MUNCASTER CASTLE

Owned by Pennington family since 1208. It has grown from the original Pele tower built on Roman foundations to the impressive structure visible today. Outstanding features are the Great Hall and Salvin's Octagonal Library and the Drawing Room with its barrel ceiling. Historically associated chattels include beautiful furniture, exquisite needlework panels, tapestries and oriental rugs. The family silver is very fine and is accompanied in the dining room by the Ongley Service, the most ornamental set of porcelain ever created by the Derby factory. Florentine 16th century bronzes and an alabaster lady by Giambologna can be seen. The woodland gardens cover 77 acres and command spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells, with many delightful walks. From mid-March to June the rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias are at their best. The Owl Centre boasts a fine collection of owls from all over the world.

Access

Directions: On the A595 1m south of Ravenglass, 19m South of Whitehaven. From London 6hrs. Chester 2 1/2hrs.. Edinburgh 3 1/2hrs. M6/J36, A590, A595 (from south). M6/J40, A66, A595 (from east). Carlisle, A595 (from north). Rail: Ravenglass (on Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle line) 1 1/2m. Air: Manchester 2 1/2hrs. For details of opening times please refer to the website link shown.