10 amazing castles in Cumbria to visit on your holidays

If you love castles, and let’s face it most people do, and you are planning a trip to Cumbria, home of the Lake District, then you’re in luck as there are a large number of excellent castles to be found here. For a great day out try these 10 amazing castles in Cumbria…

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle has undergone ten sieges, making it the most besieged place in the British Isles. Today when visitors descend on it they can look forward to a variety of things to see and do including guided tours, an exhibition that provides insight into the castle’s history, medieval carvings, the castle dungeons and a picnic spot. Entry is £5.90 per adult and £3.50 for children aged 5 to 15 years old.

Piel Castle

Visitors who fancy taking their castle explorations beyond the mainland can visit the ruins of Piel Castle which is located on Piel Island off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness. The castle was constructed in the 14th century on the orders of the Abbot of Furness and though the castle is no longer complete, it is still a grand sight to behold. Piel Island can be reached by ferry and the ruins are free to explore.

Muncaster Castle

Beautiful Muncaster Castle situated near Ravenglass has a host of diverse but equally delightful attractions to appeal to visitors of all ages. The stunning castle interior holds an array of appealing items to intrigue visitors, while its reputation as a haunted building will intrigue individuals with an interest in the supernatural. Outside within the gardens is the World Owl Centre which is a wonderful attraction not to be missed, plus the gardens themselves offer a gorgeous place to explore at a leisurely pace. Access to all the property, including the World Owl Centre, costs £13 for adults and £7.50 for children aged 5 to 15 years old, with no entry fee for children younger than 5.

Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle is a striking medieval house located near Kendal. Within the house visitors can see the impressive collection of furniture and portraits, while outside in the stunning garden and grounds there is plenty to delight visitors as well, such as a pretty pond and rock garden and a variety of wildlife that call the estate home. Standard entry to the house and gardens costs £9.45 per adult and £4.73 per child.

Appleby Castle

Grand Appleby Castle is located in the beautiful Eden Valley. This motte and bailey castle has a history spanning approximately nine centuries and which can be explored via a guided tour. You will have the opportunity to see the likes of the Great Hall, the state bedroom and the round tower and afternoon tea is included in the tour.

Brougham Castle

Brougham Castle near Penrith dates from the 13th century and offers an intriguing collection of spiral stairways and passageways for visitors to discover. There is also an exhibition on the life of Lady Anne Clifford (who restored the family castle) and the castle’s attractive riverside setting makes it a pretty place to enjoy a packed lunch. Entry to the castle ruins is £4.20 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle was founded in the 14th century and for a period of time served as the residence of Richard, Duke of Gloucester before he became King Richard III. Though the castle is now in ruins, the remains are located within a public park and offer an attractive and free prospect to explore.

Brough Castle

Built on the site of a Roman fort, the ruins of Brough Castle near Penrith are free to visit. The keep dates from around the start of the 13th century and the castle underwent restoration by Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th century. Visitors can read information panels at the site to get a sense of what the castle’s layout would have been.

Kendal Castle

Enjoying lovely surroundings which are great for walks, the ruins of Kendal Castle are themselves a pretty attraction. A significant part of the castle walls and a castle tower remain, and visitors who stop by the Kendal Museum can gain insight into the castle’s history and what it would have looked like when whole.

Pendragon Castle

Beautifully situated within the Mallerstang Valley are the picturesque ruins of Pendragon Castle. The castle is associated with legend, having allegedly been created by King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon. Although in reality the castle was likely to have been constructed on the orders of Hugh de Morville in the 12th century. Situated on private land, the castle is accessible by members of the public but be sure to shut the gate to prevent the sheep escaping!

Ancient and amazing

These wonderful castles, whether complete or ruins, each have something to offer visitors. They provide a great way to experience ancient architecture in person and to find out about the past through their intriguing histories. In addition, their beautiful surroundings showcase the lovely natural beauty that Cumbria has to offer, so visitors can enjoy a day full of both historical and natural delights.