Take a tour around this impressive castle and explore its extensive grounds.
Overlooking the River Esk, Grade I listed Muncaster Castle dominates the landscape here in the countryside close to the coastal town of Ravenglass in Cymbira.
Although the castle is privately owned by the Pennington family, who have lived here for at least 800 years, it is open to the public to look around the castle and its grounds.
Take a tour through this impressive castle using the audio tour which is narrated by the Pennington family, exploring the elegant rooms including the library, dining room, drawing room and bedrooms. The castle is full of historic furnishings and art collections, and this narrated tour brings the history of the castle to life. Don't miss the Great Hall and the 14th century pele tower, both set in the oldest part of the castle.
Muncaster Castle is set within 77 acres of woodland gardens including a half mile long 18th century grass terrace within stunning views of the Lakeland Fells. Wandering round the gardens you'll find bursts of colour from the numerous flower and plant species during the spring and summer, and fruit trees and shrubs in the autumn and winter months.
While exploring the gardens you will want to take a look round the owl sanctuary and garden maze. Every afternoon head down to the bank by the cannon to see the wild herons fed. On-site you’ll also find a restaurant and gift shop.
It is believed that the castle lies on the foundations of a fort dating back to the Roman era, but much of the castle you see today is from the 14th century with extensive remodelling between 1860 and 1866.
