Unravelling the Mysteries of Lowther Castle
Since 1812, the dramatic Gothic profile of Lowther Castle has graced the park at Lowther.
Today, Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country.
The castle is the third or fourth grand building to inhabit this site.
Lowther Castle was a grand affair, boasting a room for every day of the year with spectacular gardens.
In 1957, the castle was demolished with just the facade and outer walls remaining, and the gardens were lost to wilderness.
Nowadays, all that remains are the castle’s walls, turrets and battlements.
Behind the castle, the extensive gardens keep many secrets.
Lowther Castle gardens were first laid out in the 17th century, and that formal structure remains.
Over the years, the 130 acres have been improved and neglected, according to the times.
In the early 20th century, the Yellow Earl – an exuberant spender – added many extravagant touches, including a Japanese Garden, an Iris Garden and mile-long borders of perennials.
Come the 1930s, however, and as for many other grand country houses, Lowther was hit by extensive change.
The Yellow Earl shut up the Castle and left. The gardens, open briefly to the public, were closed.
In 1942, the 49th tank regiment moved in and, pursuing a secret weapon experiment, covered much of the grounds in concrete.
Once the army left in 1945, the gardens were left to their own devices.
As mentioned earlier, in 1957, the Castle’s fabric was dismantled and sold, and the house became a ruin.
Fifty years of neglect came to an end in 1999 when English Heritage began to show an interest.
In keeping with the Yellow Earl’s penchant for yellow, the estate holds the world record for the number of daffodils planted in a single session.
On October 20th, 2012, 106,526 bulbs were planted in three hours.
Since then, steady work has taken place with the aid of numerous organisations, including the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund, with the aim of bringing the castle and gardens back to life.
Today, Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country with dramatic ruins, rescued and restored gardens, and an exciting adventure playground.
Lowther Estate Trust, now firmly at the helm, is stepping up the pace and Lowther Castle and Gardens are in the process of becoming a major visitor attraction for years to come.
If you are looking for a Grange-over-Sands holiday cottage with easy access by road to Lowther Castle, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Where is Lowther Castle located?
Lowther Castle is situated in the Eden Valley, just south of Penrith and near the edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. It is easily accessible via the M6 and is a popular day trip for those staying in southern Lake District locations like Grange-over-Sands.
2) Is Lowther Castle a “real” castle?
While it looks like a medieval fortress, it is actually a Gothic Revival mansion built in the early 19th century. In 1957, the roof was removed, leaving behind the spectacular “ruin” we see today. It offers a unique mix of grand architecture and open-air history.
3) What are the “Lost Gardens” of Lowther?
The Lost Gardens of Lowther are award-winning gardens that were once overgrown and forgotten. Today, they have been beautifully restored and feature a mix of wild meadows, structured parterres, and the dramatic Dan Pearson-designed “Garden in the Ruins” within the castle walls.
4) Is Lowther Castle dog-friendly?
Yes! Lowther Castle is a very dog-friendly attraction. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, the outdoor seating area of the café, and throughout the estate. This makes it an ideal destination for guests staying at our pet-friendly holiday cottage at Kents Bank.
5) What is the “Lost Castle” adventure playground?
The “Lost Castle” is one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the UK. Hidden in the woods, it is built entirely of wood and mimics the castle’s architecture. It is a massive hit for families with children, offering zip wires, slides, and turreted walkways.
6) Can you walk around the Lowther Estate for free?
While there is an entry fee for the Castle and the formal Lost Gardens, there are miles of public footpaths across the wider Lowther Estate and the nearby village of Lowther that can be explored for free. These trails offer stunning views of the fells and the River Lowther.
7) How long should I spend at Lowther Castle?
Most visitors spend between 3 to 4 hours exploring. This gives you enough time to tour the ruins, walk the extensive garden trails, let the children play in the adventure woods, and enjoy a meal at the on-site café.
8) Is there a café or restaurant at Lowther Castle?
Yes, the Lowther Castle Café is located in the restored stables. It serves a variety of locally sourced Cumbrian food, including hot lunches, home-baked cakes, and afternoon tea. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available.
9) Is Lowther Castle accessible for wheelchairs or prams?
Much of the site is accessible. The courtyard and main garden paths are gravelled but manageable. However, due to the historic nature of the site and the woodland terrain of the playground, some areas have steep slopes or uneven ground. Accessible toilets and parking are provided.
10) Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While you can often buy tickets on the day, pre-booking online is highly recommended, especially during school holidays and summer weekends. Booking in advance ensures entry to the adventure playground and often provides a small discount on the gate price.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay. Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on enjoying your relaxing Lake District holiday with easy access to Lowther Castle.