As one of the Lake Districts’ premier family attractions, for great fun days out, Muncaster Castle has a full calendar of special events and festivals. Whether for the Bank Holiday, Easter Break, Summer Holiday, Halloween or Christmas, there’s so much to see and do, for kids of all ages!

...what will your experience be....?

13th - 21st February Half Term Week

Fully open - (Castle closed Saturdays). Cafe and gift shops also open. Darkest Muncaster dates 13th, 14th, 17th, 19th and 20th Feb. 

April

Tom Fool's Day Thursday April 1st

Come and join the mayhem as we have performances by the Fool of Muncaster 2009, Will Tease, Foolish football with Muncaster mascot Max MeadowVole, and Pelt a Pennington!

Easter Family Fun Sat 3rd to Mon 5th inclusive

Will Tease will be here to entertain, and show why he was our Festival of Fools winner last year.

Feast of Flowers Fri 30th April - Mon 3rd May inclusive

A weekend to celebrate Muncaster's spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas at their best.  A riot of colour throughout the 70 acres of gardens.  This famous collection is home to some of the rarest rhododendrons in the world.  RHS guided walk on Friday 30th (bookings via Muncaster and RHS).  There will be guided walks available with the Owner or Head Gardener, giving the enthusiast a chance to learn more on Saturday, Sunday and Monday free of charge.  Flower arranging demonstrations and various displays will be taking place throughout the weekend in the Castle by Millom Flower Club.  Celebrity chef John Crouch will be here on Sunday and Monday with "cooking with flowers" demostrations at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

May/June Festival of Fools 30th May - 3rd June inclusive

The most Foolish Event of its kind! 5 Days of Madness and mayhem as Jesters, Street entertainers and varous colourful characters surround the Castle with much Tomfollery!  the Festival culminates with the International Jesters Tournament held on the final day when the Fool of Muncaster 2010 will be appointed from a cast of foolish hopefuls.  Fair with children's activities; face apinintg, side shows, and daily circus workshops for children of all ages.  Bar and BBQ available.

The Lakelander - Vintage Steam Train Journey - Selected Saturdays from May until August

Enjoy a memorable day on board a vintage steam hauled train, running on Sat 29th May, Sat 19th June, Sat 17th July and Sat 7th August from various departure stations around the country.  Travel around the Cumbrian Coast to Ravenglass where there is an opportunity to visit Muncaster Castle at a special discounted rate.  We will provide a free shuttle service from Ravenglass station to the Muncaster.  Please note the Castle is closed on Satrudays except 29th May when there will be entry to the Castle as part of your ticket for Lakelander passengers.

Adults £7.00

Children £4.00

For train departure points, times and ticket prices please visit www.statesmanrail.com

 

August

Summer of Fun - Everyday in August

Keep the kids entertained this summer!  Something for everyone, every day in August!  Daily events such as a circus workshop and/or magic show.  On selected dates a chance to see a Fool of Muncaster past or present perform.

August Bank Holiday 28th - 30th August - Medieval Muncaster

Part of our "summer of fun" in August, we're turning the clock back to the medieval era.  The Red Wyvern Society Medieval re-enactment group will be camped in the gardens with displays and demonstratons of life in medieval times, armory, cooking and battle re-enactments.  Experience living history with fun and festivities all weekend.

 October Halloween Week 24th - 31st

Dare you visit one of Britian's most haunted castle's this Halloween?  Ghost tours of this famously haunted castle sell out every year!  (Pre booking required) Dare you enter the Ghostly Grotto? Daily children's activities include face painting, crafts, games, magic show and talks on Halloween traditions.  Darkest Muncaster illuminations with a themed sound and light show on the Castle and a special guest fire juggler .  Optional tours can be booked on the night- try our Ghostly Garden walks into unlit areas of Muncaster or dare to take on the scary maze?! Or a Mysterious Owl Tour? Cafe and gift shops open until 8pm.

November/December

Christmas at the Castle, Saturdays and Sundays from 20th Nov (except 25th, Darkest Muncaster only on the 26th)

Experience the magic of Muncaster elegantly decorated for Christmas.  The Castle will be open on Sundays and additional dates 27th to 30th December. Darkest Muncaster illuminations, with a themved sound and light show on the Castle, music and special effects transform the gardens after dark to a winter wonderland.  Cafe and gift shop open until 8pm.

Victorian Christmas Tours Sundays in December (except 26th) plus 27th to 30th inclusive.

Experience the magic of this beautiful, ancient castle, lit by candle light and elegantly decorated for Christmas.  While Lord Muncaster sleeps, sneak a peek behind the scenes, tall tales over a glass of his Lordship's mulled wine and enjoy a mince pie on this 1/2 hour tour.  Guided by the servants in period costume from 1885. Pre booking is essential.  Darkest Muncaster illuminations, cafe and gift shop open until 8pm.

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