Family home to the Penningtons for more than 800 years, Muncaster Castle and grounds in Cumbria provide sufficient activities and entertainment to keep potential ghostbusters of any age busy and entertained for a full day. It's one of the UK's most haunted castles... so don't say you weren't warned!
The Great Hall: the medieval heart of Muncaster Castle
You enter The Great Hall, part of the medieval origins of the building, and are invited to take a tour of the castle using personal audio wands. The magnificent galleried, octagonal library, with its collection of more than 6,000 books is particularly impressive. Starting life as the medieval kitchen, the room now also houses the Spook Detector under a glass dome!
The headless ghost of the carpenter
The spookiness really begins in earnest once up the staircase and on to the first floor. At the end of the corridor off the staircase is a portrait of Tom Skelton, Fool (jester) of Muncaster. After claiming to be the boyfriend of Heloise Pennington, daughter of the house in the 16th century, the local carpenter was decapitated by Tom while sleeping in the stables. The carpenter’s headless ghost has been seen roaming the castle seeking his lost love, and may be responsible for strange bumping noises on the staircase.
The Tapestry Bedroom: Muncaster Castle's most haunted room
A little way back down the corridor the Tapestry Bedroom, the most haunted room of Muncaster Castle, is also subject to paranormal happenings. With dark tapestries clothing the walls and iron fire dogs shaped like the Devil’s heads, visitors often report a chilling feeling in the room. A child is frequently heard crying towards the window end of the room, and sometimes a lady is heard singing, comforting a sick child; footsteps can also be heard. If you’re feeling fearless it is possible to spend the night in this room, but be warned: once the alarms are set there is no escape until dawn!
Other ghosts at Muncaster Castle
One of the most haunted places in Britain, Muncaster Castle supposedly plays host to an array of supernatural visitors. Other stories concern the Muncaster Boggle, who haunts the roads around Muncaster. She is supposedly the ghost of Mary Bragg, a young girl murdered in the early 1800s on the road near the Main Gate.
The grounds and gardens of Muncaster Castle
The castle gardens extend to 77 acres and have more than 6 miles of paths. The Terrace, in particular, offers magnificent views of England’s highest mountains.
If you’re interested in feathered inhabitants of the dark, the castle is also home to the World Owl Trust, a conservation organisation who stage flying displays featuring their wide variety of owls.
History of Muncaster Castle
The Pennington family have evidence of this historic house being their home since 1208, when lands were granted to Alan de Penitone. Some records go back further, suggesting the family have occupied Muncaster Castle since 1026.
The castle is believed to be standing on Roman remains.
Who owns Muncaster Castle?
Muncaster Castle is a privately owned castle, owned and occupied by the Pennington family for over 800 years. The current owners are Peter and Iona Frost-Pennington. Although visitors are welcome, Muncaster Castle remains a lived-in family home.
The Muncaster Castle parkrun
Muncaster Castle hosts a weekly 5km parkrun every Saturday at 9am.
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Is Muncaster Castle accessible for wheelchair users?
Grounds are accessible for wheel chair users, although some woodland tracks are unsuitable. The ground floor of the castle is also accessible.
How to get to Muncaster Castle
By car
Muncaster Castle is situated on west Cumbria’s main coastal road, the A595, 20 miles south of Whitehaven.
By public transport
The Ravenglass railway station is 1 mile from Muncaster.
Muncaster Castle address
Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass CA18 1RQ
Contact Muncaster Castle
01229 717614
