The ruined Castle and Gardens at Lowther stand on a limestone escarpment at the Northern edge of the Lake District National Park, 3 miles from junction 40 of the M6. The 120 acre, Grade II* listed site contains the remnants of at least three significant buildings and much of its 17th century gardens remains intact. The grounds were once opened to visitors in 1938 but after being used to test a secret tank weapon during the Second World War, the place was deliberately dismantled and abandoned. The Castle and its Gardens have been closed for 70 years and now stand inaccessible and buried in vegetation. The Trustees of the Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust (Registered Charity No.1125075) plan to transform the imposing remains of the Gothic Castle, its massive stables and over 20 hidden gardens into a destination that will change perceptions of Cumbria's visitor offering. The Project will be distinguished by the scale and natural magnificence of the setting and by the quality and originality of the concept. The Trustees objectives are to attract new visitors to Cumbria, to encourage existing visitors to stay longer, to promote participation and learning and to feed smaller attractions across the region.
The Project has a variety of features but at its core will be the ruined castle, its panoramic central tower and the abandoned gardens. The history of the site, its occupants and the notable names that have worked at Lowther is minutely recorded in an archive of over 2,700 steel trunks. The record has been described as one of the most complete in the UK and provides a wealth of stories for entertainment and learning. In addition to providing access to the ruined castle and its renovated gardens, the Project will have a free-to-access visitor centre with shops and restaurants in the former stables. There will be a gallery and exhibition space in the restored East wing of the castle. A contemporary Pavilion will stand inside the ruin, constructed from renewable materials and self-sustaining. An adventure play area will be created in the East woods for children and families. A series of striking new gardens, including a kitchen garden, will be planted inside the Castle walls. The renovation of the gardens will be a continuous process of change and renewal.