Key facts
- Operator
- Cumberland Council
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
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
