About
Piel Castle occupies a small island off the Furness coast, its substantial keep and curtain walls standing above the shoreline. Built in the fourteenth century by the Abbot of Furness, it helped protect the coast against raiders and controlled access to a valuable harbour. In 1487 the pretender Lambert Simnel landed here before his unsuccessful challenge to Henry VII. The surviving inner and outer baileys make the fortress's scale apparent even in its ruined state. Visitors describe the boat crossing and estuary views as central parts of the outing, often combining the ruins with a stop at the independently run Ship Inn. Travel is by passenger ferry from Roa Island, with sailings dependent on weather and tides, so check service updates before travelling. Castle admission is free, but the ferry is charged separately. Dogs are welcome on leads at the castle.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- Visitor accessDaylight access; dependent on passenger ferry service
Opening times may change at short notice.
Reached by a small passenger ferry. Piers, shore access and tides affect boarding; discuss mobility needs with the ferry operator before travel.
Passenger ferry from Roa Island operates Easter to October, weather permitting. Core hours are 11:00-15:00, with no fixed departure times; check the operator's daily updates.
No ferry pre-booking is needed. The crossing normally takes 10-20 minutes; a fare is payable separately and is not covered by English Heritage admission. Current fare not confirmed.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the ferry under their owner's responsibility. The Ship Inn is independently operated.
Ordinary admission is free for everyone; membership is not required.
Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle.
Dog walks in the surrounding area: Not confirmed. No separate surrounding dog-walking route and its access rules were verified from the official property information.
Leads: Keep dogs on leads in the permitted areas; take care around livestock.
Seasonal dog restrictions: Not confirmed separately; advertised access times and closures apply.
Assistance dogs: Not confirmed separately in the visitor information checked.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
Free for everyone. Donations are optional; parking, transport and separately operated attractions may have their own charges.
ParkingParking not known
The Trust's page does not say how parking is charged.
Parking details
The pin marks the ferry departure at Roa Island, not the castle. The ferry operator identifies a small island car park and on-street spaces; leave lifeboat access clear. Parking tariffs are not confirmed.
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