Top 10 Castles around South Lakeland

For families, Wray Castle is an excellent choice. It's known for its Peter Rabbit adventure rooms and dress-up opportunities for children. The grounds offer stunning views over Lake Windermere, perfect for exploring and picnicking. Sizergh Castle and Gardens also has a wild play trail in its surrounding grounds, alongside beautiful gardens.

Kendal Castle, with its romantic ruins overlooking the town, is a free attraction. While the site itself is not open to the public for safety reasons, you can also view the historic Gleaston Castle Ruins from the road.

The castles in South Lakeland offer a rich historical tapestry. Sizergh Castle has been home to the Strickland family for over 750 years, showcasing medieval and Tudor styles. Kendal Castle was once the home of the Barons of Kendal, including Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. You can also find medieval pele towers like Hazelslack Tower, built for defense during border conflicts.

Kendal Castle, perched on a drumlin, provides expansive views of Kendal town and the Lakeland skyline. Wray Castle offers stunning views over Lake Windermere from its grounds. Additionally, Castlehaw Motte and Bailey is noted as a historical site with a viewpoint.

Yes, many castles are surrounded by beautiful walking opportunities. The grounds of Sizergh Castle feature ancient woodland and various walking routes. Near Wray Castle, you can explore lakeside trails along Windermere. For more general hiking, you can find numerous easy hikes around the region, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around South Lakeland guide.

The castles and their surrounding landscapes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens and grounds, such as those at Sizergh Castle. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, while winter can offer a quieter, more dramatic experience of the ruins like Kendal Castle. Many sites, like Wray Castle's grounds, are open year-round.

Yes, both Sizergh Castle and Gardens and Wray Castle, both managed by the National Trust, have cafes and shops on site. Sizergh's cafe is particularly noted for tea, coffee, and cake.

While specific castle interiors may have restrictions, many of the outdoor grounds and surrounding areas are dog-friendly. For example, the extensive grounds and parkland at Sizergh Castle are suitable for walks with dogs. It's always best to check individual castle websites for their specific dog policies before visiting.

A visit to Sizergh Castle and Gardens can easily take several hours. With the castle interior, extensive gardens, mirror lake, orchard, and wider estate to explore, you could spend half a day or more enjoying the site, especially if you include a stop at the cafe.

Beyond the main castles, you can explore sites like Hazelslack Tower, a small, medieval pele tower dating back to the 14th century, visible from a footpath. Another historical site is Castlehaw Motte and Bailey, offering a glimpse into earlier defensive structures.

For Kendal Castle, its location on a hill above the market town makes it easily accessible from Kendal town center, which is well-served by public transport. For other castles, bus services operate throughout the Lake District, but routes and frequency vary. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific destinations like Sizergh Castle, which is a short distance from Kendal.

Absolutely. The South Lakeland area is rich in outdoor activities. While not directly adjacent to castles, you can find mountain biking trails nearby. For example, the MTB Trails around South Lakeland guide lists routes like the Hawkshead Moor Trail, offering opportunities to combine historical exploration with active pursuits.