of prey displays. …”- Darran, visitor review
Getting in - what Pennington family says
Ground floor state rooms wheelchair accessible; first floor not wheelchair accessible due to narrow corridors. Dedicated accessible parking via Church Gate entrance (postcode CA18 1RQ). Accessible toilet facilities. Mobility scooter rental (£5) and free wheelchairs available. Assistance dogs permitted in castle but not Hawk & Owl Centre.
Taken from Pennington family’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.
Weddings at Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle is on our wedding roll because Pennington family mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Alan de Penitone · 1208 (grant); 14th-century tower; 1860-1866 remodelled
A medieval fortress granted to the Pennington family in 1208, Muncaster Castle features a 14th-century pele tower and has been continuously occupied for around 800 years. Extensively remodelled between 1860 and 1866 by Anthony Salvin, it was later restored as a family home and heritage site, now attracting over 90,000 visitors annually.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
- “Parking was FREE, We walked through the main gate an followed the path down to the Ticket office.” - Michael Collins
- How long to allow
- “Onsite there are toilets and a few gift shops plus the stables coffee shop and restraunt if you watch the late show at 4pm you could easily spend over 6 hours here.” - Michael Collins
- Facilities
- “We ate in the cafe twice during our stay and the food was excellent.” - Debra Birkby
Common questions about Muncaster Castle
Where is Muncaster Castle?
Muncaster Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Ravenglass CA18 1RQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Muncaster Castle?
Yes - Muncaster Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Pennington family. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Muncaster Castle?
Yes - Muncaster Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Muncaster Castle?
The owl centre in the grounds - a working part of the estate rather than a bolt-on attraction, and widely rated as a highlight of a visit.
Is Muncaster Castle a ruin or still intact?
Muncaster Castle is largely intact - B&B in stable-yard buildings, not castle.
