Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther Castle has enjoyed a rich and varied history. One of the finest neo-Gothic buildings of the north west, the castle was completed in 1812. It sits at the centre of the Lowther Estate, which was first imparked during the reign of Edward I.

For a century or more, Lowther Castle enjoyed prosperous times. The Lords Lonsdale were avid hosts and collectors and the building came to house a vast and rich array of paintings, ceramics, books and furniture. Its visitors books were filled with signatures of the great and the good.

But in 1936, the turmoil of the 20th century took over. Most of the money had gone and the upkeep of the decaying building had become unaffordable. The fifth Lord Lonsdale (the famous and famously extravagant ‘Yellow Earl’) was obliged by his trustees to leave. From then, the castle was abandoned; dry rot set in and decay. During WWII, Lowther Castle and some of its grounds were requisitioned by tank regiments – this did the fabric no favours and in 1957 the building – like so many in the UK at that time – was partly demolished.

Today – thanks to intervention on the part of public bodies and to the determined endeavours of its current owner, Jim Lowther – Lowther Castle is once again in the pink. Rescued from wilderness, the castle ruins have been planted while the gardens house ventures old and new. Ancient borders jostle with contemporary designs. Ancient woodlands house one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds. In the courtyard, where horses once gathered, there is a great café.

Lowther Castle has a remarkable story. It is one that delights visitors of all ages.