Lowther Castle Adventure playground
Lowther Castle Adventure playground is one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the the UK. It’s definitely one of the best playgrounds that we have in the North West. Find loads more child-friendly attractions in the Lake District here.
Where is Lowther castle playground?
Lowther castle is a ruined castle and gardens in Cumbria. It’s near Penrith and not far from the M6.
The address is Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH
The playground is right at the back of the gardens in woodlands. It only takes about 10 minutes to walk to the playground from the castle ruins if you’re not taking time to explore all the different areas of the gardens (I would recommend exploring the gardens too.
There is free parking and the gardens are perfect for family walks and exploring.
Is it free to visit Lowther gardens playground?
No. The playground is within the paid area of Lowther Castle and gardens. Admission costs apply and it is not National Trust or English Heritage (although you do get 20% off if you are an English Heritage member).
There are ways of getting a discount on entry such as with the Gardener’s World card or My Cumbria card. Both get you two for one entry. Historic houses members get free entry.
For everyone else it is currently £15 per adult and £10 per child aged 3-15 years. Under 3s and carers are free. There is a family ticket which is what we bought. This is £45 for either 2 adults and up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children.
There is a free parking area and you can visit by bus. By bus you need the 509 from Penrith or Keswick. Further information on the 509 bus route can be found here – 509_Summer24. You’ll find regular direct trains to Penrith train station from around the North West.
Accessibility at Lowther Castle
There are plenty of paths around the gardens that are accessible for those with limited mobility, wheelchair users and for those with children in pushchairs. These are marked on the map as some areas do have steps and gravel paths which might not be suitable.
The lost castle playground (& the dragons’ lair)
Now if you have kids this will be the most important part of your visit to Lowther Castle. We visited the playground twice during our visit and spent almost 2 hours there!
It really is that big and fun enough for you to spend a significant amount of time here. It was designed by CAPco, the Curious Adventure Play company using 25,00 meters of sustainable timber!
These are not two separate play areas but The Lost castle was the original play area which is built to resemble Lowther Castle itself and the dragons’ lair is a major extension, opened in the summer of 2022.
You access the adventure playground via wide boardwalks that are perfect for adults, kids and pushchairs and these bring you out in the heart of the lost castle. There are so many different areas to explore and discover. If you have young children you’ll probably spend quite a lot of time following your little ones around which is perfectly possible.
There are a maze of turrets, loads of ramps, slides and walkways to explore around this huge playframe. There are multiple levels to explore and loads of different features like climbing walls, a firepole and a large rope mesh over one area where you can see the lower level. On this lower level you’ll find a trim trail type play area and lots more obstacles to explore.
The walkways and turrets form quite the maze that your children will need to navigate to get to different areas, slides and the zipwires.
Let’s talk about slides. There are loads of different types and sizes of slides around the Lost Castle and the Dragons’ Lair. Some of them are suitable for little ones and some of them for much older children like the one that is 14 meters high or the slightly shorter one that is an almost vertical drop!
There are benches around the playground for those who are spectators but many parents find themselves on the play area themselves! We saw some well prepared parents sitting in sunny spots on camping chairs.
It’s worth noting, because the playground is in the woods there is plenty of shade. There also isn’t much phone or internet signal in this area. No dogs are allowed in the play area and smoking and vaping is not permitted.
Toddler area
There is a whole area for toddlers and it even has it’s own entrance. You can access it from the main area too which is useful if you have children of different ages.
There is a sandpit area, swings, smaller slides and a toddler zip wire. It’s the perfect play area for toddlers. Toddlers can also go on the main playframe with supervision too.
Are dogs allowed in the lost castle adventure playground?
Dogs are allowed in Lowther Castle gardens but they are not permitted in the play area.
Outdoor cafe
Just before you access the playground you will find an outdoor cafe for snacks, ice creams and drinks. There are also toilet facilities in this area.
There is a small play area here as well as outdoor seating.
Lowther Castle & gardens
I’m planning to write a full guide to these areas very soon. They are perfect for family walks.
As well as the adventure playground you will find a few rope swings in the gardens. These are marked on the map and are to the left of the castle if you stand with the castle behind you.
Book tickets here – Lowther Castle
More places to explore locally
Rheged is a short drive away and is a great place to stop for a bite to eat, do a little shopping, watch a film at the cinema or visit the amazing indoor play area. There’s also a creative space for creating your own décopatch model.
This is one of our favourite adventure playgrounds. Find more Adventure playgrounds North West here.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat nearby, have you considered Tebay services? Kids eat for £1 and the food is delicious.
Find loads more ideas for things to do in Lake District with toddlers here.
Find more Family walks North West here.
