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Your guide to the Lake District's Castles, Historic Houses and ChurchesThere are so many impressive places to visit in the Lakes. If you're a fan of the historic, you'll find so many delightful churches, castles, houses and gardens. Many of them have other wonderful exhibitions, like the motor museum at Holker Hall, or the owl centre at Muncaster. Below, we've listed some of our favorites.We start the list with the Lakeland "Hallmark Attractions", a group of six impressive places - Brantwood at Coniston (one-time home of John Ruskin), Leighton Hall near Carnforth, Holker Hall at Cork-in-Cartmel, Levens Hall near Kendal, Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass, and Sizergh Castle near Kendal. And while Carnforth may not be exactly in the Lake District, it's certainly near enough for a day trip from any part of the southern Lakes. Each of Lakeland's Hallmark Attractions is an interesting and historic place in its own right, but they all have added attractions - superb gardens and lake views at Brantwood, a superb birds of prey display at Leighton, the historic motor museum at Holker, and so on. Below, we give brief details of each of them, and further contact information. All of them are superb and we highly recommend a visit. If you have children, the gardens and owl centre at Muncaster are especially good, and you could combine your visit with a trip on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway. But there really is something for all the family at every one of these venues, and you're guaranteed a great time whichever you go to see: the owners have worked really hard to develop their properties into the highest quality attractions for visitors - and without doubt they have succeeded admirably. And on the list below we have other superb places which we consider well worth a visit. Various events take place throughout the year - so check each venue's website for the latest details and opening times (these may change, and it's disappointing to have a wasted journey). Muncaster Castle, Garden, and Owl Centre, Ravenglass
For full opening and event details, click here. Web: www.muncaster.co.uk Email: info@muncaster.co.uk Link to location map (opens in new window)
Brantwood House and Gardens, Coniston
Leighton Hall and Gardens, near Carnforth
Sizergh Castle and Gardens, near Kendal
Levens Hall and Gardens, near Kendal
Holker Hall and Gardens, near Grange over Sands
Cartmel Priory, Cartmel
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The Castle has been a cherished family home since
1208. Visitors are guided around its many treasures with a
delightful audio tour. The extensive woodland gardens, famed for
their colourful rhododendrons and stunning views, are home to over
180 birds of prey. Throughout the season you are
invited to "Meet the Birds", hear about the conservation work of
the World Owl Trust, and watch the birds fly free.
Brantwood is the most beautifully situated house in
the Lake District, enjoying the finest lake and mountain views in
England. From 1872 until 1900 it was the home of the scholar John
Ruskin and became an intellectual powerhouse and one of the
greatest literary and artistic centres in Europe. As well as being
a constant memorial to his life and work, with continual displays
of his drawings, watercolours and personal memorabilia, Brantwood
is also a venue for a wide range of exhibitions by a variety of
local artists and craftsmen. Its grounds offer glorious woodland
walks after which visitors can enjoy refreshments in Jumping
Jenny's Restaurant and tea rooms.
Breathtaking views of the Lakeland hills greet visitors to this
beautiful family home, which offers a special blend of
attractions: lively tours, peaceful gardens, woodland walks, and
charming tea rooms.
Home to the Gillow Reynolds, descendants of the famous furniture
makers, Leighton Hall has many unusual Gillow pieces as well as
fine objets d'art and paintings. Outside there are lovely woodland
walks and a traditional 19th Century garden. The Aviary Garden is
home to Leighton's unique collection of birds of prey which each
afternoon, weather permitting, provide a magnificent display.
Since the Middle Ages the castle has been home to the Strickland
family. The impressive 14th Century pele tower was greatly
enlarged in Tudor times and contains some of the finest
Elizabethan wood carvings in the country. The surrounding informal
landscaped gardens include a rich variety of plants including part
of the national collection of hardy ferns. An impressive feature
is the large limestone rock garden with alpines and dwarf conifers
along with Acers which provide vivid Autumn colour. There are
pleasant walks across the estate farmland with views to the sea
and the Lakeland mountains.
Situated just five minutes from junction 36 of the M6,
Levens Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built around a
13th Century pele tower. The family home of the Bagots, it
contains a collection of Jacobean furniture, fine paintings, the
earliest English patchwork and many other interesting historical
objects.
The world famous gardens were laid out in 1694 and feature
topiary, beech hedges and colourful seasonal bedding that combine
to create a stunning visual impact. Plants can be purchased and
there is a gift shop offering a wide choice. Visitors can enjoy
home-made light lunches or teas and may even like to try the
special Levens beer - Morocco Ale - brewed from a secret recipe!
On House open days the working steam collection runs from 2.00 pm
to 5.00 pm.
Located in the gentle
countryside of the South Lakes, Holker Hall offers a fabulous
range of experiences. There's 400 years of fascinating history in
the hall, a 125 acre Deer Park, and the magnificent gardens.
Motoring enthusiasts, whatever their age, will be enthralled by
the unique collection of vintage and classic cars. And nature
lovers will thrill to the sight of live hunting birds of prey at
close quarters and in flight. You'll find a full range of
facilities including a gift shop, cafe, adventure playground for
the youngsters and an idyllic picnic area. This is a great place
for all the family. There's now also a fantastic food hall, where
you can buy superb local and organic produce.
This is a truly
magnificent place, one of the most impressive churches in the
North of England. It was a priory attached to the wealthy
