8 of the Best Castles in Cumbria

Cumbria is home to a selection of fascinating castles ranging from Roman strongholds to grand mock castles that some people still call home today. Each of these Cumbria castles has a fascinating story and combined with the scenic backdrop of Cumbria and the Lake District National Park, makes these castles a wonderful opportunity for a day out with the family.

No matter what age you are, there’s something appealing about visiting a castle in Cumbria. You can walk among castle ruins that have remained standing for thousands of years, enjoy some of the area’s most spectacular views and learn about the fascinating history of these awesome buildings.

In this blog, we’ll explore our 8 favourite castles in Cumbria. Read on to add some history to your next adventure!

Different types of castles in Cumbria

Here’s a quick summary of the types of castles in the Lake District and Cumbria and their purposes through time:

Roman forts – Romans built forts to protect soldiers from attack, laying the groundwork for some later castles.
Motte and bailey castles – Normans built motte and bailey castles that could be erected quickly until they had time to build more permanent stone structures.
Norman castles – Normans later rebuilt their castles in stone to serve as military fortresses to intimidate the Anglo-Saxons and to assert Norman power.
Medieval castles – medieval castles were designed to be both defensive structures and the residences of noblemen with decorated walls and tiled floors.
Modern castles – modern castles are grand homes which have been built to resemble a medieval castle but without the same defensive capabilities.

Top 8 castles in Cumbria

1. Carlisle Castle

Standing proud in the city of Carlisle, Carlisle Castle is a medieval castle that has dominated for nine centuries. The castle was built upon the remains of a Roman garrison fort, which stood here from the first to fourth centuries. This Cumbria castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory, withstood many sieges, held captive a royal prisoner and has been home to the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment. Here you can take a tour of the castle, discover a turbulent history with the exhibition, and walk some of the castle walls which are still lined with canons.

2. Muncaster Castle

Located in the Western Lake District, Muncaster Castle is a medieval castle believed to be standing on Romain remains, and still a lived-in family home. The 77-acre site features Himalayan gardens, bluebell woods, an adventure playground and a Hawk & Owl Centre where visitors can watch regular bird of prey flying displays. Some of the rooms of the castle are open to the public, showcasing furniture and artwork than spans centuries of the Pennington family occupation. Muncaster Castle also offers events and festivals year-round, making it the perfect place for family-friendly day out. According to Muncaster Castle history, it’s also allegedly one of Britain’s most haunted castles!

3. Augill Castle

Augill Castle, located near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, is a stunning example of a modern Cumbrian castle. Originally built in the 19^th century and surrounded by picturesque countryside, this enchanting castle has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience life within its historic walls. Augill Castle Kirkby Stephen features beautifully decorated rooms, each with its own character and a range of amenities that make for a memorable stay. It is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

4. Lowther Castle

Located in the picturesque Lowther Valley in the northern Lake District, Lowther Castle is a remarkable castle near Penrith. Originally built in the 19^th century as a stately home for the Lowther family, the castle features stunning Gothic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore the grounds, which includes walking paths, a children’s adventure playground and a café, and learn about the Lowther Castle history in the exhibition. Lowther Castle also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must visit destination for both locals and visitors.

5. Wray Castle

Residing on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park, Wray Castle is a National Trust owned Gothic Revival castle. This is not a real castle, but a private house built in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840, featuring turrets, towers, extensive grounds and miles of lakeshore paths. Today, Wray Castle Windermere is managed by the National Trust and offers a variety of activities for families, including guided tours, exhibitions and opportunities to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens. With its rich history and enchanting setting, Wray Castle provides the perfect day out. Why not pack a picnic and find some of the best views in the Lakes for your lunch spot?

6. Birdoswald

Birdoswald Castle, located along Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria, is a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into Roman Britain. As one of the best preserved Roman forts, Hadrian’s Wall Birdoswald features impressive remains, including the walls and towers that once protected the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and learn about the site’s rich history through informative displays and exhibitions in the visitor centre. Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria is also a great place to start your Hadrian’s Wall adventure!

7. Piel Castle

Piel Castle is a 14th century fortress that was built by the Abbot of Furness to guard Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scots raiders. Perched on Piel Island Cumbria, Piel Castle offers visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past, with impressive stone walls and scenic views of Morecambe Bay. Piel Island can be accessed from Roa Island by a small ferry operated between Easter and October, weather dependent. The site is dominated by the massive keep, which is enclosed by both an inner and an outer bailey, each bordered by a ditch and set with corner towers.

8. Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle, located near Kendal Cumbria, is a stunning historic house that showcases a blend of medieval and Tudor architecture. This Cumbria castle dates back to the 13^th century and has been home to the Strickland family for over 800 years. Visitors can explore the beautifully furnished rooms, which reflect the history of the estate as well as the impressive gardens that surround the castle. The estate also offers walking trails, Sizergh Castle Café and shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.

Exploring these castles in Cumbria offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural past. Whether you’re a family looking for an adventurous day out or a history enthusiast seeking a new experience, these Cumbria and Lake District castles provide the perfect blend of education and exploration. We encourage you to discover these cultural landmarks and the stories they hold, whether you’re local to the area or visiting from afar.

That brings us to the end of our round up of the best castles in the Lake District and Cumbria. There are plenty of other unique and unusual things to do here, whether it be discovering the most scenic beaches in Cumbria or paddleboarding in the Lake District. Explore local artists, manufactures, makers, producers and more on the Made in Cumbria website.