"The loveliest spot that man hath found" William Wordsworth
Cumbria is a county in the north-west of England. The county of Cumbria is home to the Lake District National Park, considered one of the most beautiful areas of the United Kingdom, and has provided inspiration for centuries to generations of British artists. The highest peak in the county (and in England) is Scafell Pike, 978 m.
Places to Stay:
Part of the Lowther estate, Askham Hall Gardens blend into the wilderness of the Lake District with formal garden planting and vegetable growing to offer a taste of the natural world for every visitor.
There has been a settlement on the Dalemain estate since the time of the Saxons. The Manor grew out of a 12th-century defensive building, expanding most significantly in 1744 with its large Georgian front. Now, belonging to the Hasell-McCosh family who brought the property in 1679, the estate welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hadrian's Wall was once the northern frontier of a mighty empire. For three centuries, Hadrian's Wall was a vibrant, multicultured frontier, sprawling 80 miles. Built by 15,000 men in under 6 years, its engineering vision is astounding. Explore bathhouses, turrets, shrines, and forts across the site, as well as watching live excavations of ancient Roman Britain.
Owned by Lucy Cavendish, the delightful gardens at Holker Hall are a product of the labours of many generations of the Cavendish family who love to share their passion for gardening with visitors of all ages. The formal gardens around the house have been skilfully planted to be both dramatic while also retaining an intimate feel.
Hutton-in-the-Forest is a former pele tower bought by the Fletcher-Vane family in 1605. It belongs to Lord Inglewood and has a collection of artwork, tapestries and an 18th century walled garden.
Hutton-in-the-Forest is a former pele tower bought by the Fletcher-Vane family in 1605. It belongs to Lord Inglewood and has a collection of artwork, tapestries and an 18th century walled garden.
This defensive settlement was built at the beginning of the 15th century and was owned by the Lawson family.
This ruined 17th-century home built by Edward Appleby is a dramatic feature of the landscape and has a part-walled garden.
This is a plantsperson’s nursery in the heart of the Eden Valley where Romanesque walls and bountiful borders provide a beautiful backdrop to gardens bursting with more than 15,000 varieties of plants.
This ruined Gothic castle belongs to the Earls of Lonsdale and its rugged shell testifies to the extravagant spending of the 5th Earl.
Mirehouse is just three miles from Keswick and was built in 1666 for the 8th Earl of Derby. It has strong links with English poets and artists and it’s now owned by the Spedding family, who live there.
These well cared-for, yet slightly overgrown gardens, belong to Morland House, which was built in the 16th century as a vicarage and now belongs to the Markham family.
This historic 13th-century castle overlooks the Irish Sea and the Lake District. The Pennington family have owned and lived in it for over 800 years.