Lowther Castle & Gardens, located on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, is a site of striking historical grandeur, scenic beauty, and enchanting walks. The estate, which includes the dramatic ruins of the early 19th-century Lowther Castle, extensive gardens, woodlands, ponds, and a large adventure playground, offers an immersive experience combining history, nature, and recreation.
Historical Background
The Lowther estate is steeped in history, dating back to the 12th century when a castle existed on the site. The current castle ruins come from a mansion built in 1806 for the Earl of Lonsdale, designed by the noted architect Robert Smirke, who also designed the British Museum in London. This grand house was once a beacon of aristocratic wealth, boasting hundreds of rooms and an impressive art collection. However, economic difficulties after World War I and II, including inheritance taxes and wartime requisition, led to the castle being stripped of its roof in 1957 and left to fall into ruin.
The Lowther family’s fortunes waxed and waned over centuries. The “Yellow Earl,” Hugh Cecil Lowther, was infamous for his extravagant lifestyle in the early 20th century, which contributed to the estate’s financial decline. After decades of neglect, restoration efforts since 2011 have revitalised the ruins and gardens, turning the site into an acclaimed public attraction.
Gardens and Landscape
The gardens at Lowther Castle are a remarkable blend of historical landscape design and modern interpretation. The garden plan, originally laid out in the 17th century, was overgrown and altered significantly in the 20th century, with parts planted as commercial spruce plantations. Restoration has brought back key areas including the Garden-in-the-Ruins, the Parterre, the Yew Avenue, and the Western Terrace. Notably, the Rose Garden, designed by Dan Pearson, adds vibrant colour and fragrance to the estate.
The grounds encompass about 130 acres of gardens and mixed woodland, offering visitors a seamless blend of formal gardens, wild woods, and picturesque views over the Lowther Valley and surrounding fells. The Western Terrace provides stunning vistas over the valley, while various restored summerhouses offer shelter and reflection points.
Walks and Exploration
Lowther Castle & Gardens has become renowned for its walks, which range from gentle garden strolls to more expansive estate and countryside routes. The estate is part of a larger 3,500-acre area with walking and cycling trails that lead out into the wider Lake District National Park.
Key Walks within the Lowther Estate
- The Garden Walks: Meandering paths crisscross the gardens and castle grounds, allowing visitors to explore the ruins, gardens, and woodlands intimately. These walks provide both close-up views of the planted areas and panoramic views of the landscape.
- Lowther Castle Loop: This is a popular 7-mile circular walk starting from the castle grounds. It takes walkers down to the banks of the River Lowther and then climbs to low moorland above the picturesque village of Askham. The route showcases varied terrain and beautiful natural scenery, connecting cultural heritage with rural landscapes.
- Estate Walks: Signposted routes across the Lowther Estate allow visitors to explore broader parts of the park, taking in woodlands, riverside paths, and countryside vistas. These walks offer opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying the estate’s peaceful rural environment.
Special Features for Families
For families and younger visitors, Lowther Castle offers the “Lost Castle,” a vast adventure playground hidden deep in the woods. This wooden maze features walkways, turrets, slides, zip wires, and climbing walls suitable for all ages. Additionally, there are natural play areas with willow dens, tree swings, and balance beams that encourage outdoor play and exploration.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors start their exploration through an exhibition that tells the Lowther family’s story and the castle’s history. Within the entrance courtyard, there is a café serving hot and cold meals, a bike hire facility, and a souvenir shop. While bicycles are not allowed within the castle grounds, they can be used on the wider estate’s cycling trails.
The stable courtyard has been repurposed into a modern visitor centre, enhancing the guest experience while preserving the site’s heritage. In addition, guided tours led by the Head Gardener offer seasonal insights into the gardens and their planting schemes, along with participative question-and-answer sessions.
Archaeological Significance
Besides its picturesque qualities, the Lowther site is of archaeological importance. It includes earthworks of a medieval castle and village north of the current ruins, shedding light on the Norman conquest and colonisation of Cumbria in the late 11th century. This heritage dimension enriches the walking experience for history enthusiasts, with ongoing archaeological research and excavation projects.
Conclusion
Lowther Castle & Gardens represents a compelling fusion of history, nature, and leisure. Its restored castle ruins and gardens invite visitors on a journey through time and landscape, highlighted by well-maintained walks that cater to a variety of interests and fitness levels. Whether admiring the architectural remains, strolling through vibrant gardens, or enjoying adventurous play in the woods, visitors to Lowther find an inspiring and richly rewarding experience in the heart of Cumbria’s stunning Lake District National Park.
If you plan to visit, prepare for a blend of historic grandeur, natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and engaging walks in one of Northern England’s most unique cultural estates.
Sources
[1] Lowther Castle & Gardens – Penrith – Visit Lake District https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/lowther-castle-and-gardens-p1214911
[2] Lowther Castle & Gardens – Cumbria.com https://www.cumbria.com/lowther-castle/
[3] Lowther Castle – story of a ruin – The Tranquil Otter https://www.thetranquilotter.co.uk/beauty-spot-cumbria/lowther-castle/
[4] Lowther Castle – Andrews Walks https://www.andrewswalks.co.uk/lowther.html
[5] Lowther Castle and Gardens, History & Photos – Britain Express https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/cumbria/houses/lowther-castle.htm
[6] Estate Walks – Lowther Castle & Gardens https://lowthercastle.org/cycling-walking/estate-walks/
[7] Lowther Medieval Castle and Village – Lancaster University https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/centre-for-war-and-diplomacy/lowther-medieval-castle/
[8] Lowther Castle – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowther_Castle
[9] Lowther Castle – Friends of the Ullswater Way https://www.ullswaterheritage.org/heritage-knowledge-bank/history-contents/history-by-place/lowther-and-askham/lowther-castle
[10] Lowther Castle – The Country Seat https://thecountryseat.org.uk/tag/lowther-castle/
