muncaster in may...

May is a magical time in any garden- bees buzzing, blossoms busting out everywhere, and the freshest of fresh, spring green leaves. But make your way over to Muncaster Castle this month and you will see a great garden at its magnificent best.

Perched amid a hugely dramatic landscape where Lakeland's high peaks tumble down to the sea, the views alone are a good enough reason to visit. Feast on them from the spectacular half mile long terrace walk where seats and summerhouses give chance to sit and soak up that breathtaking scenery.

It is the rhododendrons though, 70 spectacular acres of them, that will take your breath away.... Magnificent old specimens smothered in bloom flow down the fellsides and tumble and froth on down the steep sided gorges.

This is no neat garden of manicured lawn, or stately herbaceous borders. Instead it offers the excitement of exploration through wild ‘Himalayan' woodland. Paths and tracks wind their way up through the ancient trees, reaching leafy dells rich with collections of Magnolias, Camellias, Maples and Hydrangeas.

Stream-side, bog and pool plantings are lush later, with giant gunneras and the huge shiny leaves of skunk cabbages, while dainty candelabra primulas will weave a sparkling tapestry beneath.

But stumble now, from the deep, dark, mysterious woodland to bright clearings and discover in the drier dappled shade beneath giant oaks, fields of bright bluebells. And you will experience truly one of the most beautiful sights and scents of the season...