Top 18 Castles in the Pennines Mountains
Best castles in the Pennines Mountains are found across this region, often referred to as the "backbone of England." The area features a variety of historic castles, from medieval fortresses to romantic ruins, many set within scenic natural surroundings. These sites offer insights into centuries of history, spanning from Roman times to the Victorian era. The Pennines Mountains provide a backdrop of diverse landscapes for exploring these historical structures.
Best castles in the Pennines Mountains
- The most popular castles is Wray Castle, a castle that is a 19th-century Victorian neo-Gothic building situated on the shore of Lake Windermere. Its picturesque setting on Lake Windermere makes it a captivating destination.
- Another must-see spot is Lowther Castle, a historical site featuring dramatic ruins and beautiful gardens. It offers a blend of historical ruins, picturesque gardens, and an adventure playground.
- Visitors also love Bolton Castle, a medieval castle built in the 14th century. It held Mary, Queen of Scots, prisoner for 6 months and offers falconry shows.
- Pennines Mountains is known for medieval fortresses, romantic ruins, and Roman forts. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from well-preserved structures to ancient ruins.
- The castles in the Pennines Mountains are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 350 upvotes and over 120 photos shared across 19 highlights.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Wray Castle
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Bolton Castle
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Lowther Castle
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Large free car park is a brilliant place to start a bike ride.
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Barden Tower
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Pendragon Castle ruins
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What we do know is that a castle was built here in the late 12th century and came into the stewardship of the Clifford family. Raids by the Scots and a couple of fires ruined the fortress during the 16th century. Lady Anne Clifford oversaw renovations during the 17th century, but the castle fell into disuse once more after her death.
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Skipton Castle
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It was famously the home of the Cliffords from 1310 onwards and it was Lady Anne Clifford who, in the 1600s, oversaw a major renovation. A long-distance trail in her honour, Lady Anne's Way, starts at Skipton Castle and journeys 100 miles (161 km) to the Eden Valley.
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The Stables Yard, Muncaster Castle
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The castle has plenty of history and it is thought Henry VI fled to the castle after the Battle of Towton in 1461 where Sir John Pennington put him up for the night.
The castle and gardens can be visited between 10.30-1700. Tickets cost approximately £15 per adult.
Find more information on muncaster.co.uk
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Castlehaw Motte and Bailey
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To the north from here, although it could be said about just about anywhere in Sedbergh, there are tremendous views of Brant Fell, rising incredibly fast up from the valley.
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Wharton Hall
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Outer Gatehouse, Skipton Castle
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Popular around Pennines Mountains
Supporting the National Three Peaks FKT in true Green Runners’ Style
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Tips from the Community
Skipton Castle (the birth place of Anne) stands next to Holy Trinity Church which was severely damaged during the English Civil War. The church was repaired by Anne in 1655 and contains the Clifford family tombs. The castle itself is open to the public and was the birth place of Lady Anne (1590). She finally inherited the castle after a 40 year legal battle in 1643. She began a 10 year restoration project in 1649.
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Castlehaw Tower 178.3m P16.8 (585ft) (Hill ID: 512434) [JNSA s13031] County of Yorkshire Definitive List summit. Yorkshire Dales National Park Definitive List summit.
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Holy Trinity Church is in High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, England. Medieval in origin, the church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building
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Great castle/palace also wilde boar in roaming free behind it
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Lovely castle with a hard little climb alongside up into the village
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Among the many treasures of the English Lake District, Lowther Castle stands out. Built in the early 19th century on the site of two older houses, the castle once had a room for every day of the year and its gardens were famous in the north. Today, Lowther Castle is a great visitor attraction with dramatic ruins, beautiful gardens, and an adventure playground.
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Wray Castle is a mesmerizing slice of Victorian neo-gothic charm nestled in the heart of Cumbria. For those planning a visit, don't miss the opportunity to hop on Windermere Lake Cruises between March and October. It's not just a boat ride; it's a journey through time and nature. Plus, if you're ever in need of some essay-writing magic, trust me, I've penned my thoughts about this delightful experience with a little help from the wizards at https://academized.com/write-my-essay write my essays . Like a writer, I always take my inspiration from such places of power. After all my journeys I like to write reviews and essays, and this resource always help me in my writing needs. Happy exploring!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in the Pennines Mountains are particularly family-friendly?
Several castles in the Pennines Mountains offer great experiences for families. Lowther Castle features an adventure playground alongside its historical ruins and gardens. Wray Castle, managed by the National Trust, provides beautiful lakeside trails and grounds for exploration. Skipton Castle also welcomes dogs in its grounds, making it a good option for families with pets.
Are there any Roman forts or historical sites to visit in the Pennines Mountains?
Yes, the Pennines Mountains are home to significant Roman history. Epiacum Roman Fort, also known as Whitley Castle, is Britain's highest stone-built Roman fort, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman military life. Additionally, Durham Castle, a Norman structure, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides guided tours to explore its ancient past.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the castles in the Pennines Mountains?
The castles in the Pennines Mountains are often set amidst stunning natural landscapes. For instance, Wray Castle is beautifully situated on the shore of Lake Windermere. Muncaster Castle offers dramatic views where mountains meet the sea, including England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Pendragon Castle ruins are found in the scenic Vale of Mallerstang, and Skipton Castle is nestled near the Yorkshire Dales.
Can I find hiking or cycling routes near the castles in the Pennines Mountains?
Absolutely. The Pennines Mountains offer numerous outdoor activities. You can find a variety of hiking trails, including challenging routes like the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, or more moderate options like the Buttermere loop. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the Fred Whitton Challenge loops. Explore more options on the Hiking in the Pennines Mountains or Road Cycling Routes in the Pennines Mountains guides.
Which castles offer a deep dive into medieval history?
For a truly medieval experience, Skipton Castle, built in 1090, is remarkably complete and allows visitors to explore its banqueting hall, kitchen, and bedchamber. Bolton Castle, a 14th-century fortress, famously held Mary, Queen of Scots, prisoner. Muncaster Castle also boasts over 800 years of continuous history with the Pennington family.
Are there any castles in the Pennines Mountains with connections to famous historical figures?
Yes, several castles have notable historical connections. Bolton Castle held Mary, Queen of Scots, captive for six months. Skipton Castle underwent a major renovation overseen by Lady Anne Clifford in the 1600s, and a long-distance trail, Lady Anne's Way, starts there. Muncaster Castle is thought to have sheltered Henry VI after the Battle of Towton in 1461.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in the Pennines Mountains?
While many castles are open year-round, visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring both the historical sites and their surrounding natural beauty. Summer offers longer daylight hours, ideal for combining castle visits with outdoor activities. Some attractions, like Windermere Lake Cruises near Wray Castle, operate between March and October.
Are there any ruined castles that offer a more atmospheric experience?
For those seeking romantic ruins, Pendragon Castle is steeped in Arthurian legend and set amidst the scenic Vale of Mallerstang. Lowther Castle features dramatic ruins and beautiful gardens, offering a blend of history and picturesque decay. Barden Tower is another significant ruined hunting lodge with a rich past.
What kind of facilities can I expect at the castles in the Pennines Mountains?
Many castles offer a range of visitor facilities. For example, Lowther Castle has a brilliant cafe, gardens, and an adventure playground. Wray Castle, managed by the National Trust, provides parking (with a charge for non-members) and access to gardens. Some sites, like Muncaster Castle, also feature cafes such as The Stables Yard.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography or offer great viewpoints?
Many castles in the Pennines Mountains provide excellent photographic opportunities and stunning viewpoints. Wray Castle's picturesque setting on Lake Windermere is ideal. Bolton Castle is known for having some of the best views in the Dales. Muncaster Castle offers dramatic vistas of the Lake District, including Scafell Pike.
Which castles are considered 'hidden gems' or less crowded?
While popular sites attract many visitors, exploring lesser-known ruins can offer a more tranquil experience. Pendragon Castle, with its legendary past in the scenic Vale of Mallerstang, provides a rich historical experience in a beautiful, remote setting. Muggleswick Grange, considered a spectacular medieval ruin in the North Pennines National Landscape, also offers a chance to explore history away from larger crowds.
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