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Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle and Owl Centre is a perfect day out for all the family. There is the historic haunted castle to explore, still owned and lived in by the Pennington family since the 1200’s.

It is reputed to be the most haunted building in the UK and hauntings often occur in The Tapestry Room. Visitors complain of the disturbed nights, hear footsteps outside in the corridor, see the door handle turning and the door opening although nobody is there. A child is frequently heard crying towards the window end of the room and sometimes a lady heard singing, comforting a sick child. Visitors have also felt cold in the room for no apparent reason. If you are brave enough you can book in for an overnight Ghost Vigil which are held twice per year.

The Castle is set in 77 acres which include the Himalayan gardens including plants from all over the world many specimens rarely seen in the West. Standing at almost sea level in the Himalayan gardens of Muncaster is startlingly similar to being 3350 metres (11,000ft) high in the Himalayan foothills.


The bluebell woods are highlight of springtime offering an enchanted walk through the high woodlands above the Castle when they are in flower. The haze of blue-purple beneath the new leaves emerging in the spring is a delight that has to be experienced if you are visiting in the Lake District. They have inspired many, including the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, and we are sure they will inspire you too.

The Hawk & Owl Centre within the gardens of Muncaster Castle is open daily mid-Feb to Dec 23rd inclusive. Centre and flying display entry is included in your Gardens ticket. The Centre comprises the lawned Owl Garden with aviaries and mews, plus the adjacent Old Rose Garden where there is a flying arena. You can see the birds either in their aviaries or some of the raptors have perches in the roofed mews in the daytime. There are information boards about each one to help you learn more about them or you can ask one of the falconers team any questions you may have.

Address : Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

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