Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Owl Centre

Owned by the same family since 1208, the castle today is mainly 14th century with 19th century remodelling. Extensive collection of 16th and 17th century furniture, paintings and family portraits and memorabilia including the 'Luck of Muncaster' cup. Pioneering Owl centre within the gardens.

Features: The half-mile long 18th century grass terrace provides the gardens with romantic views of Lakeland Fells, but most famous is the collection of azaleas and rhododendrons in a woodland setting, grown from seed from 1920's Himalayan botanical expeditions.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

Full season; Last Sun in March – 31 Oct 2011. Gardens & World Owl Centre daily 10.30am-6pm. ‘Meet the Birds’ display daily 2.30pm, ‘Heron Happy Hour’ 4.30pm. Castle open Sun-Fri inclusive 12-4pm. Winter Season; Gardens & Owl Centre 11am-4pm. Heron Happy Hour 3.30pm but no ‘Meet the Birds’. Castle closed but open some dates in Feb & Dec, please see website or call for details.

Free access does not apply to special events.

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Film LocationsBack to top

70 acres of gardens, wider estate and surrounding countryside offer a huge variety of options. Wild woods, lawned and landscaped gardens, tame Birds of Prey (from the on site World Owl Centre) church and ancient graveyard. the Castle dates from medieval times but has a primarilyVictorian feel to the interior. A variety of other property in the area - secluded holiday cottages etc - can also be made available for filming. Within 3 miles of the Castle there are mountains, moorland, beaches, woodland, follies and roman ruins.



Sky, BBC, ITV, GMTV, Channel 4, National Geographic and Discovery Channel have all filmed here.

Educational FacilitiesBack to top

• Guided KSI & KSII tours of the Castle or Owl Centre

• KSI & II worksheets available

• Education Room for wet/indoor activities

• Old Laundry Room available for lunch times and bag storage

Groups and special visitsBack to top

Owned by the Pennington family since 1208. Originally a pele tower built on Roman foundations. The Castle contains beautiful furniture, needlework panels, tapestries and oriental rugs. Fine family silver is accompanied by porcelain created by the Derby factory. Woodland gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. Also Owl Centre. We offer limited opening for exclusive and specialist groups, dinners etc through Winter.

Wedding FacilitiesBack to top

Civil Ceremony and Wedding Reception

• Ceremony capacity: The Great Hall - 100, The Library - 50, The Drawing Room - 100, The Family Dining Room - 50.

• Reception capacity: The Drawing Room - 100. The Main Dining Room - 46, The Family Dining Room - 46.

• Evening Parties - The Old Laundry Function Room situated in the gardens of the Castle with fully licensed bar - 120.

• 10 rooms (4 star guest accom) situated in the gardens of the Castle.

Corporate FunctionsBack to top

• The Old Laundry seats 100 Theatre Style/80 Cabaret
• The Bluebell room seats 10
• The Education Suite seats 30 Theatre Style
• The Castle Dining Room 50 Theatre/40 Cabaret
• The Castle Guard Room 30 Theatre Style
• Marquee on Front Lawn 150 Theatre/100 Cabaret
• OHP/Laptop/ interactive whiteboard and on site catering from light lunch to full meals available

AccommodationBack to top

Accommodation Type: Bed and Breakfast
I have had a look at the old listing for Muncaster and the only thing I can see that is missing is the Coachman’s Quarters bed and breakfast/ self catering accommodation within the gardens of Muncaster. We have 10 rooms that can accommodate up to 28 guests. A stay in the coachman’s Quarters also includes for the duration of your stay, access to the gardens and owl centre, with a small upgrade payable to visit the castle.