This crenellated castle, 1.5 miles east of Ravenglass, was originally built around a 14th-century pele tower, constructed to resist Reiver raids. Home to the Pennington family for seven centuries, the castle is visitable on a guided tour: the architectural highlights are the great hall and octagonal library. Outside you'll find an ornamental maze and splendid grounds, as well as a hawk and owl center, which stages several flying displays a day. Tickets can be prebooked online.
Muncaster is also known for its numerous ghosts: keep your eyes peeled for the Muncaster Boggle and a malevolent jester known as Tom Fool (hence "tomfoolery").
