Muncaster Castle

About

Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls. John Ruskin described the stunning views of England’s highest mountains as “Heaven’s Gate”. Still cherished by the family who have inhabited Muncaster for over 800 years, the surrounding woodland gardens teem with wildlife & nurture exotic plants from around the world. The fabulous Hawk & Owl Centre flies falcons, owls, hawks, eagles, herons & vultures daily to enchant visitors with the majesty of these fascinating birds of prey.

Gift shop, café, church, playgrounds, special events & onsite B&B. A romantic venue for weddings and celebrations.

Hawk & Owl Centre

Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays daily from Easter to Christmas plus the wild heron feed daily year-round.

With conservation of wildlife at its heart, and working in partnership with the Hawk Conservancy Trust, the Centre aims to excite and educate visitors of all ages about these winged predators.

Meadowvole Maze

Shrink to 5cm in the indoor Meadowvole Maze. Try to reach the other side without being eaten! Follow Max Meadowvole through the maze and if you answer the questions correctly you may win a prize. Complete your visit in the real Wild Flower Meadow.

The Gardens

Plants from all over the world, especially the Sino-Himalayan region, nestle in the wild splendour of over 70 acres of gardens with the dramatic backdrop of the glorious Lakeland fells. Many rare and unusual trees and plants flourish here. Whatever the time of the year there is always something in flower spectacular Rhododendron, Camellia and Azalea collections blend with majestic mature trees and parkland.

Although wonderful to explore at any time of year, springtime is when Muncaster gardens are at their superlative best and the month of May is the peak of the flowering season. Don't expect neatly manicured borders and regimented ranks of bedding plants; this wild, woodland garden will surprise and delight with huge tresses of flowers in a myriad of hues cascading down the hillsides and ravines that surround Muncaster. The flowering camellias, magnolias and our native wild daffodils abound in March but as April turns to May the rhododendrons and azaleas are simply a riot of colour throughout the 77 acres of gardens.

A highlight of springtime at Muncaster is to enjoy a walk through the high woodlands above the Castle when the bluebells are in flower. Few visitors will be unmoved by the undulating sea of native bluebells spread out throughout the ancient coppice woodlands before the tree leaves and bracken fronds diminish the light falling to the forest floor. Whether dancing in the breeze, dappled by the sunlight or drenched in sweet and life-bringing spring showers, from mid April until mid May Muncaster's Bluebell Heaven will lighten the soul and refresh our human spirit. Please check the website for advice on when the bluebells are at their best, and please note that visitors with mobility issues are not recommended to take the rough, steep pathways up to Bluebell Heaven.

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We recommend visitors with disabilities contact us before their arrival for advice.
Dogs are welcome on site but can't enter the castle or Owl Centre.