In the 17th century Lowther Hall belonged to the 1st Viscount Lonsdale but the current castellated mansion was built for the 1st Earl of Lonsdale, William Lowther, between 1806 and 1814. This was the first time it was known as a castle but the extravagance of the 5th Earl led to its closure in 1937.
The contents were removed in the 1940's and it was used during the Second World War by a tank regiment. The family could not afford the upkeep of the castle and offered the house to various institutions but in the depressed post-war years no-one wanted to take it on. To avoid paying taxes the family then stripped the castle and removed the roof.
In 2000 the Estate and English Heritage commissioned landscapers, historians, architects and engineers to review the castle and 130 acres of grounds. The Lowther Castle & Garden Conservation Plan was produced to regenerate the site. They aimed to consolidate the ruin, restore the garden and open the site to the public. The Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust was founded in 2007 and the site opened to the public in 2011. Development work continues and in 2016 the largest wooden playground in the country was opened at Lowther.
The courtyard has been transformed with trees - and at the moment - Santa's Shed. Seating has been installed and the cafe has been renovated. Their menu is delicious.
The market had come from Keswick and we admired them all for standing in the freezing weather all day.
While we were there we were also entertained by circus performers.
We thought that was brave - in the freezing weather - but there was more to come!
All in all a grand day out!
Just to round off the day we came home via the North Lakes - just to have a look at the snow on the hills - which were spectacular in places.
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