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.
Brougham Castle at a Glance#
Address: Brougham Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, England
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brougham-castle/
Admission: Free to visit the ruins; some rooms may be closed or require guided access
About Brougham Castle#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Brougham Castle#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 98 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 67 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 9° | 2° | 76 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 10° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 58 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 64 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 74 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Good | 9° - 16° | 12° | 78 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 93 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 101 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 6° | 1° | 101 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |