Lowther Castle

The border is officially open and today marked the great border dash, and a brand new adventure for all of us: Lowther Castle. Not only was it a new adventure, but I got to see my sister for the first time in 8 months, the castle being a perfect 2 hour drive for us both - ideal for day tripping. 

I shall be quick: whilst we managed to refrain from tears, it was a close call. My emotional cup is full, her cup is full and everything in the world looks a bit brighter and I'm feeling more optimistic for the future. Now, onto the day;

Lowther Castle is an odd attraction, built in the 19th Century and demolished in the 1950s, it was left desolate for years. Then it was transformed. There is something for everyone, ruins, gardens within gardens, wildlife aplenty and, a big hit with the kids, one of the biggest adventure playgrounds I have ever seen. With the exception of the adventure playground, dogs are permitted across the site (and being honest, Missy would not have wanted to step a paw amongst the bustling children - strolling through rock gardens and endless rows of daffodils are far more her style). I always find it interesting how differently I look at a place when I go with neices and nephews (7 and 3 in this case) - ordinarily we wouldn't have ventured near the playground, but here we were taking turns to frantically chase a giggling child determined to find every zip wire and slide. 

Due to Covid, the exhibition about the castle was shut, as was the shop and the cafe was doing take away only. They also asked we only have one adult per child in the playground. All of which was fair enough - the outside tables were plenty and most had umbrellas up (although we were fortunate that the weather was dry).

Outside of the playground (by far the most popular thing for the kids) there was plenty to see and do around the gardens. Each area has a unique feel, from wildflower meadows, an avenue of tree swings, stone gardens and finely cultivated rose gardens. Ponds and fountains, weird and wonderful statues and ornate stair cases that led to nowhere. Before we knew it, we had burned through 4 hours and exhausted both kids. 

If we had been staying locally (and I've pencilled it in for a revisit on my next lakes holiday) we would have ventured across the wider estate where there was more ruins and folk were out enjoying the bank holiday weekend on bikes. I could have easily spent an entire day there. However, there was a 2 hour drive home to go and my hubby was exhausted from his first proper week back at work. 

It's been a good week all told, a few dog walks with my brother who had some annual leave and, despite being tired, hubby has been in a better place too. Here's hoping for a better run for the rest of the year!