Historic haunted Castle, wild woodland gardens and exhilarating bird of prey displays, Muncaster offers a memorable and full day out in the Western Lakes.
Iconic Muncaster Castle, reputedly haunted and still a family home after almost nine centuries, is a jewel set in wild woodland gardens amongst the Western Lake District fells.
The Castle itself, open Su – Fri Easter to October and weekends in winter, offers fine state rooms and a fascinating insight into the lives of the owning Pennington family over the generations. The surrounding gardens include Muncaster’s famous Himalayan gardens and rhododendron and azalea collection, a half-mile long Georgian Terrace with topiary hedge with stunning views of the fells and Eskdale, breathtaking bluebell woods in the spring and for our younger visitors, an Enchanted Trail and Meadowvole Maze as well as adventure playground and miles of woodland pathways to explore.
Muncaster is also home to Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre, with a diverse collection of owls and birds of prey, all of whom participate in the centre’s thrilling bird of prey displays, daily in the main season and weekends in winter. The Centre also feeds the herons from the estate’s centuries-old heronry, daily every afternoon.
The Coachmans Quarters accommodation onsite, bookable as B&B or for self-catering, allows the lucky few free entry to Muncaster and to stay on and enjoy the peace of the gardens after everyone else goes home. With ten letting rooms, nine of them ensuite and spacious communal lounge and kitchen, it’s the perfect location for a short break or longer stay. Or try our large family room, sleeping six in bunkbeds; great for groups of friends.
Muncaster offers a full day out for the visitor any day but also hosts a number of special events, including regulars like the Food & Drink Festival, the Festival of Fools (when this year’s Fool of Muncaster is chosen) and Halloween Week, plus other one-offs such as cinema on the lawn and charity events. Check our website for dates and details.
Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle, Gardens, Hawk & Owl Centre
Muncaster
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1RQ
Find us best on Sat Nav at CA18 1RD