Morland House, in the Eden Valley in Cumbria, was a Tudor vicarage that became the home of the Markham family in 1828. They still own it today. It was extended during the Georgian period and you can now rent it for holidays and visit the private garden. 

However, on a day trip you’ll still find plenty to explore in the grounds surrounding the house.  The garden was laid out in 1880 and, though there are formal lawns and flower beds, it still has that  overgrown look about it that makes you feel like you’re exploring uncharted territory.  

Morland Beck runs through the middle of the gardens, entering as a cascading waterfall at the top end. You’ll find stepping stones there; jump across them to get to the Quarry Garden, where the old quarry craters are now filled with calm water. For the less agile, there are long lawns in front of the house, where you can play croquet in summer equipment provided). The gardens have a range of plants throughout the year: tulips and daffodils in spring, roses in summer, and berries if you’re lucky.