Muncaster Castle, Gardens, Hawk & Owl Centre
Medieval castle filled with historic treasures in a dramatic fellside location.
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
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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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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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
Medieval castles built on top of rocky hillsides were designed with the intention of keeping people out! Nevertheless, considerable adaptations have taken place to ensure good access to most of Muncaster’s attractions and facilities for guests with special needs.
The Churchgate carpark is recommended for visitors with mobility issues. (What3Words takers.armrest.placidly). Accessable toilets on site.
Please call 01229 717614 for further information or view access statement on muncaster.co.uk for full details
In an idyllic setting amongst the Western Lake District fells, Muncaster offers an unforgettable experience for groups, for individuals and families; for days out or memorable special occasions.
With its historic haunted castle, extensive wild woodland gardens and bluebell woods commanding Eskdale and the estuary from its lofty fellside position, Muncaster offers the complete day out.
We have a Hawk & Owl Centre with exhilarating flying displays, medieval Weapons Hall (archery, axe-throwing, crossbows, jousting & sword skills) Enchanted Trail, playgrounds and 6 miles of woodland paths to explore, gift-shops and cafes.
You’ll also find self-catering and B&B onsite, a wedding venue to die for, the corporate event to impress and the most atmospheric of film locations. We also offer gift experiences and a program of special events throughout the year. Come and visit us soon.
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.
Muncaster Castle offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year, with specific opening times and activities depending on the season.
General Opening Times
Muncaster is open weekends only until 22 December 2025. From 21 March 2026, Muncaster will be open 7 days a week.
Specific Attractions
- The Stables Cafe: Open Saturday to Tuesday until 22 December 2025, serving seasonal dishes and Sunday lunches.
- The Hawk & Owl Centre: Open daily during Muncaster’s main season, with flying displays at 1:30pm.
- The Weapons Hall: Open during operational days, offering have-a-go sessions and masterclasses.
Special Events
Christmas at Muncaster
From 6-22 December 2025, Muncaster hosts a Christmas Festival featuring Santa's Grotto, craft fairs, live music, and festive activities. Tickets include access to the castle, gardens, and Hawk & Owl Centre.
February Half Term
From 14-22 February 2026, Muncaster offers Gardens, Birds & Activities Passes and Castle, Gardens & Activities Passes with various attractions included.
Joint Attraction Tickets
Muncaster offers a joint ticket with Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, valid for 7 days, including access to both attractions.
Admission Prices
- Gardens, Birds & Activities Pass: Adults £13.00, Children £8.00, Under 3s free.
- Castle, Gardens & Activities Pass: Adults £18.50, Children £10.50, Under 3s free.
- Christmas Tickets: Adults £19.95, Children £14.50, Under 3s free (£2.50 with Santa activities).
Additional Information
Dogs are welcome in most areas except the castle and Hawk & Owl Centre. Special events and festivals may have different ticketing requirements. The castle may close for private functions on certain dates.
Full season (March – October)
Castle – Adult £22.50, Child £11.25 (All attractions included in Castle ticket option).
Gardens & Hawk & Owl Centre – Adult £16.00 Child £8.00. (Child = 5-15yrs; under 5s are free).
Please note: For Halloween Week (23-31 October 21) +£1 adult & 50p child on all tickets.
Historic Houses members visit free of charge.
Winter season (until March)
Adult £14.00 Child £7.00, Under 5s Free (Castle ticket, when open)
Adult £10.00 Child £5.00 (Gardens & Hawk & Owl Centre only when open) See muncaster.co.uk for winter opening details.
Muncaster makes a wonderful full day out for any group with gardens, castle, Hawk & Owl Centre and medieval activities in the Weapons Hall between them offering something for everyone.
We recommend a minimum of 2½ hours at Muncaster but many groups find that they can spend up to five or more hours here quite happily especially if combined with refreshments in the castle, cafe or Weapons Hall.
Group bookings and specialist tours can be made for any time of year even if otherwise closed. Please email [email protected] for full details. Group discounts on standard prices plus competitive rates for specialist tours or private dining.
Muncaster offers enjoyable educational visits for students of all ages.
Muncaster offers extensive and exciting learning opportunities. With an historic castle situated in many acres of woodland, Himalayan gardens, the interactive Weapons Hall plus the Hawk & Owl Centre, the opportunities to explore a variety of subjects, in a stimulating environment are endless with many cross-curricular links.
School camps also available. Please email [email protected] for further details.
Medieval castles built on top of rocky hillsides were designed with the intention of keeping people out! Nevertheless, considerable adaptations have taken place to ensure good access to most of Muncaster’s attractions and facilities for guests with special needs.
The Churchgate carpark is recommended for visitors with mobility issues. (What3Words takers.armrest.placidly). Accessable toilets on site.
Please call 01229 717614 for further information or view access statement on muncaster.co.uk for full details
Getting here
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
On the main A595 approx 1 mile south of Ravenglass on the Western Lake District coast, approx 90 minutes from M6 at Carlisle, Penrith or Kendal. Find us by SatNav at postcode CA18 1RD, specifying major roads only to avoid a hair-raising trip over the mountain passes.
Mainline rail to Ravenglass For Eskdale station, c.1.5 miles away. Local minicabs are available but should be prebooked.
Muncaster Castle’s custodian couple named tourism personalities of the year
The family duo who’ve spent decades shaping Muncaster Castle into a highly popular visitor attraction have been recognised for their lifelong services to tourism in Cumbria.
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