A Magical Day

We're not particularly well TRAVELLED, and i'm okay with that.  We also don't really have a song to call 'our song' in the way that some people might.  But i think it's safe to say that we do have a 'place'.  It's not somewhere memorable for a special occurrence, a grand gesture or visited on any special occasion; it's just special because i think from the very first moment we ever visited, we both fell in LOVE with it in equal measure.  Not gradually, over time or after a few trips:  All at once and unexpectedly and maybe a little bit like how we fell in love ourselves.
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Lowther Castle and Gardens is a GINORMOUS castle ruin which dates as far back as the 1800's and was built by the Lowther family many, many moons ago just outside Penrith.  It is largely still a ruin but since 2014 has undertaken a massive regeneration and restorative programme which has seen parts of the original castle restored and recovered and free for exploration and ADVENTURE.  

We first stumbled upon Lowther Castle not too long after its gates had been re-opened and remain as in awe of its beautiful castle and grounds now as we were back then.  When the Mr learnt to drive, Sundays became our day to EXPLORE and adventure in a round the beautiful countryside we are lucky to call home and Lowther was one of the very first places we ever visited.  You can read about our very first visit HERE.  


(^How can you not feel in awe of such a beautiful view?!^)

Last sunday it was such a beautiful blue-skied day and a rare day where we were both free and plan-less and so it seemed a PERFECT opportunity to visit our very favourite place.  Each time we visit the castle, we are able to venture a little more inside and see a little bit more of what might have been so, so many years ago.  You can't help but be blown away by the magnitude of such a beautiful, dramatic and breath-taking building.  I feel like i could stare up at it's turrets and towers for hours on end and never tire of the VIEW.  The last time we visited it was early Summer time last year, and everywhere was green and full of blooms.  This time, the leaves were just starting to turn, and the garden and surrounding forest and grounds looked even more beautiful.
(^My favourite photo^ )
(^There is something ever so inspiring about miles and miles of perfectly symmetrical trees^)
(^Picnic place perfection^)
(^A tree so so tall^)

(^Wild flowers as far as the eyes can see^)

That's the very BEST thing about Lowther Castle.  Just when you think you couldn't fall anymore in love with it after you have spent time wandering through it's pretty castle and courtyard, you discover the garden and grounds that surround it.  For a twosome who aren't the walking 'type' a ten minute stroll usually suffices.  Then we need a cup of something hot and a piece of cake.  You know me, i spend forever on two wheels, and the Mr?  Well i don't think he can even touch his toes!  We quite happily strolled and STRETCHED our little legs for miles on Sunday though.  Just like we do every time.  Up and down hills, twirling and whirling through the trees and watching out for squirrels and exploring hidden gardens and secluded ponds.  It was PERFECT.  
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Each time we visit, i fall more and more in LOVE with the place.  We are already planing our next adventure, come late Autumn.  I can't wait to see all of the grounds in their full Autumn GLORY  

Lovely Lowther Castle, i think you shall always be our SPECIAL place.
(^You can find out a little more about this wonderful place HERE^)