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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

Aerial View of Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Aerial View of Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Library at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Great Hall at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Gardens at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Cannon overlooking a scenic view at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Playground at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Medieval Weapons Hall at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Owl from the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Medieval Event at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Vulture at the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Halloween Event at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Archery at the Weapons Hall at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Bald Eagle at the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Food from the Cafe at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Owl at the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Axe Throwing at the Weapons Hall at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • External View of the Castle from the Gardens at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Food from the Cafe at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • Exterior view of Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
  • The Sausage Festival at Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria

Type:Castle

Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
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Tel01229 717614

About

Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome visitors to explore their ancient home.

Wander through enchanting woodland gardens teeming with wildlife and exotic plants, and step inside the haunted castle, steeped in mystery and stories.

Be mesmerized by daily flying displays from the Hawk & Owl Centre, featuring majestic birds of prey.

For adventures, enjoy thrilling playgrounds and the Medieval activity centre The Weapons Hall, while The Stables Café and gift shop offer moments of relaxation.

With special events throughout the year like the Sausage Festival, Halloween, Scarecaster, and enchanting Christmas celebrations, Muncaster promises an unforgettable experience for all, whether you're seeking family fun, solo exploration, or a romantic celebration.

Visit to embrace the magic of Muncaster!

The Hawk & Owl Centre

Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays daily during the main season. This is your opportunity to witness the stealthy silent flight of an owl, the breathtaking speed of a falcon or a majestic eagle soar over the valley! With conservation of wildlife at its heart the Centre aims to excite and educate visitors of all ages about these winged predators.

Personal Owl Encounters available to book.

The Weapons Hall

Take part in medieval combat skill workshops with our qualified Weapons Masters. Book sessions archery, axe throwing, crossbow and sword skills in the expansive 700 m2 indoor training ground. Immerse yourself in the traditional medieval weaponry skills. Unleash your inner warrior. Become a Muncaster Knight! There is also a medieval tavern (and coffee bar) for thirsty Knights.

The Castle

Muncaster has been home to the Pennington Family for over 800 years, and they still live in the castle today. Built upon and renovated through various eras, the castle's current form was designed by renowned architect Anthony Salvin in the 1800s for the fourth Lord Muncaster. As you enter through the grand front door, you’ll be greeted by the ancient Great Hall and Guard Room, revealing the castle’s rich architectural history and perhaps a spectral presence or two. Explore its elegant state rooms, adorned with exquisite furniture and artwork from the Pennington family's centuries-long occupation, alongside seasonal exhibitions featuring fascinating artifacts from the castle's collections. Look out for Tom Fool and the castle’s ghosts!

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.



We recommend visitors with disabilities contact us before their arrival for advice.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and at the Sky Hunters Flying Display but can't enter the castle or Owl Centre.

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Opening Times

Season (15 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)

* Main season: late March to end of October.
Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre open daily from 10.30am-5pm
(Castle 12 noon – 4pm closed some days for private functions - check website).
For winter season and special events see website for details.

Guide Prices

See website for details

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Seating
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Changing Places
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Facilities for visually impaired
  • Level Access
  • Quiet Area/ Rooms
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Credit cards accepted (with charge)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Languages

  • French signs/guides
  • German signs/guides
  • Spanish signs/guides

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Gift shop
  • Postbox
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Telephone (public)

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member
  • Welcome Host

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Access Information

Attractions Self Assessment

Accessibility NotesWe recommend visitors with disabilities contact us before their arrival for advice.

Entrance

Ramp to entrance

Public Areas

Baby changing facilities
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Visitor information available in audio format

Food

Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Nut free
Vegan
Vegetarian
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair

Parking

Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Has a ramp
The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is gravel
is solid
Label is neededtarmac and loose chippings

General

Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Wheelchairs provided
Free

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
1891 reviews
    • Excellent
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    • Very Good
      385
    • Average
      113
    • Poor
      39
    • Terrible
      27

    Recent Reviews:

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      © Tripadvisor 2025

      Awards

      • Visit EnglandVisitEngland Award For Excellence Silver VisitEngland Award For Excellence Silver 2016
      • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018
      • Other AwardsHistoric Houses Association Friends Scheme Historic Houses Association Friends Scheme 2016
      • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
      facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muncastercastle

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      Map & Directions

      Map Link

      Click here to view map

      Road Directions

      Located 1 mile south of Ravenglass on the A595. Follow signs for the Western Lake District from junction 36 of the M6 motorway. SatNav CA18 1RD.

      Public Transport Directions

      Accessible by Public Transport: Ravenglass station is 1 mile away.

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