Lowther Castle and Gardens

Sitting proud amid lush green parkland just inside the Lake District National Park, Lowther Castle is like a fairytale illustration of a castle, with its symmetrical façade and ornamental crenelations, and its avenues of trees leading away across the valley.

After years left ruined, the castle has gone through a restoration programme that has transformed it into a wonderland for both adults and children. Through the large open courtyard (housing gift shop, café, and plant sale – as well as characteristic toilets between the stalls of the former stable block), you enter via the museum, which tells the history of the castle itself, the Lowther family who own it, and the restoration process. Out the other side, you can wander the castle ruins, the high walls and elegant arches sweeping over you, while admiring the gardens that have been planted and allowed to flourish in the former chambers.

As if one castle wasn’t enough, children can also take advantage of the Lost Castle, a huge adventure playground nestled in the woods, while the adults supervise with a coffee. Not that either children or adults will be spoilt for places to explore. The grounds and gardens cover 130 acres, and are filled with tree swings, Victorian summerhouses, and winding paths that open onto sudden vistas.

It’s no exaggeration to say that you can get lost here. The car park can be overflowing, and it can still feel as though you have the grounds practically to yourself. It’s a place for following paths through the woodland, or sitting to reflect beside Jack Croft’s pond, or picnicking on a bench in the formal gardens. It’s easy to spend a full day here, and still feel as though there are places left to explore.