Holker Hall Gardens in the English Lake District

Set amidst rolling Capability Brown-style parkland the 25 acre gardens at Holker Hall are constantly evolving due largely to the devotion, imagination, resources and hands on involvement of the owners Lord and Lady Cavendish.

Holker is blessed with good peaty soil and the mild, moist climate which is influenced by the Gulf Stream means that even the tenderest shrubs survive.

Some of the Inspirational Garden Features at Holker Hall

• The first feature the visitor encounters is the breath- takingly beautiful elliptical garden which is made up of quadrants of mixed herbaceous beds in four colours schemes namely: yellow, pink, lilac and purple.
• The summer garden is the next masterpiece to marvel at as you walk under the pleached Portugese laurel covered archway and admire billowing herbaceous borders and manicured lawns edged with formal box hedging.
• Spring visitors will be dazzled by the spectacular floral display of rhododendrons which surround the pond at the bottom of the impressive cascade.
• The awe inspiring great Holker lime (Tilia europaea) is unmissable with a girth of 7.9 metres it is an official British champion tree. It is certainly one of the largest, oldest and finest limes in the country.
• Holker is home to a national collection of Styracaceae which is registered with the National Collection for Conservation of Plants and Gardens. This plant family includes the graceful Styrax japonicus (Japanese snowbell) whose white, sometimes pink tinged bell-shaped flowers can be seen at Holker in early to mid-summer.
• The romantic sunken garden which has an Italian theme is planted with honeysuckles, herbaceous perennials and old fashioned roses.
• The Labyrinth with its lakeland slate standing stones is a fairly new feature which is set within the wild flower meadow.

There has been a house on the site of Holker Hall since the beginning of the 16th century. The estate has passed by inheritance to the present Lord and Lady Cavendish. Take the opportunity to see their impressive home with its collection of 3,500 books and umpteen examples of outstanding craftsmanship.

Holker Hall has Plenty More to Offer

• The Holker gift shop is stocked with a wide range of luxury items, souvenirs and locally made craft items.
• In the food hall visitors can buy a wide range of fine foods with special emphasis on locally produced Lake District fare.
• But before buying one can taste the delightful local produce in The Courtyard Restaurant.

Visitors wanting to stay for longer on this majestic estate should consider timing their visit to coincide with The Holker Garden Festival, an annual three day celebration of gardening, traditional country skills and local produce. In 2010 the festival will be held from 4th to 6th June.

How To Find Holker Hall

Approach from the east and follow signs for Ulverston and Barrow along the A590. Follow the signs for Grange-over-Sands and the brown signs to Holker Hall.

Where to Stay Near Holker Hall

There are plenty of places to stay near Holker Hall. Check out a range of establishments from the very affordable bed and breakfast guest houses to luxurious hotels on the visit Cumbria website and select the South Cumbria region. But don’t delay too long if planning to visit this and other great Lake District gardens in 2010.