History
Stone Circles
Human settlement began in the Lake District at least 5000 years ago. Evidence of their existence can still be found at the 50 or so Stone Circles dotted all over Cumbria. The best examples can be found at Castlerigg, Swinside and Long Meg.
Castles
Originally built for defensive purposes in the Roman occupation and later for magnificence and comfort by the Tudors, Cumbria boasts too many to mention here.
Kendal Castle
Perhaps the most notable resident of a Cumbrian Castle is Catherine Parr, the sixth and final Queen of Henry VIII. Her family occupied the now ruined Kendal Castle. It's still worth exploring with one of the towers remaining and most of the walls.
Muncaster Castle
The current occupiers, the Pennington family, have evidence of their family living at Muncaster Castle since 1208, truly a family home. The castle itself was built on Roman remains and has a colourful history. The audio tour by the current owners is a must to get the most out of your visit.
Take a whole day to explore the castle and gardens and "Meet the Birds" from the Owl Centre there. The castle is open from 27th March to 31st October 2011.
Historic Houses
Holker Hall
Lord and Lady Cavendish of Holker Hall, one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain, welcome visitors between April and October, Sunday to Thursday. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
Levens Hall
Situated on the southern edges of the Lake District, Levens Hall and Gardens are world famous for their topiary gardens. After a stroll around the gardens and admiring the Elizabethan manor house be sure to pop into the Bellingham Buttery…I highly recommend the scones!
