Located just 15 minutes from the M6 near Penrith in a stunning Lake District setting, Lowther Castle and Gardens has launched new tour experiences targeted specially for coach groups as well as providing exclusive access to a refurbished indoor Sculpture Gallery overlooking the ancient Gardens in April 2019.
The Gothic ruins reveal themselves as visitors make the short stroll from the coach park to the Castle Courtyard to receive a 10-minute introduction to the ancient and magnificent estate that has captivated visitors since the Middle Ages – with connections to Vikings, Mary Queen of Scots, William Wordsworth, a 17th century vegetarian Earl, William Turner, Winston Churchill and Prince Philip. The Castle, designed by Robert Smirke (who went on to design the British Museum), stands in 130 acres of ancient gardens and woodlands, with vast lawns and views, summer houses and secret places.
Coach groups can also join head gardener Martin Ogle as he guides them through the journey from a ruin lost to wilderness to the stunning gardens today. The Gardens at Lowther were voted Landscape Restoration of the Year in 2017 by the prestigious Georgian Group.
“A very high quality visitor experience has been created at Lowther Castle which combines the magnificent Castle ruin, the ancient woodlands peppered with pockets of modern gardens, spectacular views, a highly visual exhibition revealing the fascinating story of the colourful characters associated with this place – plus a café and shop,” says Claire Logan-Stephens, head of marketing and groups, Lowther Castle. “We now feel this is the right time to launch Lowther Castle for the groups market, especially with the launch of the Sculpture Gallery in April 2019, a private space for groups, which will be beautifully refurbished this Winter by Jim Lowther’s wife, Vanessa.”
• Claire Logan-Stephens, Lowther Castle, and Lynda McDairmant, Tell Tale Marketing, will be at the CTA Conference & Workshop to tell members more about the history and visitor experience.
