gardens in the lake district & cumbria...
Nowhere in Britain does the array of garden experiences compare, nor is there such nature and genius standing shoulder to shoulder.
Lake District 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 in Cumbria that trace history and adventure at Levens and Muncaster. Grand gardens such as the one at Holker Hall. Compact gardens with enduring, caring family ties at Dalemain and Hutton-in-the-Forest. There's the opportunity to see more than 60 privately owned gardens that are part of the National Gardens Scheme and are not normally open to the public.
Cumbria's gardens & events
Gardening & conservation
From Ambleside flower show to Dalemain marmalade festival. Enjoy events in gardens around the Lake District.
gardening events
Formal gardens & parks
Discover topiary, national collections and much more in Lake District gardens.
formal gardens
parks & 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
Enjoy a browse around a garden centre, many have lovely tea rooms aswell.
An insight into Cumbria's gardens
Cumbria's gardening history
If variety was the spice of life then Cumbria became the most seasoned horticultural dish of the industrial age. read moreLiterary 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.
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.Plan your visit
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
