Historic Houses and Gardens
The Lake District was transformed by the romantic movement and helped inspire some of the best-known arts and crafts artists. Wordsworth, Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and many others have loved this place and made it their home, and you can visit the places that inspired them.
Historic Houses, Parks and Gardens - The Cumbrian garden is the perfect complement of nature and genius. Here you can discover topiary, visit national collections and explore those gardens with strong literary connections, from Wordsworth and Ruskin to Potter and Gilpin. Large or small, the Lake District garden is one of the most beautiful feature of the region, from the grand garden at Holker Hall to the magnificent creations at Ruskin’s Brantwood and Wordsworth’s at Rydal Mount. At Levens and Muncaster you’ll find gardens that combine history and adventure, while smaller gardens at Dalemain and Hutton-in-the-Forest are fine examples of family care.
A Small Selection of Historic Houses and Gardens in Cumbria
Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's farmhouse www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/hill-top
Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, it was the place that inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District.
The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.
Blackwell www.lakelandarts.org.uk/blackwell/
Blackwell was originally built as a rural holiday retreat for Manchester brewery owner Sir Edward Holt (1849 – 1928), his wife Elizabeth and their five children. The house later became a school, then an office space and is now an internationally significant Arts & Crafts house open to the public.
Discover Arts & Crafts through examples of the finest craftsmanship and exceptional, themed design.
Go back in time to see Blackwell as a family holiday home and school and immerse yourself in an exciting programme of exhibitions, family-friendly activities, creative workshops and events.
Sizergh www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and estate. This imposing house stands proudly at the gateway to the Lake District and has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years. There’s plenty to explore on the 1,600-acre estate, including wetland, woodland and orchards – look out for fritillary butterflies, deer and rare hawfinches. If you’d rather relax in gardens, wander through the orchards, rock garden or stumpery or stroll along the herbaceous border and fruit wall – there's something new to see in every season.
Brougham Hall www.broughamhall.co.uk
The perfect blend of crafts, coffee, and history Brougham Hall is a magnificent medieval building with a fascinating history, set in a stunning countryside location.Located just a mile south of Penrith in Cumbria, visitors can explore the Hall from dawn till dusk, while the workshops are open from 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.
Lowther Castle and Gardens www.lowthercastle.org
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north. But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness. Today Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you.
Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Estate - Ravenglass www.muncaster.co.uk
For groups, for individuals and families, for days out or memorable special occasions, Muncaster offers an unforgettable experience to all in an idyllic setting amongst the Western Lake District fells. Come and visit our historic haunted castle and 77 acres of woodland and gardens.
MIREHOUSE & GARDENS www.mirehouse.co.uk
Mirehouse, near Keswick, is a beautiful family run historic house with gardens, lakeshore and woodland playgrounds open for visitors to enjoy whatever the weather.
Set in the heart of the North Lake District, three miles from Keswick, the beautiful, natural gardens at Mirehouse offer stunning views of the dramatic Lakeland landscape they are set in.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the walled Bee Garden, stroll in quiet contemplation along the Poetry Walk, explore woods and farmland, enjoy the adventure playgrounds or relax by the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Dalemain Historic Mansion & Gardens www.dalemain.com
A historic mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the home of The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards, stop for a morning coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea. Shop, explore and experience our Lake District paradise.