A summer day out is never complete without a family trip to an historic castle.

And Muncaster Castle, in the idyllic Western Lake District Fells, is a location that more than lives up to expectation.

There is a reason it scoops so many awards – and it’s a perfect place to enjoy a day out on your doorstep.

The historic castle nestles in a wonderful landscape and its clear why the famous writer John Ruskin described the local views as the “Gateway to Paradise”.

This paradise offers something for everyone.

Firstly, there’s the 77-acres of wild woodland gardens surrounding the castle.

Here you’ll find all manner of attractions including the Enchanted Trail which winds amongst the trees through some of Muncaster’s hidden corners and is perfect for younger visitors.

The Yeti Adventure Quarry takes you high into the tree canopy with rope ladders, a suspended net bridge and slides while the Giant Swing sends you soaring up into the sky.

The MeadowVole Maze is where you’ll meet Max MeadowVole who needs help to get home safely.

Answer the questions, follow the path and guide him safely back.

For visitors of all ages there’s the Hawk and Owl Centre which puts on two magical bird shows where you can witness the silent flight of an owl, the speed of a falcon or a majestic eagle soaring over the valley.

The World of Owls display starts at 11.30am with the exhilarating Sky Hunters bird of prey display at 2pm.

It’s a thrilling experience with magnificent birds flying just above the heads of the audience.

All this before you’ve even entered the historic castle.

It’s believed to be standing on Roman remains and has a reputation as one of the most haunted castles in England. The Tapestry Room is said to be the centre of many strange happenings.

A day out at Muncaster will show why it has scooped two prestigious titles in this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – and winner of the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.

Among other initiatives, Muncaster provides a natural environment with varied habitats covering wild woodland, wildflower meadows and unmown grassland, ponds and streams supporting a wide range of local wildlife as well as native and exotic plant species.

Muncaster offers a day out on your doorstep that will more than satisfy all members of the family.