Stately homes and stunning gardens in the Lake District, England
England’s Lake District boasts some of the most stunning stately homes and gardens in the UK and luxurious spa suites in Windermere.
Each of the stately homes has their own unique features. Many have award-winning gardens, which host summer events and attract thousands of people through their doors each year.
Blackwell, the Arts and Craft House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell is one of the most iconic houses in England.
Many of the details you can see today remain unchanged from 100 years ago when the Holt family first viewed the house. Enjoy stunning views over Windermere from the gardens, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in the house itself, which was built between 1898 and 1900, and designed by M.H Baillie Scott.
The house was originally built as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt, owner of the Manchester Brewery. Original features ensure Blackwell retains much of its original charm, and the whole house is open with no roped off areas. Several rooms are used as galleries, and the gardens offer an incredible terrace bordered by flowers where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.
If you are planning to stay close to Blackwell, why not book a luxurious spa suite in Bowness-on-Windermere?
Levens Hall and Gardens, Levens, Kendal
Levens Hall is world famous for its beautiful Topiary Gardens, which date back to 1694. The gardens change with the seasons, and colourful displays of flora and fauna make these some of the most visited gardens in England. The house itself boasts fine oak panelling from the Elizabethan era, and is also said to be haunted. The Bellingham Buttery serves a range of delicious home-made lunches and teas.
Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
Step back in time at Holker Hall to the days of a gentler Lake District when tourists were a rarity and the hustle and bustle of modern day living had not yet reached the Cumbrian borders. Holker is the home of the Cavendish family, and visitors can enjoy the incredible library with over 3,000 books, and explore the stunning gardens, where the world famous Holker Lime is situated. It is also worth tasting the delicious local products which come from the 17,000 estate surrounding Holker Hall, including the lamb, sheep´s milk cheeses and some tasty foods served in the café.
Muncaster Castle, Gardens and World Owl Centre, Ravenglass
Muncaster Castle, Gardens and World Owl Centre offers a great family day out. The large gardens boast stunning views and are famous for their colourful rhododendrons, which are at their best from March to June. Muncaster has 77 acres of gardens with miles of winding pathways through woods and also the 12th century Church of St Michael and All Angels within the grounds. The supposedly ´haunted´ castle and The World Owl Centre is home to over 50 species of owls, and a display takes place daily.
Windermere is a great place to base yourself in the Lake District and is within easy reach of Cumbria’s most renowned houses. Why not book a luxury Windermere spa suite and enjoy stunning facilities in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere?