The North West has many castles some of which date back to the 12th century. Many are managed by English Heritage and in fact now ruins but those that are not are open to the public at regular times.

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Brough Castle

8 miles South East of Appleby S of A66.

Dating from Roman times, the 12th-century keep replaced an earlier stronghold destroyed by the Scots in 1174. It was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th century.

Brougham Castle
S Penrith off A66, English Heritage,

Open April - end October 10-6 (till dusk in October)

Tel 01768 862488
Beautiful romantic ruins situated on the bank of the River Eamont. The core of the castle is the 13th century keep. The indomitable Lady Anne Clifford restored much of the castle in the 17th century. An introductory exhibition includes carved stones from the nearby Roman fort.

Dalton Castle

Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, LA15 8AX

Tel: 01524 701178

A 14th-century tower situated in the main street of the town, with a local exhibition by the Friends of Dalton Castle and a display about the painter George Romney, a native of Dalton

Carlisle Castle

English Heritage,

Open daily, April-end Oct 10-6, Nov-March 10-4,

Tel. 01228 591922
An  impressive castle with a rich history spanning over 900 years. Founded by William Rufus in 1092, site of Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment in 1568 (you can walk the "Lady's Walk" path in her footsteps). Carvings left by prisoners. Great views from the top of the keep which also houses a large model of the city circa 1745, and an exhibition about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rising of the same year.

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster, Ravenglass, CA18 1RQ.

Tel 01229 717614

Dominating the River Esk, in the Lake District, Muncaster has been of strategic importance since Roman times, and has been home to the Penningtons since 1208. The Castle itself houses a large variety of artifacts, collected by the family over the centuries. Miles of paths wind through natural woodland where plants and animals find sanctuary, in a cascade of changing colours throughout the year. A riot of world-famous rhododendrons and bluebells in spring, green leafy walks with majestic views in summer, red and orange foliage in autumn, a tracery of branches and snowy fell peaks in winter.

Penrith Castle

Now a ruin, Penrith Castle has an intriguing history. It was begun in 1399, when William Strickland added a stone wall to an earlier pele tower, primarily as a defence against Scottish raids. The castle was improved and added to over the next 70 years, becoming a royal fortress for Richard, Duke of Gloucester before he became King Richard III in 1483. The ruins that can be seen today date from about that time. The Castle is accessed via a wooden footbridge that spans the Castle's moat opposite Penrith railway station.

English Heritage

Piel Castle

On Piel Island, 31/4 miles South East of Barrow

For information call 01229 833609 or 01229 870156.

Access is by small boat from Roa Island during summer, and is subject to tides and weather.
These ruins of a 14^th Century castle have a massive keep, inner and outer baileys, and curtain walls and towers.

Sizergh Castle

Sizergh, nr Kendal, LA8 8AE

14th C Pele tower with 15thC great Hall and later additions.

Tel: 015395 60070

This medieval castle was extended in Elizabethan times and has an exceptional series of oak panelled interiors with intricately carved chimney pieces and early oak furniture, culminating in the magnificent Inlaid Chamber.

Home to the Strickland family for over 760 years, the castle is surrounded by handsome gardens which include a particularly imposing and beautiful rock garden. The estate has flower-rich limestone pasture and ancient woodland supporting numerous species of butterfly.