Lowther Castle & Gardens
The spectacular shell of one of England's grandest Gothic mansions.
Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
Lowther Castle has enjoyed a rich and varied history. One of the finest Gothic buildings of the north west, the castle was completed in 1812.
For a century or more Lowther played host to the great and the good of the United Kingdom.
But in 1936, the turmoil of the 20th century took over. The castle was abandoned, then occupied by the army and finally in 1957 partly demolished.
Today Lowther Castle is once again in the pink. Rescued from wilderness, the castle ruins have been planted and the gardens house ventures old and new. Ancient borders jostle with new designs.
Ancient woodlands house one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds. In the courtyard, there is a fabulous café and shop. For young and old alike, Lowther Castle is a wonderful place to visit.
There is a remarkable story here and it is set in one of England’s most dramatic landscapes.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Castle Ruins & Gardens are open daily all year round (except Christmas Day). During the summer months, opening hours are 10:00am–5:00pm, with last entry at 4:00pm. In winter, the site opens 10:00am–4:00pm, with last entry at 3:00pm.
The Adventure Playground (The Lost Castle) and Castle Exhibition – 'The Story of Lowther' are both accessible during normal site hours. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the Adventure Playground.
Special Events & Activities
Guided Tours of Old Lowther are available on selected dates throughout the year, running from 11:00–11:30am. Tour dates in 2026 include: 8th June, 22nd June, 5th July, 20th July, 10th August, 23rd August, 6th September, 21st September, 4th October, and 19th October.
Littlies of Lowther sessions take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during school term time.
Apple Picking & Orchard Talk is scheduled for 24th September at 2:00pm.
'Everything Benjes' Garden Talk with Andrew Sagar will be held on 15th October 2026 at 2:00–2:30pm, with the meeting point at the Heronry.
Lights of Lowther – Winter Light Trail runs from 14th November to 30th December 2026, opening from 4:00pm until 9:00pm. The Adventure Playground is also accessible during daytime tickets for this event.
Historic Houses members visit the gardens for free.
Adult – £15
Child – £10
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children, or 1 adult up to 4 children) – £45
Car parking – £2
Getting here
Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH
From M6 junction 39 (going north) or junction 40 (coming south), take the A6. Lowther Castle is signposted in both directions.
The closest train station is Penrith which is on the main west coast line between London Euston & Glasgow. By train, 1hr 30 min from Edinburgh, 3 hours from London.
Lowther Castle is approximately 6 miles from the train station by taxi.
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