Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle is now just ruins – but impressive and stately ones at that. But there is much more to this Lake District attraction that crumbling walls. The grounds are extensive, with large gardens to exlpore, and possibly the best children’s play area in the county. On site is a cafe, gift shop, facilities, and bike hire.

Beyond the main castle and gardens are acres of walks and bikes to explore, along the River Lowther, towards Ullswater, and through the Eden Valley.

The castle hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including talks, tours and festivals.

Lowther is part of one of the largest landscape recovery projects in England, the Penrith to Kendal arc, which ais to create a 150km-squared corridor of wildlife-rich land from Penrith to Kendal. They are also the place in Cumbria where beavers were permitted to be re-released as part of trials taking place across the UK.

Get There Without A Car

By Foot

There’s a nice walk to Lowther Castle from Pooley Bridge, along the Ullswater Way and via the Cockpit Stone Circle. The walk is around 1.8m and includes a (small) fell walk. It shouldn’t be any trouble for regular walkers, but may be for those not used to the walk.

Askham is also within walking distance of the village of Askham via a reasonably short but quite steep route.

By Train and Bus

The nearest train station is Penrith, and the volunteer led Fell Runner Bus runs from Penrith to Lowther on Thursdays only. This is the only way to really get from Penrith to Lowther witout a long walk, or a bike ride.

If you’re around Ulswater, the Ullswater Hopper is a seasonal bus that travels from all major locations in the area to Lowther (and back again).

Nearby Attractions

• Cockpit Stone Circle
• Penirth Castle