Lowther Castle & Gardens
The Story of Lowther exhibition will reopen on Wednesday 5th February.
For annual passholders, the ‘bring a friend for free’ scheme will extend until end of play on Friday 7th February.
Thank you.
Lowther Castle & Gardens
A stunning Lake District visitor attraction
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north.
But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.
Today Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you.
A grand day out..
As you set out to visit Lowther Castle, we would like to make a few suggestions. Bring your children, your grandchildren, your friends, your dogs (on leads). Dress for all weathers, wear big smiles and expect to stay a while.
Lowther Castle is full of stories. Many of these are told in the exhibition, the Story of Lowther. And if you go exploring, through the ruins, through the gardens and woodland, you will find plenty more food for the imagination. The same family has lived here for 850 years and you can see and hear their echoes.
Meanwhile, if the younger members of your team wish to make their own stories, then seek out the lost castle, one of the UK’s largest adventure playgrounds. And when all of you are ready for a rest, you can retreat to the café or the takeaway and have some delicious freshly-made food.
The castle ruins and gardens are open every day from 10am to 4pm in winter and 10am to 5pm in summer. For castle and garden entry fees, click here. Last entry to the gardens 1 hour before closing.
PS. Cycle-hire is also on the menu so once you have explored the castle and gardens to your satisfaction, you can climb aboard a bicycle and journey around the wider park.
#lowthercastle
We have a few new faces here in the gardening team. Meet Lucy, Ben and Amy. You’ll find them out and about working hard with the rest of the team in the gardens.

We have a few new faces here in the gardening team. Meet Lucy, Ben and Amy. You’ll find them out and about working hard with the rest of the team in the gardens.
Little signs of spring as the snowdrops begin to show themselves. Atop the western terrace you will find a beautiful cascade of snowdrops leading up to the amazing viewpoint

Little signs of spring as the snowdrops begin to show themselves. Atop the western terrace you will find a beautiful cascade of snowdrops leading up to the amazing viewpoint
With Valentine’s Day approaching we’re finding ourselves daydreaming of pretty and pink, sweet scented roses. We’ve still got a few months until summer when we will start to see any signs of buds in the rose garden, but that doesn’t stop us from being excited!🌹

With Valentine’s Day approaching we’re finding ourselves daydreaming of pretty and pink, sweet scented roses. We’ve still got a few months until summer when we will start to see any signs of buds in the rose garden, but that doesn’t stop us from being excited!🌹
Last Wednesday, the gardeners spent the day learning how to inspect trees for storm damage following the spate of high winds. #safetyfirst #lowther #cumbria #daysout #storm #dayout

Last Wednesday, the gardeners spent the day learning how to inspect trees for storm damage following the spate of high winds. #safetyfirst #lowther #cumbria #daysout #storm #dayout
This autumn, we needed to rethink our approach to the Tapestry Parterre. Normally, we leave it to the elements until the end of February and as a result, it becomes a place for insects, amphibians, birds, and small mammals to overwinter. However, this season, we are adding thousands of bulbs and will have to clear space for planting them, cutting down certain perennials. Therefore, we decided on some compromises: a) when we cut down perennials, we leave 20 cm of stalk above the ground to allow insects to hibernate in those hollow stems; b) we chop all remaining cut-back material into smaller pieces and leave it in the border instead of taking it to the compost heaps, creating a protective and diverse layer; and c) we build small tepee-like structures with cut-down material to provide additional shelter for mammals and amphibians.
Promoting wildlife and accepting a little ‘untidiness’ encourages a more complex and diverse garden environment where biodiversity thrives and is supported. As we face the climate crisis, the latter gives us hope.

This autumn, we needed to rethink our approach to the Tapestry Parterre. Normally, we leave it to the elements until the end of February and as a result, it becomes a place for insects, amphibians, birds, and small mammals to overwinter. However, this season, we are adding thousands of bulbs and will have to clear space for planting them, cutting down certain perennials. Therefore, we decided on some compromises: a) when we cut down perennials, we leave 20 cm of stalk above the ground to allow insects to hibernate in those hollow stems; b) we chop all remaining cut-back material into smaller pieces and leave it in the border instead of taking it to the compost heaps, creating a protective and diverse layer; and c) we build small tepee-like structures with cut-down material to provide additional shelter for mammals and amphibians.
Promoting wildlife and accepting a little ‘untidiness’ encourages a more complex and diverse garden environment where biodiversity thrives and is supported. As we face the climate crisis, the latter gives us hope.
Who said play areas are just for children? We’ve had a great time here in the gardens freshening up the lost castle ready for half term!

Who said play areas are just for children? We’ve had a great time here in the gardens freshening up the lost castle ready for half term!
There’s always a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into restoring the gardens. Stormy weather gives us a good opportunity to plan for the upcoming weeks.

There’s always a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into restoring the gardens. Stormy weather gives us a good opportunity to plan for the upcoming weeks.
Like many others, the recent storm has left Lowther feeling the aftermath. Fallen trees and damaged play areas remind us that Mother Nature is in constant play when restoring gardens

Like many others, the recent storm has left Lowther feeling the aftermath. Fallen trees and damaged play areas remind us that Mother Nature is in constant play when restoring gardens