Company Registration No. 04689880 (England and Wales)
Lowther Castle Limited
Financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2025
Pages for filing with the registrar
Lowther Castle Limited
Contents
Page
Balance sheet
1
Notes to the financial statements
2 - 9
Lowther Castle Limited
Balance sheet
As at 30 September 2025
30 September 2025
1
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
4
2,127,125
2,152,969
Current assets
Stocks
72,137
55,738
Debtors
5
592,373
694,753
Cash at bank and in hand
715,791
390,834
1,380,301
1,141,325
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
6
(395,848)
(405,018)
Net current assets
984,453
736,307
Total assets less current liabilities
3,111,578
2,889,276
Deferred tax liability
(1,326)
(509)
Net assets
3,110,252
2,888,767
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
2,740,000
2,740,000
Profit and loss reserves
370,252
148,767
Total equity
3,110,252
2,888,767
The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the profit and loss account within the financial statements.true
These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 10 June 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
James Lowther
Director
Company Registration No. 04689880
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2025
2
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Lowther Castle Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Lowther Castle, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by section 33.11 of FRS 102 allowing it not to disclose transactions and balances within its group, on the grounds that those entities are related by virtue of having the same control as defined in 33.11(b).
The financial statements of the company are consolidated into the financial statements of Lowther Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office.
1.2
Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statementstrue.
1.3
Turnover
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.
Revenue from ticket sales is recognised on the date to which the ticket entitles the purchaser entrance to Lowther Castle.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Membership revenue is recognised in the period to which the membership relates.
1.4
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
3
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Long term leasehold property
5-45 years straight line/over the term of the lease
Plant and equipment
10-25% straight line
Fixtures and fittings
10-25% straight line
Office equipment
20-33% straight line
Motor vehicles
25-50% straight line
Other assets
2-25% straight line
No depreciation is charged on assets under construction until the assets are completed and ready for use.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.
1.5
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
1.6
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell, which is equivalent to net realisable value.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.7
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
4
1.8
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash at bank, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.9
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.10
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
5
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Where items recognised in other comprehensive income or equity are chargeable to or deductible for tax purposes, the resulting current or deferred tax expense or income is presented in the same component of comprehensive income or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense or income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.11
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
Leases
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
2
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The directors confirmed that there are no critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty which have a risk of causing a material misstatement in these financial statements.
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
6
3
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2025
2024
Number
Number
Total
46
49
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
7
4
Tangible fixed assets
Long term leasehold property
Assets under construction
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Office equipment
Motor vehicles
Other assets
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 October 2024
2,165,887
129,810
270,014
201,805
360,578
5,400
467,005
3,600,499
Additions
123,173
1,834
3,016
1,410
129,433
Transfers
87,151
(142,677)
24,242
29,403
1,881
At 30 September 2025
2,253,038
110,306
271,848
226,047
392,997
5,400
470,296
3,729,932
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 October 2024
1,080,619
168,652
106,657
52,681
4,154
34,767
1,447,530
Depreciation charged in the year
57,532
19,163
18,801
39,285
880
19,616
155,277
At 30 September 2025
1,138,151
187,815
125,458
91,966
5,034
54,383
1,602,807
Carrying amount
At 30 September 2025
1,114,887
110,306
84,033
100,589
301,031
366
415,913
2,127,125
At 30 September 2024
1,085,268
129,810
101,362
95,148
307,897
1,246
432,238
2,152,969
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
8
5
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
19,281
7,003
Amounts owed by group undertakings
519,162
599,453
Other debtors
53,930
88,297
592,373
694,753
6
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans
54,762
Trade creditors
106,655
94,853
Amounts owed to group undertakings
1,859
Corporation tax
44,444
Other taxation and social security
144,589
153,753
Other creditors
98,301
101,650
395,848
405,018
7
Audit report information
As the income statement has been omitted from the filing copy of the financial statements, the following information in relation to the audit report on the statutory financial statements is provided in accordance with s444(5B) of the Companies Act 2006:
The auditor's report was unqualified.
Senior Statutory Auditor:
Sally Appleton
Statutory Auditors:
Saffery LLP
Date of audit report:
10 June 2026
Lowther Castle Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
9
8
Related party transactions
As the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of a company whose consolidated accounts include the results of the subsidiary and are publicly available, the company has taken advantage of FRS 102 section 33.1A exemption from disclosing transactions with group undertakings where 100% of the voting rights are held within the group.
The company leases Lowther Castle from Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust, an unincorporated entity under common control, for a peppercorn rent.
During the year sales totalling £30 (2024: £9,565) were made between the company and Lowther Estate Trust. At the year end £7,274 (2024: £859) was owed by Lowther Estate Trust.
During the year sales totalling £38,705 (2024: £45,657) and purchases totalling £161,913 (2024: £173,668) were made between the company and Lowther Farming Partnership. At the year end £2,728 (2024: £1,753) was owed by and £14,754 (2024: £8,123) was owed to Lowther Farming Partnership.
During the year purchases totalling £514 (2024: £886) were made between the company and JN Lowther Holdings Limited. At the year end £60 (2024: £49) was owed to JN Lowther Holdings Limited.
9
Directors' transactions
During the year purchases totalling £25,525 (2024: £40,339) were made between the company and Charlotte Fairbairn. At the year end a balance of £1,926 (2024: £1,050) was owed to Charlotte Fairbairn.
10
Parent company
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lowther Group Limited. The share capital of Lowther Group Limited is registered in the name of L.E.T. Nominees 1 Limited, which holds the shares as nominee for the Lowther Estate (1992) Trust.
The smallest group for which consolidated financial statements are drawn up of which the small entity is a member is Lowther Group Limited. The address of the parent’s registered office is Lowther Castle, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HH.