Muncaster – Overnight at a Lake District Castle
Over the past thirty years of driving up to Whitehaven, I’ve often looked across the valley to Muncaster Castle on the hillside above the River Esk not far from Ravenglass. Last week, though, I had reason to stop there. On my way north in the morning, and looking for somewhere to spend the night before driving back south, I spotted a B&B sign outside the gate to the castle’s plant centre.
Many of the commercial links on my “Around-England” sites are there because I earn commission from them. I never apologise for that as like everyone else I need an income. However, I’m happy also from time to time including links to businesses from which I receive no commission when I feel they deserve special recommendation. This is one of those times.
During a long career I’ve spent much of my time out and about around the UK and further afield, staying overnight in everything from country village pubs and b&b acommodation to five star hotels. Rarely, however, have I experienced B&B to the standard of Muncaster Castle “Coachman’s Quarters”. I was welcomed warmly by the ladies in the office, and having been shown around and booked my room I drove on to Egremont, Whitehaven and Workington before returning to Muncaster in the evening.
The room itself, with en suite shower room, was comfortable and scrupulously clean (and with a plentiful supply of tea and coffee – a key point with me). The substantial cooked, “full English”, breakfast with lots of options was just what I like when away from home. The accommodation can also be booked for self-catering, and there was a well-equipped kitchen and dining area just down the corridor from my room. I could have used if I’d wanted (and had the food with me). My preference though was to sit back with a book in the comfortable armchairs of the spacious lounge which, being a winter night with few people travelling in this area, I had entirely to myself.
The castle and gardens are not open to visitors at this time of year, so in the morning before heading south to my next appointment I did a small detour down to the coast to visit the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway. Sadly, being out of season there was not a puff of smoke or jet of steam to be seen but it was pleasant to cast my mind back to that first visit as a child almost sixty years ago and a later visit in my early twenties to introduce my fiance to this less well known part of the Lake District National Park.
Well that’s enough maudlin diversion; let’s get back to today! If you’re en route to the West Cumbrian coast or visiting the Western Lakes you’ll find it hard to get better b&b than the Coachman’s Quarters at Muncaster Castle.
Tags: B&B, Cumbria, Lake District, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
February 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Dear Mr Murray,
Thanks very much for your wonderful write up on Muncaster’s Coachman’s Quarters. We’ve circulated it around the staff with extra pats on the back. Always good to know when all our hard work pays off -we always try (and usually suceed) in surpassing visitors’ expectations. Few people also seem to realise that as well as being one of the Lake Districts top tourist attractions, people can stay here too.
One small point – unless we are carrying out major works in the Gardens (with Health & safety issues), they are always open to visitors staying in the Coachman’s Quarters – the Owl Centre too, no matter what the time of year. Guests enjoy having the gardens virtually to themselves. You should have been told this – if not, I apologise. Come again & do a write up on the Gardens, Owls, etc!
Keep up your good work – it’s much appreciated!
Kind Regards,
Peter