The visitor to Muncaster today will find 77 acres of the most tranquil historic gardens in Cumbria; with a blend of cultivated areas, lawns and woodlands together with play areas and the Enchanted Trail for our smaller visitors, there is always a quiet corner even on busier days and miles of paths and fascinating vistas to discover and explore.

Although wonderful to explore at any time of year, spring is when Muncaster’s gardens are at their best and the month of May is the peak of the flowering season. Don’t expect neat borders and regimented ranks of bedding plants; this wild, woodland garden will surprise and delight with banks of colour cascading down the hillsides and ravines surrounding the Castle.

Flowering camellias, magnolias and native wild daffodils abound in March but as April turns to May, rhododendrons and azaleas are a riot of colour throughout the gardens. If you are visting Cumbria during this time, the gardens are an attraction not to be missed. We are dog friendly too.

Ruskin named the view across Muncaster’s gardens to the fells beyond as the ‘Gateway to Paradise’ – praise indeed! Come and explore our corner of paradise for yourself.

Please note that our site is in a wild and hilly location so sturdy footwear is recommended and please ask for advice at the ticket offices about paths suitable for baby buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.