10 must-see stately homes and castles in the Lake District

If you’re planning a visit to the Lake District, there are plenty of historic homes to explore.

These ten outstanding stately homes, country houses and castles in the Lake District showcase some of the best historic houses in the country and all provide wonderful days out.

Explore our park listings to find a great base for your Lake District camping holiday.

Cartmel Priory

Cartmel Priory is a building that is beautiful inside and out. Dating from the 12th century, much of the priory was destroyed in the 16th century but the parish church and the gatehouse remain.

Keep an eye out for the resin bronze sculpture created by Josefina de Vasconcellos. Guided tours are available at £3 each per adult and £1 each per child.

Muncaster Castle

Combine one of the most haunted castles in Britain with gorgeous gardens that contain one of Europe’s biggest Rhododendron collections, as well as the delightful residents in the World Owl Centre, and you’re all set for a visit to one of the best attractions in the Lake District.

Tickets to Muncaster Castle cost £13 each for adults and £7.50 for children aged 5 to 15, with free entry for children under 5.

Brantwood

Lake District visitors who have an interest in John Ruskin can find out more about him in his very own home at Brantwood. Ruskin’s country home contains an assortment of furniture, paintings and personal items.

The stunning gardens with their fantastic views of Coniston Water are also not to be missed. Entry is £7.95 per adult, with no charge for children.

Lowther Castle

Even though Lowther Castle is no longer complete, it remains a grand and enticing sight with beautiful natural surroundings. The castle and gardens are currently undergoing restoration and both offer a lovely day of exploring for kids as well as adults, with an onsite café to enjoy some leisurely refreshments.

Online tickets are £8 each for adults, with free entry for children and dogs.

Holker Hall

Privately owned Holker Hall is one of the most attractive country houses in the Lake District. The luxurious interiors with their fine artwork and furniture are really something to marvel at but the gardens are more than capable of rivalling the house.

Truly exceptional, the striking gardens are sure to enchant all who stroll within them. Entry to the hall and gardens costs £12 per adult and is free for children aged 6 to 15.

Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle is a beautiful medieval house that boasts a striking garden incorporating a lake, pond and rock garden. Within this family home you can see fine paintings and furniture and excellent examples of wood panelling. Standard entry is £9.45 per adult and £4.73 per child.

Levens Hall & Gardens

Levens Hall will appeal to a variety of visitors. The attractive Elizabethan house features sumptuous interiors and striking gardens, including the world’s oldest topiary garden. The hall has also been connected with numerous ghost sightings and its history is sure to appeal to those with an interest in the supernatural.

Access to the house and gardens is £12.50 per adult, with free entry for children under 16.

Rydal Mount & Gardens

William Wordsworth lived in Rydal Mount until his death and this country house is a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in the poet. Wordsworth wrote numerous poems here and you can see some of his personal possessions as well as first editions of his work. Wordsworth was interested in landscape gardening and the garden today is very similar to his original design. Entry is £7 per adult and £3 for children aged 5 to 15.

Mirehouse & Gardens

Mirehouse is associated with several famous literary figures such as William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson and Thomas Carlyle, and contains a number of manuscripts and paintings.

Kids will love the woodland playgrounds and both children and adults can enjoy navigating the maze and poetry walk. Tickets to the house and gardens cost £7.80 per adult and £3.90 per child.

Dalemain

Dalemain is stunning. Inside you can admire an excellent collection of Chippendale furniture and paintings as well as hand-painted 18th century wallpaper within the Chinese Room. Outside there is plenty to explore too within the gorgeous gardens that boast a 2013 HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award.

Entry to the house and gardens is £10.50 per adult and free for children.

Amazing architecture that is sure to impress

These stately homes, country houses and castles provide great opportunities to discover and explore. Blending intriguing histories, luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens, they are a feast for the eyes and the mind alike.

The Lakes aren't short of attractions though, so don't skimp on your time here!