There has been a castle at Muncaster since the 13th Century, when Gamel de Mulcastre built one on lands granted to Alan de Penitone - although the site itself has been inhabited far longer. Part of the 14th Century pele tower was erected upon Roman foundations and a Roman coin from the 1st Century AD has been found.

Over the centuries, the castle has been added to and improved by

successive generations of Penningtons - a task which continues to this day.

Inevitably, many tales can be told of the castle and its occupants - of the ghosts that reputedly walk its passages, of the deeply unpleasant Tom Fool (who gave the world the phrase "tomfoolery") and of the tragic events which unfolded in Greece turning an idyll into a nightmare - but the most famous tale concerns the "Luck"of Muncaster. Given to Sir John Pennington by a grateful King Henry VI - to whom he gave shelter after the Battle of Hexham - the "Luck" is a delicate glass drinking bowl, and legend has it that as long as it remains unbroken, the Penningtons will continue to live and thrive at Muncaster. To date, it's still in one piece and so are they!

But the castle and its architecture, art and antiques are only one side of Muncaster. It stands in acres of glorious wooded grounds, with an internationally important collection of rhododendrons. The Terrace commands one of the most spectacular views in the Lake District. In the summer, the wildflower meadow is alive with butterflies and other insects. You can walk for miles through the grounds and never retrace your steps. Try the Wild Walk or the Sino-Himlayan Trail - but remember to bring your boots. If you're very lucky you may catch a glimpse of an endangered red squirrel …

Additionally, Muncaster is the headquarters of The World Owl Trust - the world's first owl conservation organisation - leading the fight to preserve the planet's rapidly dwindling owl population. The Owl Centre not only houses one of the largest collections of owls in the world, it is also home to buzzards, kestrels and red kites.

Rainy weather is not a problem at Muncaster - with the Meadowvole Maze giving you a voles-eye view of the world, the gift shops, Creeping Kate's Kitchen, the 12th Century church of St Michael and All Angels and - of course - the Castle itself … There really IS something for everyone.

Visit Muncaster's Castle informative and entertaining website at: www.muncaster.co.uk

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