Cumberland is home to some of the most scenic and fascinating places in the UK, if not the world. 

Of course, being a part of the Lake District, it is most famous for its lakes with locations like Keswick and Wasdale being incredibly popular with residents and tourists alike. 

However, there are also some fantastic places nestled away in the countryside that are often overlooked. 

In west Cumbria, not too far from Whitehaven, is Muncaster Castle, a historical site with a heritage spanning centuries. 

Muncaster comprises a castle that overlooks the river Esk along with gardens and an estate that spans for miles around. 

Over the years it has proved a popular place to visit and now has an owl and bird sanctuary with displays held on a regular basis. 

People often go to walk around the grounds in the summer months to witness the local countryside in full bloom. 

Tours of the castle are also a favourite and a range of events are held throughout the year. 

The highlight of the year is of course Halloween, the castle itself is said to be haunted which adds a scary feel at that time of year. 

Throughout the day there are activities for children and families to enjoy, whilst at night things get spooky and adults can enjoy some real scares whilst walking around the maze. 

The area is steeped in a rich and unique history with the castle being established some 800 years ago. 

It is said to lie on foundations that date back to the Roman era and in 1208 the estate was granted to Alan De Penitone. 

The great hall and the 14th-century Pele Tower are said to be some of the oldest parts of the building. 

During the 1800s the castle was extensively changed in accordance with Barons Muncaster and in 1922 a Muncaster War Memorial was constructed. 

To this day the Pennington family still owns Muncaster, and in the 20th century, the castle was restored from the relic it once was and transformed into a popular tourist destination. 

According to tradition, after the Battle of Towton, Henry 6th fled to Muncaster where he was sheltered by the Pennington family. 

He then gifted Sir John Pennington a Venetian glass drinking bowl, which is still intact today and known as 'The Luck of Muncaster', Henry 6th is said to have claimed that if the bowl was intact then the Pennington’s would remain at Muncaster. 

One of the castle's most famous residents was Tom Fool, a jester who is said to be where the term originated from. 

Thomas Skelton, the fool, was said to have been enlisted to behead a servant who was an unwanted suitor of Helwise, the daughter of Sir Alan Pennington.