Top 6 Castles around Cliburn

Cliburn Hall is a historical site in Cliburn, originally built as a Pele tower in 1387. While it has a rich past as a fortified dwelling, it has been modernized into a farmhouse and is largely unrecognizable as a traditional castle. It is situated at the rear of a working farm complex, which may limit direct public access for visitors seeking a typical castle experience.

Several castles in the area offer family-friendly experiences. Lowther Castle features extensive gardens, an adventure playground, and walking trails. Penrith Castle is a ruined medieval castle with free entry, suitable for families to explore. Brougham Hall also has a cafe and small shops, making it a pleasant stop for families.

Penrith Castle is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity for visitors with mobility considerations to explore a ruined medieval castle.

The region around Cliburn offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'Whinfell Forest loop from Cliburn Moss' or the 'Ousenstand Bridge loop from Temple Sowerby'. For more challenging options, there are longer hiking routes available. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the 'Lowther Castle – Askham Fell loop from Clifton'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking around Cliburn guide and the gravel biking around Cliburn guide.

Many of the historical sites and nearby towns offer places to eat and drink. Lowther Castle has a brilliant cafe. The market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland has a good selection of shops and cafes. Brougham Hall also hosts a cafe and small shops.

The castles and fortified structures in the Cliburn area, including Pele towers and medieval castles, reflect the turbulent history of the Anglo-Scottish border region. For instance, Lowther Castle was the family seat of the Earls of Lonsdale, while Penrith Castle was built to defend against Scottish raids. Cliburn Hall itself began as a 14th-century Pele tower, a common defensive dwelling of the time.

Many of the castles themselves offer scenic views of the surrounding Eden Valley. Lowther Castle is listed as a viewpoint, providing opportunities to appreciate the landscape. The general area, with its rolling hills and historical structures, offers numerous picturesque spots.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. Many enjoy the extensive gardens and adventure playground at Lowther Castle, as well as the walking and cycling trails. The historical depth of sites like Brougham Hall and the charm of market towns like Appleby-in-Westmorland are also highly rated.

Many of the walking trails in the Eden Valley are dog-friendly. For example, the grounds around Lowther Castle are suitable for walks with dogs, and the various hiking routes listed in the hiking around Cliburn guide often welcome dogs, though it's always best to check specific site rules for castles themselves.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding grounds, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. However, some sites, like Penrith Castle, are open year-round, offering a different, often quieter, experience in the cooler months.

While there isn't a single circular walk connecting all castles, you can find various circular hiking routes in the area that pass by or are near historical sites. For example, the 'Whinfell Forest loop from Cliburn Moss' offers a pleasant walk in the vicinity. You can explore more options in the hiking around Cliburn guide to plan your routes.

Yes, parking is generally available at the main castle attractions. Lowther Castle, for instance, has a large free car park. For other sites like Penrith Castle, parking is typically available nearby in the town.