The top ten Lake District gardens
Whether you are staying in Windermere, Bowness or Ambleside, you will find a wide choice of beautiful gardens, parks and stately homes to visit. Our top 10 include:
1.Brantwood - home of John Ruskin
Situated at Coniston, Cumbria, Brantwood is the former home of Victorian writer, art critic and sociologist, John Ruskin. This beautiful house is set in a 250-acre estate with 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows. For more information, call: 015394 41396.
2.Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre
Situated at Windermere, Brockhole Visitor Centre has plenty of interactive exhibitions, plus Mawson Gardens, and adventure playground, a shop and information centre. Visitors can access the lake shore directly from the gardens. Phone: 015394 46601.
3.Dalemain Historic House and Gardens
Located in Penrith, Cumbria, Dalemain is a much loved family home, set against stunning Lake District countryside and open parkland. Also with a picturesque 5-acre plantsman´s garden, Dalemain is one of the most popular historic houses in the Lakes. For more information, call: 017684 86450.
4.Holker Hall and Gardens
Holker Hall and Gardens is situated in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, and is home to Lord and Lady Cavendish. The house boasts a Victorian wing, glorious gardens and parkland, where visitors can enjoy a stroll, a food hall, a gift shop and courtyard café. Telephone: 015395 58328.
5.Honister Slate Mine
This famous old slate mine at Borrowdale, Keswick is the last working slate mine in England, and fully guided mine tours and the Via Ferrata can be accessed from here. Also offering a visitor centre, the Sky High Café, and a great range of things to do for all ages. For more information, call: 017687 77230.
6.Levens Hall and Gardens
Levens Hall is situated near Kendal, and this Elizabethan mansion and topiary gardens were designed by M.Beaumont in 1694. Visitors can also enjoy the Fountain Garden and Buttery Licensed restaurant, and a gift shop. Call: 015395 60321.
7.Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens
Mirehouse is situated at Underskiddaw near Keswick, and this family-run house has strong literary connections. Live piano music and children´s quizzes take place in the house, and the woodland playgrounds, heather maze, lakeside and poetry walk in the grounds offer fun for all the family. There is also a great tearoom serving delicious Cumbrian food. Telephone: 017687 72287 for more information.
8.Muncaster Castle
Located at Ravenglass, the historic Muncaster Castle has been home to the Pennington family for 800 years, and is said to be haunted. A beautiful 70-acre garden is famous for its collection of rhodedendrons and azaleas, which is set against the stunning backdrop of the Lakeland Fells. The World Owl Centre is home to over 40 species of birds. For opening times and more information, call: 01229 717614.
9.Rydal Mount and Gardens
Situated at Ambleside, Rydal Mount and Gardens was William Wordsworth´s beloved family home for 37 years, and it was here he wrote most of his poems. Wordworth became Poet Laureate to Queen Victoria at the age of 74. For more information, contact: 015394 33002.
10.Barrow Public Park
Situated in Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, the award-winning Barrow park is set in 45 acres, and provides the perfect place to wander round on sunny afternoons. For more information call: 01229 876564.
Whether you are staying in Windermere, Bowness or Ambleside, you will find yourself within easy reach of many Lake District attractions. Good transport links, including Bowness ferries, buses and Windermere trains mean you can leave the car at home if your prefer, or explore this fascinating region on foot.
