Gardens

From big formal affairs to wild-flower meadows admire the variety in these award-winning gardens and grounds. A Botanists delight!

Some of the gardens contain significant and awe-inspiring examples of flora and fauna. Be it the magnificent Silver Fir at Dalemain (the biggest of its kind in the British Isles), the fabled Holker lime or the famous topiary of Levens Hall.

At Muncaster you can admire one of Europe's largest collections of Rhododendrons, plus head out after dark and the grounds are brought to life with sounds and light at Darkest Muncaster. There is enough to keep any tree hugger happy.

Grand Designs

Cumbria has at times been at the cutting edge of garden design. Levens' Gardens have been an object of wonder since they were first planted in the late 17th century by Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont. William Wordsworth himself landscaped the romantic gardens of Rydal Mount.

At Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House the gardens were laid out by Thomas Mawson, in a series of terraces to achieve the best views of Lake Windermere from the house.

Work has started in the gardens at Lowther where you can see glimpses of the 17th Century glory and experience the start of the refurbishment which will use history as a guide to bring them back to life.

Let the Kids Go Native

Gardens are a great place for the kids to let off steam and they will love getting out into the woods and parkland. They can solve the living willow labyrinth at Levens Hall, find the fancy foul at Holker Hall, discover the sleeping giantess, box hedge dragon and children's garden at Dalemain and look out for red squirrels at Hutton-in-the-Forest. At Mirehouse they can enjoy themselves in the heather path maze, learn about bees in the Bee Garden and have some fun in the play areas.