Muncaster Castle
Muncaster, Ravensglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
For 800 years, this stately pile overlooking the Eskdale valley has been—and still is—home to the Pennington family. Built in the 13th century, the castle has been expanded several times, most recently in 1885. Visitors can explore sumptuous state rooms, 77-acre (31-hectare gardens, and observe birds of prey at the Hawk and Owl Center.
The basics
The castle can be visited as part of guided day trips that typically include stopovers at the high mountain passes of Wrynose and Hardknott, and a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway. Many multi-day tours of the Lake District also stop at Muncaster Castle.
Things to know before you go
- An on-site playground, maze, and child-friendly woodland trail make Muncaster Castle family-friendly.
- Three castle perks: a café, a tearoom, and free parking.
- Most of the ground floor is wheelchair-accessible, and there is a virtual tour of the upstairs rooms. Gravel and tarmac paths in the garden are wheelchair-accessible.
How to get there
Muncaster Castle is in the western Lake District. To get there, ride the Cumbrian Coast railway line to Ravenglass. Walking from Ravenglass station via the main road will take 20–30 minutes. It’s also possible to walk along the scenic Eskdale Trail, which passes by the Roman Bath House, though this route takes a little longer (about 30–40 minutes in total).
When to get there
Opening days and hours vary according to the season. Note that the castle is closed most—though not all—Saturdays between late March and early November. The castle is busier during school holidays. One of the best times to visit is during seasonal events, such as the Festival of Fools in May, or around Halloween.
The fool of Muncaster Castle
Back in the 1500s, the Pennington Family hired a jester by the name of Thomas Skelton. According to local folklore, Skelton—who is rumored to have been the inspiration behind the fool in Shakespeare’s King Lear—murdered a local carpenter who had fallen in love with one of the Pennington daughters. In recent years, the Pennington family has held an annual competition to appoint the Fool of Muncaster, who performs in an official capacity at various events.
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