Venues

Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HG, Tel: 01931 712192, www.lowthercastle.org

The ruined castle and gardens at Lowther stand on a limestone escarpment at the Northern edge of the Lake District National Park. Visit the once famous gardens, one of England's greatest, but unseen for 70 years.

Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE, Tel: 015395 60951, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh/

Medieval House with Tudor additions surrounded by a superb garden and large estate. Has been lived in by the Strickland family for over 760 years. Learn about the Elizabethan carvings and contents of the castle, and the gardens.

Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR, Tel: 01228 625600, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/carlislecastle

Impressive and formidable, Carlisle Castle amply repays exploration of its absorbing 900-year history. Long commanding the especially turbulent western end of the Anglo-Scottish border, Carlisle has witness many conflicts and sieges.

Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ, Tel: 01229 717614, Email, www.muncaster.co.uk

Historic haunted Castle home to the Pennington family for 800 years. A 70-acre garden famous for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland fells. World Owl Centre home to over 40 species.

Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA, Tel: 015394 33250, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/

At Wray Castle you will see a tired but fascinating building with hints of its 'grand' past and plenty of signs of its varied history.

Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AA, Tel: 01768 862488, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Picturesque Brougham Castle was begun in the early 13thC by Robert de Vieuxpont, near the site of a Roman fort guarding the crossing of the River Eamont.