Historic Houses and Gardens
Explore the history of the Lake District by visiting historic houses, gardens and castles:
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark
The friendliest of stately homes, over 125 acres of glorious gardens and grounds. Motoring memorabilia galore. Savour delights from the Courtyard Café or purchase some from our newest addition ‘Food at Holker Hall’, special events throughout the year. Dogs are allowed in grounds only.
Brantwood, Coniston
The former home of John Ruskin is one of the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District. Explore Brantwood's estate and gardens or experience contemporary art in the Severn Studio. Brantwood's bookshop, the Jumping Jenny restaurant and Coach House Gallery combine for a perfect day out!
Brockhole Garden
Lake District Visitor Centre Brockhole, Windermere
The Lake District National Park's visitor centre with gardens, lakeshore access and adventure playground. Indoor exhibitions and full disabled access.
Stagshaw Garden
Stagshaw Gardens, Stagshaw Lane, Ambleside
Woodland garden.
Holehird Gardens
Patterdale Road, Windermere, Cumbria
Tel: 015394 46008
Levens Hall & Topiary Gardens, near Kendal
Elizabethan Mansion home of the Bagot family containing fine furniture and superb panelling. The world famous Topiary Gardens were first laid out in 1694. Home-made light lunches and teas. No admission charge for Gift Shop, Tearoom and Plant Centre. Disabled access available to garden only.
Sizergh Castle & Garden, near Kendal
A National Trust property set in wonderful grounds with walks around the estate, this castle has been lived in by the Strickland family for 700 years. Learn about the Elizabethan carvings and contents of the castle, then explore the stunning limestone rock garden. Amazing autumn colour. The majority of the property is accessible to wheelchair users travelling with a helper.
The Muncaster Experience, Ravenglass
Historic haunted Muncaster Castle, Himalayan Gardens, World Owl Centre and MeadowVole Maze. Owl display daily 1430. Herons fed 1630. March to November. See majestic owls, breathtaking views and explore our Sino Himalayan Gardens. Shrink to 2.5" tall and follow Max round his MeadowVole Maze. Dogs allowed in grounds only. Railyway Station 1 mile. The majority of the property is accessible to wheelchair users travelling with a helper.
Conishead Priory & Buddhist Temple, Ulverston
The priory is a superb example of an early Victorian gothic mansion. It is now home to a major Buddhist centre and unique temple. We offer a fascinating one hour guided house and temple tour. Woodland walks, gift shop & café. Free admission
Dalemain Gardens
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens, Penrith
Dalemain is a fine mixture of medieval, Tudor and early Georgian architecture.
Hutton in the Forest Garden
Hutton in the Forest Historic House, Penrith
Historic home of Lord & Lady Inglewood. House dates from 14thC. Fine collection of furniture. Extensive gardens and woodland walk. Tea room.
Mirehouse Garden
Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria
Links with Tennyson & Wordsworth, real music, woodland adventure playground, tearoom, nature notes, lakeside paths, poetry walk, garden, heather maze.
Acorn Bank Garden
Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria
Garden with largest collection of medicinal and culinary herbs in the north of England.
Beckstones Garden
Beckstones Art Gallery, Greystoke Ghyll, Penrith, Cumbria
Tel: 017684 83601
Literary Trail
Follow in the footsteps of some of our greatest writers and artists by visiting the homes that gave them their inspiration:
Beatrix Potter
Hill Top, Near Sawrey
Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her famous children’s stories in this little 17th century farmhouse which she owned for 38 years, and it has been kept exactly as she left it, complete with furniture, china and a traditional cottage garden. National Trust Property
Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
A display of original watercolours painted by Beatrix Potter for her children’s stories. Exhibit changed annually. The 17th century building was once the office of her husband William Heelis, a solicitor, and is substantially unaltered since his day. Next door to the inspiration for Tabitha Twitchet’s shop. National Trust Property
William Wordsworth
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere
Beautifully preserved Grasmere home of England’s finest poet William Wordsworth. Award-winning attraction offers guided tours of his inspirational cottage. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum displays priceless national treasures. Onsite tearooms and book & gift shop. Reciprocal discount ticket with Rydal Mount and Wordsworth House. The majority of the property is accessible to wheelchair users travelling with a helper.
Rydal Mount and Gardens, near Ambleside
Nestled in the picturesque village of Rydal, with its small church, unique waterfalls and famous hills lies ‘The most beloved’ home of Wordsworth, Rydal Mount. Wander through his historic home and splendid gardens with the magnificent views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water. The majority of the property is accessible to wheelchair users travelling with a helper
Wordsworth House, Cockermouth
A fine Georgian town house, the birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth
John Ruskin
Brantwood, Coniston
The former home of John Ruskin, is the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District. Explore Brantwood’s estate and gardens or experience contemporary art in the Severn Studio. Brantwood’s bookshop, the Jumping Jenny restaurant and Coach House Gallery combine for a perfect day out! The majority of the property is accessible to wheelchair users travelling with a helper
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston
Be inspired by the life-changing political philosophy of John Ruskin, breath-taking artist, critic, social reformer.