Dalton Castle
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Dalton, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness LA15 8AX
Telephone 01524 701178
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Visitor essentials
- Access
- Stepped access throughout with narrow doorways; reaching the first floor involves 18 steps.
- Facilities
- One toilet on the ground floor, reached by two steps up and two down; no cafe or shop on site.
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only are permitted inside.
A 14th-century pele tower built as a defence against Scottish border raids, later serving as courthouse and prison for Furness Abbey before passing to the National Trust in 1965. It's small - a handful of rooms rather than a full castle circuit - and only open on Saturday afternoons in season.
Worth the trip
The building's working past as a courthouse and prison - the National Trust guides bring out this later history well, beyond the medieval defensive story.
Before you go
It only opens Saturday afternoons during the season and street parking nearby can be tricky to find, so plan around both before making a special trip.
Reviewers consistently enjoy Dalton Castle's small but characterful interior and friendly, welcoming National Trust guides, though several note it's only open on limited days, mainly weekends in summer, so checking opening times in advance is recommended. Street parking and a narrow historic spiral staircase mean it isn't well suited to wheelchairs or prams.
14th-century pele tower; open Saturday afternoons in season
“Lovely little place. Only open on special days. Very helpful staff with lots of information. Only a few rooms that can be accessed but very original. Parking is just on the street, so can be tricky.”- Kat P, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Free entry and parking (lots available dotted up and down the road) National trust run and the guides were really welcoming and told us lots about the place.” - Joanne Riley
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Year old spiral staircase so not suitable for wheelchairs and prams but if like us you're prepared to carry small ones it's fine!” - Joanne Riley
- Facilities
- “Small gift shop, no other amenities and one way system includes a 800+?” - Joanne Riley
Common questions about Dalton Castle
Where is Dalton Castle?
Dalton Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness LA15 8AX.
How do you visit Dalton Castle?
Dalton Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by National Trust. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Dalton Castle?
The building's working past as a courthouse and prison - the National Trust guides bring out this later history well, beyond the medieval defensive story.
Is Dalton Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dalton Castle is largely intact - 14th-century pele tower; open Saturday afternoons in season.
