Seascale to Millom Accommodation

Lots of surprise exhibitions at Muncaster!

The World Owl Centre. Muncaster is the headquarters of the World Owl Trust

Superb views from Muncaster out towards Scarfell Pike

Ravenglass Muncaster Castle Lake District Cumbria Tourist Information

For a small little Cumbrian coastal retreat, Ravenglass has much to offer, such as Roman History and Roman remains, including a superbly intact Roman Bath. Take a trip on the stunningly beautiful Ravengalss and Eskdale Railway. You can hop on an off this route to explore the Eskdale countryside either by bike or foot.

Check out haunted Muncaster Castle if you dare! In fact Muncaster Castle won the award for small visitor attraction of the year. The judges said: ‘Good food, value for money and a programme of events which extends across the season all contributed to the judges unanimous decision to declare Muncaster Castle the winner in this category.’

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

This railway just happens to be the oldest narrow gauge railway in the UK, dating back to 1875 and originally established to transport iron ore through to the coast at Ravenglass. It eventually evolved to include passenger trains, but struggled to survive financially. The very last goods train ran in April 1913, but the line was bought up by a rich model maker. It was later used for transporting granite, and owned for a time by the Keswick Granite Company until 1953 when it faced closure and was bought up by a preservation society.

Now a journey on this little railway is truly a spectacular experience taking you seven miles from Ravenglass on the coast through Muncaster Mill, and up through two of the most stunning valleys in the Lake District. The line ends at Eskdale / Dalegarth. It's a great way to get to know this area, and you can take one of the many walks and trails from each stop. Cycle's can be taken on the steam trains, and when you hop off at Eskdale you can join the Eskdale Cycle Trail. Cycles can also be hired from Ravenglass Station.

Covered carriages on the train are cosy, and there are cafes at both ends of the line, as well as gift shops packed with steam railway themed gifts, including for children the La'al Ratty, the water-vole Stationmaster collection. Various themed journeys run throughout the year including Teddy Bear Picnic and Competition in July, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Christmas journeys.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW. Telephone: +44 (0)1229 717171

The Muncaster Experience, Ravenglass

Fancy an all night Ghost sit? Well you, in a party of six people, can get one here at Muncaster. Bed down in the Tapestry Room, notoriously haunted by children crying, some guy named Tom Fool, and the Muncaster Boggle or White Lady who is thought to be the ghost of Mary Bragg who was a young women murdered on the main road near the castle in the early 1800s! Guests staying at the castle have reported sleepless nights, door handles turning and feeling unusually cold! Such reportings have drawn paranormal researchers to the castle to explore what's going on. If you're feeling brave, check out the website for booking information.

Here at Muncaster there's a variety of attractions including the rather spectacular and intact castle, which has been home to the Penningtons for about 800 years. Full access to the castle is on offer to visitors, where you can wander around the Great Hall, Octagonal Library and the elaborate dining room. The castle is crammed with antique furniture, porcelain, intriguing tapestries, paintings and silver. There's also over 70 acres of Gardens to explore, including the Muncaster Himalayan Gardens, full of many rare and rather unusual trees and plants and of course the obligatory Rhododendrons. Old Ruskin appropriately referred to it as the 'Gateway to Paradise'.

The Muncaster complex is set in a superb part of the lakes, and in the distance you can see Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in the Lakes. There are many walks and trails in the grounds and good footwear is recommended. One of the most interesting experiences at Muncaster is it's World Owl Centre, which is headquarters of the World Owl Trust. This really is one of the largest collection of owls in the worlds, as well as Buzzards, Kestrels and Red Kites.

The Muncaster Experience, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ, Tel: 01229 717614

Ravenglass Roman Bath House

Roman settlement stretched as far down from Hadrian's Wall along this coast, and Ravenglass was a key Roman settlement area. The remains of the bath house of the Roman fort of Ravenglass, which was established in AD130, are extremely well-preserved.

The walls stand almost 4 metres (13ft) high. Ravenglass was a key naval base for the Romans and the walls of the fort's bath house are among the most complete in Roman Britain.

It's easy to find, free to view, and just _ mile East of Ravenglass, off minor road leading to A595. Follow the signs. It's amazingly intact and well worth a look.

Click Search

Tourist Information

Internet Links

Home Top