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Coming upon Muncaster Castle is rather like something from a novel by Dornford Yates, who was given to describing the wide variety of historic piles at which his characters used to stay by narrative such as, “seen fleetingly as we rounded the bend, through a canopy of voluptuous trees . . . . . . .”

Well Yates would have loved Muncaster; who knows perhaps that is where the idea came from? The Castle sits on a natural platform above the River Esk, proud, rather daunting and strategically well placed. The Romans were busy at Ravenglass, seeing it as an ideal port, and the pele tower of the original medieval Castle was erected on Roman foundations. A coin from the time of Emperor Theodosious (AD380) has been found on the site. Evidence has recently come to light which suggests that the Roman foundation at Muncaster may have been very much larger than originally thought.

The influence of the Gulf Stream touches the coast here producing a favoured climate that has encouraged former residents of the Castle to think in terms of landscaped gardens, and on a spring day when azelias are in fashion the grounds are a particular delight.

Generations of the Pennington-Ramsden family have expanded the Castle, increasing its natural and architectural beauty. Over the door of a house in Argyll there is written, “The ornaments of a house are the friends who frequent it”, and it is very clear that the present generation feel exactly like that about the thousands of people who visit this outstandingly beautiful English castle.

Muncaster is well know for its Owl Centre and is the Headquarters of the World Owl Trust. One of the largest collections of these thrilling and mysterious birds associated with the night is located here, and there is a diverse range from bizarre fish owls to diminutive pygmy owls, little bigger than a sparrow. Visitors can meet the birds daily at 2.30pm and watch the wild herons feeding during “Heron Happy Hour” at 4.30pm.

Imagine being a meadowvole - just two and a half inches tall - living in meadowland, where dangers lurk at every turn. It's no picnic. But down at the MeadowVole Maze the secret world of wildlife makes for a wild experience. Here, where the grass is seven feet tall, you'll find out what life is like for these tiny creatures. You'll also meet Max MeadowVole. He needs help to get home safely. So answer the questions, follow the path and guide him back. You could win a prize and you'll discover the truth about meadowland.

There are numerous contenders for the most haunted place in Britain, but it is certainly true that Muncaster has one of the most compelling cases. The trouble mainly seems to stem round a character called Tom Fool, who died about 1600. His role in life seems to have been that of ‘hitman and jester’ for the family of the time, and both dead and alive he created a good deal of mischief. To find out for yourself apply, to spend the night in the most haunted hot-spot of all, The Tapestry Room, but once installed, with the alarms set, you are there for the night!

Events are endemic in the life of Muncaster Castle and in the early spring a special sound, lights and effects programme starts at dusk, transforming the famous gardens into an experience that you are likely to long remember. The owner, Patrick Gordon-Duff-Pennington does a guided walk by day and night, with a drinks reception during March.

Tom Fool’s Day is remembered on 1st April, and to lighten things up a bit Bluebell Heaven runs from mid-April to mid-May. Also in May there is an evening of outstanding cabaret entertainment, comedy, good food and dancing. Sounds great – wonder if Tom Fool is locked up for the night?

Muncaster is without doubt one of the finest privately owned homes open to the public in the North West. The family enter into the spirit of the enterprise, even allow themselves to be pelted with wet sponges when they are locked in the stocks on April Fool’s Day, and in 2008 they and their visitors will be celebrating 800 years of the Penningtons at Muncaster Castle; but why not find out more on their Website?

Opening Times - 2008:

Castle:
10th February - 2nd November: daily, except Saturdays, 12 - 4.30 pm.

Gardens & Owl Centre & Maze:
10th February - 2nd November: daily, 10.30 am - 6.00 pm.
3rd November - 31st December: daily, 11:00 am - 4.00 pm.

Watch the wild herons feeding during the 'Heron Happy Hour'. daily at 4.30 pm

Winter: Castle closed. Open by appointment for groups.

Darkest Muncaster: A Winter Evening of magic - see website for details.

Admission Charges - 2008:

Gardens, Owl Centre & MeadowVole Maze:
Adult - £7.50
Child (5-15 years) - £5.50
Child (under 5 years) - Free
Family (2+2) - £24

Groups (8+):
Adult - £7.50
Child (5-15 years) - £4.50

Castle Upgrade:
Adult - £2.50
Child (5-15 years) - £1.50
Child (under 5 years) - Free
Family (2+2) - £5

Groups (8+):
Adult - £6
Child (5-15 years) - £3.50