You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Historic Houses, Parks & 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.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 40
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and information centre. Lakeshore access for all.
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
228 reviewsConiston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
137 reviewsKendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
731 reviewsConishead Priory, Ulverston
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.
Nr Kendal
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house with Tudor…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1617 reviewsAmbleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1864 reviewsAmbleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Cockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
Newby Bridge
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
508 reviewsGrasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
975 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
CARLISLE
Bitts Park is a peaceful haven only 800 metres from Carlisle City Centre, comprising formal gardens, riverside walks, a children’s play area and splash park, running routes and sports facilities.
Coniston
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns together. In 1929 it was bought by Beatrix Potter who sold it to the National Trust. There is a 1.5 mile, level footpath around the tarn.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Greystoke
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history, including connections to Catherine Howard and Tarzan. Explore its grand halls, Tarzan Trails, and seasonal events, then relax at the Butler’s Pantry café.…
Sedgwick, Kendal
Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL