
There’s so much natural beauty throughout the Lake District National Park that it can be easy to forget about the magnificent historic sites scattered all over the region.
All across the landscape, grand Lake District castles and fortifications rise up in testament to the people who’ve lived in and defended the national park. Visit the impressive buildings to take in exquisite architecture, explore beautiful gardens and join the fun events that take place over the course of the year.
Bursting with exciting family-friendly things to do, tranquil estates for scenic strolls and epic ruins to discover, you’ll have a wonderful time at any one of these castles in the Lake District. Ensure you don’t miss out on a trip to one of these historic masterpieces by staying in a holiday cottage near a magnificent Lake District castle - just click the button below to browse our collection.
Escape to the Lakes

Wray Castle
Arrive by car or by ferry to the first impressive castle on our list. Admittedly, Wray Castle is not a true historic castle, but rather a family home built in 1840 by Dr James Dawson using his wife’s inheritance from a gin fortune.
It was gifted to the National Trust in 1929 and it’s now open to the public. With its Peter Rabbit adventure rooms, it's one of the best days out for kids in the Lake District.
Head out into the beautiful gardens and grounds for more exploration (including a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsworth in 1845), before popping into the tearoom for a slice of cake.
Location: Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA
Prices: Adult £5.40, Child £2.70, Family £13.50
Stay nearby: Manor House Cottage, Wray | Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Ambleside holiday cottages

Muncaster Castle
Discover a beautiful yet imposing castle near the Lake District coastline, that’s home to a hawk and owl centre to make your day out extra special! At Muncaster Castle you can get up close to owls, hawks and even vultures, book in for a Raptor Encounter or catch a flying demonstration.
Besides the wonderful bird displays, there’s the (haunted) castle to explore, the beautiful gardens where rhododendrons and bluebells can be found at various times of the year and a café for when you’re ready for a coffee break.
Location: Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
Prices: Please check the website as they vary throughout the year
Stay nearby: Rivers End, Ravenglass | Sleeps 4
Ravenglass holiday cottages

Kendal Castle
Uncover the ruins of a 13th-century castle in the heart of Kendal, just 10 miles from Windermere.
Castle Howe appeared first back in the 11th century, but when the site proved too cramped, Kendal Castle was built. For a long time, it was the home of the Parr family - the most famous of whom was Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife.
Now, it’s a scenic site and green space welcoming visitors freely. Set atop a hill with views of the town and river, this castle is a wonderful place for a morning dog walk or an afternoon picnic.
Location: Sunnyside, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DJ
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: Old Stables Loft, Kendal | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Kendal holiday cottages

Sizergh Castle
This grand stately home is just 4 miles away from Kendal yet a world away from Kendal Castle. Expansive gardens and exquisite interiors make Sizergh Castle a great place to visit, and one of the top things to do in the Lake District.
The Strickland family still live here, with the main house often only open for special events, however, you are welcome to visit and explore the gardens, café, park and shop.
Location: Sizergh, Kendal, LA8 8DZ
Prices: Adult £13, Child £6.50, Family £32.50
Stay nearby: The Stables – Heversham, Heversham | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Cartmel Fell holiday cottages

Penrith Castle
Explore another ruined structure with the wonderful 14th-century Penrith Castle. There is a cafe, parkland and even a museum nearby for you to visit, not to mention many other historic landmarks including King Arthur's Round Table, Mayburgh Henge, Brocavum Roman fort, and a second castle, Brougham, that you will discover next on this list.
Originally built by Richard Neville, who was heavily involved with the defence of the Scottish border, it was later passed into the hands of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III.
Location: Ullswater Rd, Penrith, CA11 7EG
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: 1 Inglewood Terrace, Penrith | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Penrith holiday cottages

Brougham Castle
Just down the road from Penrith Castle is the mighty Brougham Castle. This place is also now in ruins but was once a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and the original great keep is largely intact amid other buildings that were later added to the fortress.
It was built on the ruins of the old Roman fort of Verteris, a useful location as the foundations were already in place for a stronghold; and was home to the Clifford family for 450 years. During the 15th century, this ancient castle was carefully restored by Lady Anne Clifford.
Enjoy a gentle walk around the grounds, taking in the impressive structure with your family and dog by your side before grabbing a hot drink at the on-site shop.
Location: Moor Ln, Penrith, CA10 2AA
Prices: Adult £6, Child (5-17 years) £3.60, Family from £9.60
Stay nearby: Quirky Cottage - Kemplay Foot, Penrith | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Pooley Bridge holiday cottages

Piel Castle
Far out on an island set just off the coast of the Lake District, you’ll discover the impressive ruin of Piel Castle.
Hop on the ferry to get across to this quaint island or, if you’re sporty, who not hire a kayak and paddle across? Besides the castle, there’s the Ship Inn pub where you can stop for a hearty meal after a walk around the beautiful island.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Piel Island, LA13 0QN
Prices: Free
Stay nearby: Chimney Cottage, Baycliff | Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
Barrow-in-Furness holiday cottages

Lowther Castle and Gardens
Quite possibly one of the most magnificent castle ruins in the Lake District, if not the UK, Lowther Castle and Gardens is relatively new compared to many on this list, having been originally commissioned in 1806.
The site itself, which has seen many buildings come and go over the years, has been owned by the same family since 1150.
In 1957, James Lonsdale, the 7th Earl, removed the castle roof and turned this expensive site into a garden that could be enjoyed by the public with beautiful plants, an exhibition, a children’s playground and a café.
Location: Lowther, Penrith, CA10 2HH
Prices: Adult £12, Child (3-15 years) £9, Family £38, Under 3s free
Stay nearby: The Snugalow, Hackthorpe | Sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
Ullswater holiday cottages
Map of castles in the Lake District
Go and investigate these magnificent Lake District castles, hear about their long, complex histories and take in the stunning local scenery and far-reaching views.
Holidays in the Lake District
Plan ahead and during your holiday to the Lake District, you could head to one of the exciting events that take place at these historic sites, perfect for families or adult groups to make the most of their time in the Lake District.
Take a look through our beautiful holiday cottages in the Lake District and find your own ‘castle’ where you and the family can retreat on an exciting break to this renowned national park.
Start exploring