Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
Pinpoint
Piel Castle, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Piel Island LA13 0QN
Telephone 0800 015 0516
Website www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/piel-castle
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
The largest castle ruins in North West England, on a tidal island reached only by seasonal ferry from Roa Island - a genuinely odd, out-of-the-way trip that reviewers rate as much for the crossing as the castle. The island's pub, the Ship Inn, comes with its own tradition: the landlord is crowned 'King of Piel'.
Worth the trip
The ferry crossing itself, complete with the ferryman's stories - reviewers say it's as memorable as the castle at the other end.
Before you go
The ferry runs seasonally and costs around £7 return in cash, paid on the boat - check it's running before you travel, and note camping is available on the island for around £5 a night with toilets on site.
All the available reviews for Piel Castle are enthusiastic, with visitors enjoying the ferry crossing to the island, the historic ruins, and the nearby pub run by the self-styled King of Piel. No complaints or caveats appear in the reviews, it's consistently described as an atmospheric, worthwhile trip.
On Piel Island; seasonal ferry from Roa Island
“Atmospheric Castle with a fascinating history. Nice ferry crossing to get to the Island.”— Mike Austin, visitor review
