Lake District Gardens: Inspiration on Our Doorstep

We think we have the loveliest Lake District gardens on our doorstep. And here at the Cedar Manor we’re getting ready for the visit of the Cumbria in Bloom judges. So it seems a good time to visit some of the loveliest Lake District gardens for inspiration.<\/p>

Brantwood

Over on the eastern shore of Coniston is the former home of John Ruskin, Brantwood. It has a terrace of beautiful mountainside gardens, set in a 250 acre wood estate with spectacular views.

Ruskin was a writer and art critic. He wrote on subjects as varied as geology, architecture, myth, ornithology, literature, education, botany and political economy.

The estate ranges from lakeshore meadows to high, open fell. It’s a paradise for walkers of all abilities, from low level rambles to energetic hikes to Crag Head. A range of trails thread the estate and a trail guide is available in the shop.

At the estate’s heart are eight unique and beautiful gardens which continue the many radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began. They are divided into three areas – the northern and southern gardens, which involve some walking uphill, and the lower gardens which are suitable for all.<\/p>

Muncaster Castle

Here on the south west coast of Cumbria, you can find plants from all over the world, including the Sino-Himalayan region. The gardens cover more than 70 acres. With the dramatic backdrop of the fells, this is one of the loveliest Lake District gardens.

Many rare and unusual trees and plants flourish here. Whatever the time of the year there is always something in flower. But the gardens here, where the same family has lived for more than 800 years, have much more than plants and trees. There’s the wonderful Hawk and Owl Centre which flies falcons, owls, hawks, eagles, herons and vultures every day to delight visitors. There’s a gift shop, café, church, playgrounds, and occasional special events.<\/p>

Rydal Mount and Gardens

The five-acre grounds of the house where the poet William Wordsworth lived. He planned the designs of the gardens himself. They are developed and maintained now by the garden staff working to the poet's own plans.

It’s a very naturalistic garden, on different levels, with sloping lawns and woodland, beds of perennials and shrubs. Used for occasional special events, weddings, and music concerts in the summer. Fabulous views of both Windermere and Rydal water, tea room. You'll find it just off the main A591 north of Ambleside. Bus stop at the end of the lane.<\/p>

Levens Hall

Levens Hall is an Elizabethan mansion, the home of the Bagot family. It’s known for a warm and friendly atmosphere. You can go round the hall, but the gardens are especially loved by everyone. There’s the world’s oldest topiary garden dating from 1694, largely in its original design.

The garden also has a small orchard of apple trees and medlars, a nuttery and herb garden, a bowling green, a rose garden, herbaceous borders and seasonal bedding. A fountain garden, bordered with pleached limes, was added in 1994, the garden’s 300th anniversary. Here too is the Levens Kitchen restaurant, with a strong focus on local produce, much sourced from the Estate and gardens themselves.<\/p>

Holehird

The Lakeland Horticultural Society run this lovely place. The gardens are open to visitors every day, from dawn to dusk. Volunteers staff the visitor information desk from 10am to 4pm daily, from April to October. And there are wonderful trees, shrubs, perennials, and a garden trail for children. Plants, and plant information leaflets and postcards are for sale, all produced by members of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. You can also buy a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Guided walks. On the A592, 1 mile from Windermere, just north of the Cedar Manor. But if approaching from the north, don't follow satnav but follow the brown tourist signs.<\/p>