Rose Castle, at Dalston near Carlisle in Cumbria, is a restored castle that was the palace of the bishops of Carlisle for 800 years and now hosts corporate off-sites, workshops and weddings. It has six historic reception rooms, groups from 4 up to 80 in theater, boardroom or cabaret layouts, team days of up to 100 guests, and overnight accommodation for up to 28 inside the castle.
Seminars and company events
Rose Castle is an exclusive-use venue for corporate events and off-sites. It can be booked by the hour, with the chance to meet other businesses, or entirely for one company. The castle has been modernised, with 1-gigabit fibre broadband, large screens and boardroom facilities for confidential talks, workshops and product launches.
The Bishop's Library is one of the smaller rooms, for one-to-one conversations and pre-dinner drinks. The State Dining Room, where banquets have been held for centuries, serves for dinners and gatherings. Furniture can be moved for workshop circles. Three subterranean popups provide data, water and power for bars, screenings, music and flexible marquee placement, and seven acres of gardens, orchards and paddocks suit break-out groups.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are exclusive use for as long as the couple like, with no package weddings. Ceremonies can be held in the castle's own Chapel, in a restored reception room or in Pettinger's Garden, a walled enclave with fell views. The banquet and dancing can take place in the State Dining Room or in a marquee on the lawn, and a bridal suite with an en-suite bathroom is available.
Rooms and capacities
Six historic reception rooms, including spacious dining rooms and a wood-paneled library. Group layouts: 4, 8, 12 or 20 in small groups, up to 80 in theater, boardroom or cabaret style, and team event days of up to 100. The castle is a blank canvas for a live band and dance floor in a large open space.
Accommodation
The castle has a bridal suite and a further 14 bedrooms, space for up to 26 guests on the wedding page and up to 28 on the corporate page. More accommodation is available nearby.
Catering
A well-equipped kitchen and a head chef serve evening banquets, working buffet lunches or snacks in the Boost Kitchen, with a flexible approach to requests.
History and setting
Bishops lived here over an 800-year history from 1230 until the current owners bought the castle in 2016, and it has been restored to combine modern convenience with a classic style. It stands on a private 7-acre site with gardens and orchards.
Getting there
The corporate page says Rose Castle is 7 miles from the M6 and close to Carlisle and Penrith stations. The wedding page gives 20 minutes from the M6.
