Dalton Castle

About the museum

Dalton Castle is a 14th-century tower that served as the manorial courthouse of Furness Abbey. Here the abbot held courts and administered justice for the lordship of Furness, a right granted in the abbey’s foundation charter of 1127. The building held a courtroom and rooms for the business of the lordship, as well as a gaol, guardrooms and stores.

After the abbey was dissolved in 1537, the tower continued as a courthouse for more than 300 years, belonging first to the Crown and then to a series of dukes, the last being the Dukes of Buccleuch. Its interior was altered several times, most drastically in 1856, when three upper floors reached by a stone spiral staircase were replaced by a single upper room and a new stairway.

The 8th Duke of Buccleuch gave Dalton Castle to the National Trust in 1965. It is supported by the Friends of Dalton Castle Society, a group of local volunteers who raise funds for its upkeep and provide guided tours. A museum room on the ground floor can be visited when the castle is open.

Highlights

• 14th-century tower that served as the courthouse of Furness Abbey
• Ground-floor museum room
• Upper room reached by an 18-step staircase
• Guided tours by the Friends of Dalton Castle Society

Permanent exhibition

• Museum room – A museum room on the ground floor of the tower.

Founded

1965

Operated by

National Trust

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance is up three stone steps and there are steps throughout, with narrow doorways and little turning space. The first floor is reached by 18 steps with a handrail on the left, while the museum room on the ground floor is the lowest room. There is one toilet on the ground floor, reached by two steps up and two steps down. Seating is available, including chairs without armrests, and only assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands in the market place at the top of the main street of Dalton.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

One toilet is available on the ground floor.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit