Meadow Syke Byre

Lowther Castle is a ruined country house near Penrith, built in the early 19th century and left as a dramatic shell after the roof was removed and the building demolished in the 1950s. You can explore the ruins, then wander the 130 acres of gardens, which include the Parterre, the Garden-in-the-Ruins, the Rose Garden, wildflower meadows and rambling woodland.

Tip: Walk out to the Western Terrace for a spectacular view over the Lowther Valley to the Lake District mountains, and dress for all weathers.

Brougham Castle is a red-sandstone castle standing near the site of a Roman fort, guarding a river crossing south-east of Penrith. It was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, and his great keep still dominates the site. The powerful Clifford family later added more buildings, including an unusual double gatehouse and the Tower of League.

Tip: Head up the spiral stairs to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.

Penrith Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in the west of the town, on the edge of the Lake District. It was begun in the late 14th century by Ralph Neville to help defend the area against the Scots, and was later turned into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III.

Tip: Parking is around the town, with only a few spaces at the park entrance, so be prepared to park nearby.

Castlerigg is a Neolithic stone circle on a prominent hill east of Keswick, in the Lake District National Park. English Heritage calls it one of the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles. The stones are glacial boulders of volcanic rock, set in a flattened ring with an unusual rectangle of extra stones inside it.

Tip: Parking at the site is limited. Walking from the centre of Keswick takes about 30 minutes, so consider that or public transport.

Brough Castle is a ruined English Heritage castle on a ridge overlooking the Stainmore Pass, built within the walls of an old Roman fort. Its towering keep dates from about 1200, and the site was a frequent target of Scots raids. The Clifford family later added more comfortable living quarters, which were accidentally burnt after a great Christmas party in 1521.

Tip: Parking is limited in the village, so don't use Brough Castle Farm. Farm livestock may be present and the ground is uneven, especially the gatehouse cobbles.

The Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick tells the story of the pencil, from its beginnings as a cottage industry to modern production. You enter through a replica graphite mine, a nod to the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago, then follow the journey of graphite and pencil discovery.

Tip: The car park outside isn't owned or run by the museum, uses ANPR cameras and needs payment on arrival, so check the car park notices.

Carlisle Castle guarded the western end of the Anglo-Scottish border for hundreds of years and survived seven sieges by the Scots between 1174 and 1461. It was later adapted for artillery, and in 1568 it held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. It stayed in military use well into the 20th century.

Tip: Booking advance tickets online saves 15%, and arriving by bus, train or bike gets you 20% off entry at the site on the day.

Sizergh is a Grade I listed castle and stately home about 4 miles south of Kendal, in the Lake District National Park. The oldest part is a tower from the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Inside, you'll find oak-panelled rooms, including the Inlaid Chamber, plus Strickland family portraits and paintings linked to the Stuart court in exile.

Tip: Dogs are welcome on the wider estate, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens, so plan your route accordingly.