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The Lakes Top Ten Attractions Muncaster Castle Winner of the “Attraction of the Year” in the “Cumbria & North West’s Excellence Awards 2004”, Muncaster Castle offers a superb day out for all ages. In reality it is four top attractions in one, comprising the haunted Castle, set in over 70 acres of breathtaking Himalayan Gardens which are home to the World Owl Centre. Completing the picture is the exciting and innovative Meadow Vole Maze. Perched between the Irish Sea and the Lake District Fells, Muncaster is located in one of Europe’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. It is a wild untamed setting of ancient woodlands and soaring mountains. Home to the Pennington family since at least 1208, the Castle is a genuine treasure trove of art and antiques. Its Great Hall, octagonal Library and elegant Dining Room are all windows on a grand past, and today Muncaster frequently hosts weddings and similar celebrations as well as greeting thousands of visitors from all over the world. But Muncaster's wild history reveals a flipside to life in a stately home. Staying guests and researchers claim it is haunted by ghosts, including the mischievous Tom Fool. There is a definite focus of inexplicable events centred around the Tapestry Room. Forget manicured lawns and tidy plots. Famous for its rhododendrons, plants from all over the world flourish in Muncaster’s mild climate, including many oriental and Himalayan specimens of great rarity. During April, May and June the Gardens are at their best, but the views are breathtaking at all times of the year. Large and small, fierce and friendly, beautiful and strange, owls are wonders of wildlife. Muncaster is the headquarters of the World Owl Trust, a charity and membership organisation and home to one of the largest collections of these thrilling birds in existence. The Centre is home to a diverse range - from bizarre fish owls to diminutive pygmy owls which are not much bigger than a sparrow. There are also buzzards, kestrels and red kites and a daily talk and flying display every day during the season at 2.30pm. “Heron Happy Hour” takes place daily at 4.30pm when the wild herons swoop in to feed below the Castle itself, just yards away from visitors. The Meadow Vole Maze is a wild experience too. Visitors shrink to two and a half inches tall and try to help Max Meadow Vole find his way through the Maze to home safely. You won’t get lost, but you could get eaten! Great for kids of all ages. Interactive computers are now installed at Muncaster, including a 12 computer hub in the Old Dairy. These allow visitors to explore a myriad of information on the Castle, Gardens and Owls in a fun and enjoyable way. Do a virtual tour of the Castle, look at webcams, learn some fascinating facts or try your hand at quizzes and jigsaws. Don’t just look – DO! From October through until March (excluding January) DARKEST MUNCASTER – BE ENLIGHTENED – is a winter evening of Magic! Stimulating, enchanting and thoroughly enlightening. Muncaster’s famous gardens come alive with a visual feast which will tingle your senses and entertain the entire family. Why not try a ‘Ghost sit’? Muncaster is reputedly one of the most haunted buildings anywhere in the UK. After 12 years of serious research, scientists are still unable to explain why many strange occurrences are reported here. The ghost sit is a unique opportunity for up to 6 people to stay overnight in the Tapestry Room. We can’t guarantee spectacular spectres, but do hope you encounter high spirits during a unique night to remember. Creeping Kate’s Kitchen provides tempting full meals and light refreshments and there are shops which cater for all tastes. Visit this award winning friendly attraction yourself and find out why it is so popular with owls, ghosts, voles, flowers and human beings. For further details contact 01229 717614 or email info@muncaster.co.uk
Events 2008 Riot of Rhododendrons April / May Marvel at the beauty and abundance of colour during the main flowering season. Variety is the spice of life. Friday 9 May 10am to 3pm Guided garden tour with Patrick Gordon Duff Pennington, £12.95 for RHS members. £15.95 for non members. Bluebell Heaven Mid April – Mid May Cabaret @ The Castle Saturday 24 May An evening of lively entertainment, music, fun and laughter. Comedy with Martin Soan, stunts by Marcelo the Dare Devil, Fun and laughter by Jem Famous and Joel Dickinson, and music from the Roosters Band. Bar available. Festival of Fools 25 – 29 May 5 days of madness and mayhem culminating with the International Jester Tournament on the last day. 800 Year Celebrations 28 – 29 June We’re turning the clock back to the medieval era to celebrate 800 years of Pennington’s at the Castle! Fun and festivities all weekend with the Red Wyvern Medieval re-enactment Society! Displays and demonstrations, from the medieval era daily. August Foolish Fun Days Every Sunday and Monday in August a Fool of Muncaster past or present will be entertaining visitors. Halloween Week 26 October – 2 November Ghostly Grotto, story telling, magic shows, talks on the latest research on Muncaster’s ghosts, and short after dark tours of this famously haunted castle. Pre booking for ghost tours essential. Darkest Muncaster (Autumn and Winter) October 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 November 1 / 2, 8 / 9, 15 / 16, 22 / 23, 29 / 30 December 6 / 7, 13 / 14, 20 /21, 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 Victorian Christmas Tours December 7, 14, 21 (Sundays) plus 27, 28, 29 Starts at 5 pm. Guided 30 minute tour of the castle, by servants dressed as from 1885. Experience this 800 year castle by log fires and candle light, while enjoying tall tales over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on this inclusive tour. Pre booking is essential. Opening Hours And Admission Prices
Castle, Gardens, Owl Centre & Maze Gardens, Owl
Centre & Maze 10th Feb - 2nd Nov Daily 10.30 - 6pm
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