gardens in cumbria...

Nowhere in Britain does the array of garden experiences compare. Nowhere is their such nature and genius standing shoulder to shoulder.

Lake Distirct gardens large and small are strewn across the region. Gardens that celebrate individual genius as in Ruskin's creation at Brantwood and Wordsworth's at Rydal Mount.

Gardens that trace history and adventure at Levens and Muncaster. Grand gardens in Cumbria such as the one at Holker Hall. Compact gardens with enduring, caring family ties at Dalemain and Hutton-in-the-Forest. The opportunity to see more than 60 privately owned gardens that are part of the National Gardens Scheme and not normally open to the public.

Cumbria's gardens & events

Our resident gardener

Each month Chris will guide you through what's in season and what to look out for in the many Lake District gardens.
muncaster in may
meet our resident gardener

Formal gardens

Discover topiary, national collections and much more in Lake District gardens.

formal gardens

Private gardens

An opportunity to enjoy gardens in Cumbria that are not usually open to the public through the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
private gardens
more about the NGS

Gardening events

Attend one of the many gardening events in Cumbria or visit one of the areas garden centres.

gardening events
garden centres

An insight into Cumbria's gardens

History of gardening in Cumbria

If variety was the spice of life then Cumbria became the most seasoned horticultural dish of the industrial age. Today visitors can come along and enjoy it at their leisure.
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Literary gardens

Why has Cumbria and the Lake District proved so inspirational for writers down the years? William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, William Sawrey Gilpin.

Modern day plant hunters

Today gardens in Cumbria are rich with exotic species, to go in search of them is to become a modern day 'Plant Hunter' for yourself.
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Oddities - Ancient sweet chestnut

An ancient sweet chestnut in the grounds of Rydal Hall (NY 367 064) is estimated to be over 500 years old, and probably planted before the current hall was built in 1600. Its massive girth measures around 11 m (36 ft), although huge burrs make precise measurement difficult.

Oddities - The peace oak

The Peace Oak in Broadgate Meadow (next to the river), was planted by Canon Rawnsley (co-founder of the National Trust) on 19 July 1919 to mark a day of peace on the anniversary of the start of World War One.

Browse Cumbria's gardens by map

Using the map

The sandy coloured areas on the map indicate the location of the Lake District gardens listed on this website. The darker the colour the more gardens there are in that area.

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The gardens at Muncaster where Rhododendron, Camellia and Azalea collections blend with majestic mature trees and parkland

Plan my visit tool

Use our plan visit tool to create your perfect break.

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Cumbria's AONBs

Cumbria has three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beatuy (AONBs). These are protected areas, which are home to important geological heritage, fragile habitats, rare flora and spectacular forna.

Solway Coast AONB
North Pennines AONB
Arnside & Silverdale AONB