Piel Castle
Cumbria, England
Photo: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Dr John Wells, CC BY 4.0 · Peter McDermott, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Roose, 3.8 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- On Piel Island; seasonal ferry from Roa Island
Pinpoint
Piel Castle, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Piel Island LA13 0QN
Telephone 0800 015 0516
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. Access by ferry not managed by English Heritage
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Safety
- Hazards on site include deep water and sheer drops near the ruins.
The largest castle ruins in North West England, on a tidal island reached only by seasonal ferry from Roa Island - a genuinely odd, out-of-the-way trip that reviewers rate as much for the crossing as the castle. The island's pub, the Ship Inn, comes with its own tradition: the landlord is crowned 'King of Piel'.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The ferry crossing itself, complete with the ferryman's stories - reviewers say it's as memorable as the castle at the other end.
Before you go
The ferry runs seasonally and costs around £7 return in cash, paid on the boat - check it's running before you travel, and note camping is available on the island for around £5 a night with toilets on site.
What visitors say
Piel Castle reviews · 4.8 / 5 across 213 Google reviews
All the available reviews for Piel Castle are enthusiastic, with visitors enjoying the ferry crossing to the island, the historic ruins, and the nearby pub run by the self-styled King of Piel.
No complaints or caveats appear in the reviews, it's consistently described as an atmospheric, worthwhile trip.
“Atmospheric Castle with a fascinating history. Nice ferry crossing to get to the Island.”- Mike Austin, visitor review
Walks at Piel Castle
Piel Castle is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“Camping available at £5 per night ( with toilets) Had a nice walk around the island.”- Janet Rowbotham, visitor review
Also worth knowing: the site itself is free to enter and dogs are reported welcome.
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
History
John Cockerham · c.1327
Constructed by Abbot John Cockerham around 1327 to protect Furness Abbey's maritime trade, Piel Castle served as a defensive stronghold on its island location. The site fell to ruin by the 16th century and is now managed by English Heritage.
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.
- Facilities
- “Camping available at £5 per night ( with toilets) Had a nice walk around the island.” - Janet Rowbotham
For your visit
As an Amazon Associate we keep the site funded from qualifying purchases. More on how this works →
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Trendi Premium Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4
A real wicker hamper with fitted plates, cutlery and wine glasses plus a separate cooler bag - a proper picnic setup for four rather than a bag of sandwiches. A good fit for the clifftop walk at Piel Castle.
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RISEOFLE 43" Selfie Stick Tripod with Light
A built-in fill light helps on an overcast day or inside a dim great hall, where a phone camera alone tends to underexpose the shot. Keeps things to hand during a full day exploring the castle.
Find it on Amazon
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Berghaus Men's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Waterproof Walking Boots
A trusted British outdoor brand with extra cushioning for a longer walk-round - worth the step up if the site involves real distance between the outer wall and the keep. Solid underfoot for a walk round the grounds.
Find it on Amazon
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Camelbak Podium Sports Water Bottle, Squeeze Bottle
A self-sealing squeeze cap built for drinking one-handed on the move - useful climbing the steps to a keep without breaking stride. Keeps you going during a day out in Cumbria.
Find it on AmazonCommon questions about Piel Castle
Where is Piel Castle?
Piel Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Piel Castle, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Piel Island LA13 0QN.
Is Piel Castle free to visit?
Yes - Piel Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
Are there walks at Piel Castle?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “Camping available at £5 per night ( with toilets) Had a nice walk around the island.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
What is the highlight of visiting Piel Castle?
The ferry crossing itself, complete with the ferryman's stories - reviewers say it's as memorable as the castle at the other end.
Is Piel Castle a ruin or still intact?
Piel Castle is a partial ruin - On Piel Island; seasonal ferry from Roa Island.
