Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther Castle & Gardens is a historic country house located in Lowther, Cumbria, England. The castle was built in the early 19th century by the Earl of Lonsdale, and it was designed by the renowned architect Robert Smirke. The castle was once a grand affair with a room for every day of the year, and its gardens were considered the envy of the north. However, in 1957 the castle was demolished, and it remained in ruins for many years.

Today, Lowther Castle & Gardens is a fully managed ruin that is open to the public. Visitors can explore the shell of the castle and some of the gardens, which have been restored to their former glory. The castle is a popular destination for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun day out.

Lowther Castle & Gardens has a rich and varied history, and it has played host to many notable figures over the years. The castle was once one of the finest Gothic buildings in the north-west of England, and it was a hub of activity for over a century. Despite its turbulent past, Lowther Castle & Gardens remains a fascinating and beautiful place to visit, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of historic landmarks.

History of Lowther Castle

Lowther Castle is a historic country house located in Westmorland, now part of Cumbria, England. The castle has been the residence of the Lowther family, particularly the Earls of Lonsdale, since the Middle Ages. The Lowthers are one of the oldest arms-bearing families in England, tracing their origins back to Dolfin, a Viking settler who arrived in the area in 1150.

The castle was commissioned by William, 1st Earl of Lonsdale, in 1806 and was designed by the renowned architect Robert Smirke. The construction of the castle was completed in 1812, and it became one of the finest Gothic buildings in the northwest of England. For over a century, Lowther Castle played host to some of the most influential people in the United Kingdom.

However, in 1936, the castle was closed, and the garden was paved with concrete and used for secret tank testing during World War II. The roof was removed in 1957, and the castle became an empty shell, with the elegant rooms open to the sky. The garden was used as a chicken farm, and the grounds were harvested for timber.

After years of neglect, the castle and gardens were opened to the public in 2011. Since then, extensive restoration work has been carried out, and visitors can now explore the castle ruins and gardens, which have been restored to their former glory.

The Gardens

Lowther Castle’s gardens are spread over 130 acres and are a beautiful example of how the past and present can blend together seamlessly. Visitors can explore the gardens and discover a range of features that have been added over the years, including the Rose Garden, the Parterre, the Courtyard, and the Lost Castle.

The gardens have been designed to reflect the castle’s history and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Bampton Valley and the Lake District fells from various points in the gardens. The gardens are also home to a range of plant species, including rare and exotic varieties.

One of the highlights of the gardens is the Rose Garden, which features a beautiful collection of roses in a range of colours and scents. The garden is designed to be enjoyed from different angles, and visitors can explore the different levels and paths to discover hidden corners and seating areas.

The Parterre is another popular feature of the gardens, with its intricate designs and colourful planting schemes. The garden is divided into four quadrants, each with its own theme and planting scheme. Visitors can enjoy the symmetry and balance of the garden from the viewing platform or explore the different sections on foot.

The Courtyard is a more recent addition to the gardens and provides a tranquil space for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The garden features a range of sculptures and water features, as well as a variety of plants and flowers. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the Courtyard Cafe, which serves a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals.

The Lost Castle is a unique feature of the gardens, offering visitors a chance to explore the ruins of the original castle. The area has been transformed into a garden, with a range of plants and flowers growing among the ruins. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top of the castle.

Things to Do at Lowther Castle & Gardens

Lowther Castle & Gardens is a stunning visitor attraction that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the things you can do during your visit:

Explore the Castle Ruins

The castle ruins are a fascinating part of the attraction. Visitors can explore the Gothic ruins and learn about the history of the castle, which was once a grand home to the Lowther family. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding Lake District National Park, making it a great spot for photos.

Discover the Gardens

The gardens at Lowther Castle are truly beautiful and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can explore the gardens and discover rare plants, trees, and flowers. The gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and bees.

Visit the Adventure Playground

The Adventure Playground at Lowther Castle is a great place for children to burn off some energy. Designed by the Curious Adventure Play company, the playground is built from sustainable timber and features a maze of turrets, walkways, and slides. There are also ramps and steps for children to climb, as well as a firepole.

Take a Guided Tour

For visitors who want to learn more about the history of Lowther Castle, guided tours are available. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the castle’s past and present. Visitors can also learn about the Lowther family and their role in the history of the Lake District.

Enjoy a Picnic

Lowther Castle & Gardens is a great place for a picnic. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches available, as well as grassy areas for visitors to spread out a blanket.

Shop and Eat

Lowther Castle & Gardens has a range of shops and eateries for visitors to enjoy. The gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, gifts, and books, while the café serves a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. There is also a courtyard area where visitors can relax and enjoy a coffee or ice cream.

Visiting Information

Lowther Castle & Gardens is a popular visitor attraction located in the English Lake District. It is open to the public from March to October, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities and events throughout the year. Here is some useful information for planning your visit:

Ticket Prices

Adults can purchase tickets for £14.00, while children aged 3-15 years can enter for £10.00. Families can purchase a ticket for up to 2 adults and 3 children for £45.00, or a ticket for 1 adult and up to 4 children for the same price. Children under 3 years can enter for free, and carers can also enter for free.

Opening Hours

The castle and gardens are open from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. The site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays and on bank holiday Mondays.

Facilities

The site has a range of facilities to make your visit more comfortable, including toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a gift shop. There is also a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks, as well as picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food.

Accessibility

Lowther Castle & Gardens is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the site, regardless of their mobility or accessibility requirements. The site has accessible parking, toilets, and paths, and staff are on hand to offer assistance where needed. There is also a wheelchair available to borrow free of charge.

Events and Activities

In addition to the regular opening hours, Lowther Castle & Gardens hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year. These include outdoor theatre performances, guided tours, and seasonal events such as Easter egg hunts and Christmas markets. Check the website for details of upcoming events.