Brougham Castle

Castle Historic medieval castle ruins near Penrith, Cumbria

A ruined medieval castle beside the River Eamont near Penrith, Brougham dates to the 13th century; visitors explore battlements, masonry and riverside walks.

Main image

Brougham Castle is a medieval ruin near Penrith in Cumbria, England, standing overlooking the confluence of local rivers and surrounding agricultural land. The surviving masonry and earthworks show phases of medieval stone construction built on earlier defensive footprints.

The site today consists of ruined keeps, curtain walls and fragments of domestic buildings typical of English medieval castles, and it functions as a scheduled monument and visitor site. It is interpreted as part of the region’s medieval and post-medieval history.

Brougham Castle developed during the medieval period with construction phases in the 13th century and later modifications; ownership and use changed over the centuries before it fell into ruin and became a heritage site.

The castle lies a short distance from the town of Penrith in Cumbria, in northwest England, set close to main road routes and river valleys in the Eden district.

  • Visitor access: Ruined stone walls and earthworks are accessible to the public and are managed as a historic site with on-site interpretation.
Brougham Castle
Brougham Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, England
54.6533, -2.7180
Free to visit the ruins; some rooms may be closed or require guided access

How to Get to Brougham Castle #

Brougham Castle is a short drive from Penrith in Cumbria. It is accessible by local roads and is operated by English Heritage; Penrith railway station provides regional connections.

Tips for Visiting Brougham Castle #

  • Bring a camera for the views of Ullswater and the Eden valley from the castle grounds.
  • The site is exposed - bring windproof clothing in cool months.
  • Combine a visit with a walk along the nearby riverside trails to see the castle from different angles.

Best Time to Visit Brougham Castle #

Summer for best access; check English Heritage for any seasonal closures.

Summer
June-August · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Best for exploring the grounds and combining with local walks.
Spring/Autumn
April-May & September-October · 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Crisp conditions and fewer visitors; limited interior access possible.

Weather & Climate near Brougham Castle #

Climate

Brougham Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (916 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.4h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Brougham Castle