Perhaps you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day treat this year, or maybe just a family day out over the Easter break. Whatever your reason, a visit to one of the Lake District’s breath-taking gardens is a truly calming and intoxicating experience.
Many of the oldest gardens in the Lake District have been passed down through generations of expert gardeners and grounds-keepers; preserving rare and even ancient plants, flowers and gardening styles, that are a sight to behold.
As well as ‘just’ being gardens, many of these old estates are packed full of intriguing history; activities for the kids, and quite often, a tasty little pit-stop too.
So, enjoy the fresh and crisp days of spring, in one of these 5 amazing Lake District Gardens:
‘A Lakeland Garden for all seasons’ Holehird is one of the Lake Districts finest gardens, and best kept secrets. Run and maintained by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, this 17-acre hillside garden features both national and RHS collections- with many of the varieties grown at Holehird being sold in their garden-shop. Visit the greenhouses; walled garden, and display house, or take a stroll through their woodland path to the tarn. Although there is yet to be a café at Holehird, there is no better place for an impromptu picnic than surrounded by the beauty of their lower gardens.
Owned and managed by the Cavendish family, with an estate spanning over 17,000 acres; Holker Hall is a diverse and versatile manor. The registered park and gardens cover over 200 acres of land, grazed by a beautiful herd of fallow red deer. A day out at Holker will give you plenty to do: with a visit to the hall; a browse around the gift shop; a visit to the café, food hall or brasserie; and, of course, the beautiful gardens and woodland to practically get lost in.
Not only does Holker offer visitors a chance to look around; they host a grand array of events throughout the year, including; food markets; plant fairs; Christmas markets; music events; Spring events, and much more…
The house; the gardens; the kitchen- Levens has the full package. Dating back to the 13th Century, Levens is packed full of grand and intriguing history. Boasting the oldest living topiary garden in the world; the 10 acres of gardens at Levens are a sight like no other.
With over 100 different topiary shapes; labyrinths to play in; an orchard; rose garden, and herb garden- this is exactly the kind of garden you imagine when people say ‘English Garden’.
2019 heralds the opening of Levens’ new ‘dining and event space’, Levens Kitchen. With a seasonally inspired menu; locally sourced produce, and produce straight from the garden, it’s well worth a visit this Spring! They even brew their own beer!
First formally laid out in the 17 Century, Lowther gardens comprises of a mixture of indulgent perfection and wild neglect in equal measure. From woodland walks to the Victorian manicured, Japanese gardens; a walk through Lowther gardens is truly a walk through the history of English gardening. With wildflower meadows and spectacular views across the surrounding countryside, Lowther is the place to visit for a spot of relaxing and meditative pondering.
Not only is Lowther a place of historical gardening interest; there is so much more to see and do. Hire a bike from the estate and cycle through the fabulous ‘Estate trails’, or visit the rich history contained within the castle itself. Lowther is also fabulously child-friendly, with its adventure play-park and many family-friendly events hosted throughout the year.
This ancient and historic country manor-house has belonged to the Inglewood family since 1605. As astounding as the rich furnishings and beautiful architecture of the house itself; the quintessentially English gardens are a reason to visit unto themselves. Stroll around the manicured lawns and terraces, to the walled garden, dating back to the early 1700s. Take in the impressively maintained topiary and peaceful woodland walk. There’s even an ancient Dovecote hidden away, that once housed up-to 400 pigeons.
Hutton-in-the-Forest hosts many splendid events throughout the year, including food and plant fairs; car shows; pottery festivals, and many more exciting occurrences.
Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel also boasts a fantastic ‘English Garden’, with beautifully manicured terrace, lawn and woodland, as well as one of the most spectacular lake views in the Lake District!
Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels; deer, and even the odd straying sheep (the grass is always greener you know!)
Treat Mum to an unforgettable Mother’s day at Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel, and a chance to visit all of these spectacular Lake District gardens ...
Further Reading: