Egremont Castle
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Cumberland Council
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Nethertown, 2.2 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Villas, Bookwell, Egremont CA22 2JW
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check with the operator before you travel.
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
A ruin in a public park just off Egremont's Main Street, free to enter and open dawn to dusk. What survives is mostly the outer shell and a striking gate tower with herringbone stonework - reviewers trace its origins to the early 12th century, when the de Meschines family are said to have built the first castle on the site.
Worth the trip
The herringbone stonework on the gate tower - reviewers flag it as a distinctive and unusually well-preserved detail for a ruin of this age.
Before you go
It's free and open 8am to 6pm with no staff on site, making it an easy stop rather than a planned visit - information plaques cover most of what you need to know.
Most reviewers enjoyed Egremont Castle's ruins and informative plaques, describing the grounds as a pleasant, free park with an interesting history. One recent visitor, however, reported the site was covered in litter with no visible bins and an unpleasant smell, a notable complaint that stands apart from the otherwise positive reviews.
Free access ruin in public park
“Ruins of a medieval castle, the grounds of which are being utilised as a public park. Ruins are in a good state, the park was relatively clean and tidy. Nice views from inside the castle. Free entry. Open 8am-6pm.”- Jamie Titchener, 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.
- Facilities
- “The grounds are in good condition and would make a lovely picnic spot during summer months.” - Jonathan Kane
Common questions about Egremont Castle
Where is Egremont Castle?
Egremont Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Castle Villas, Bookwell, Egremont CA22 2JW.
Is Egremont Castle free to visit?
Yes - Egremont Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Cumberland Council. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Egremont Castle?
The herringbone stonework on the gate tower - reviewers flag it as a distinctive and unusually well-preserved detail for a ruin of this age.
Is Egremont Castle a ruin or still intact?
Egremont Castle is a ruin - Free access ruin in public park.
