The "Lost Castle" playpark that families go wild for just off the M6

Venture into the grounds of an historic estate in Cumbria and you'll find the vast "Lost Castle" playpark that families have hailed a "fantastic day out". Lowther Castle, just off the M6 in Penrith, has become a popular visitor attraction in the Lake District thanks to its huge woodland play park and vast estate gardens.

The Lost Castle itself is described as one of Britain's largest outdoor adventure playgrounds and built high into the canopy of the estate's woodlands. Think wooden turrets, slides, wonky walkways as well as swings and zip wires too.

It is inspired by the original 19th century Lowther Castle on the site, which is now mostly a shell. But it still makes an impressive sight as you walk through its ruins and on into the grounds at the main entrance.

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There are a series of themed gardens that visitors can walk through across the sprawling 130-acre site, as well as a large courtyard cafe. But for those with younger members of the family, it's the Lost Castle playpark that's the big draw for a day out.

Once you've paid your entrance fees, you get a map that helps guide you out around the grounds and the adventure begins. You can walk over the South Lawns or through a rose garden before heading into the woodland that leads to the Lost Castle.

You know you're getting close when you see the start of a woodland obstacle course with bridges, stepping stones and rope swings.

Once kids have tackled the adventure there, there's a wooden bridge leading into the main Lost Castle itself. Watching kids dash into the wooden fort like structure, through an arched door and then seeing the kiddie kingdom inside is a joy in itself.

I took my seven year old and three year