Explore this historical house, one of the finest in the area, and its award winning gardens.
Imposing Holker Hall is a stunning Grade II listed country house and gardens that sits close to the village of Cartmel in Cumbira. It combines the elegance of the Victorian era with the welcome of a family home
Although the building originates from the 16th century, there were numerous alternations and additions through the 18th and 19th centuries, with much of the grandeur we see today being from the latter. Take a tour of the house, especially exploring the elegant drawing room, dining room and library, and climb the striking staircase lined with various portraits. There is also the bedroom where Queen Mary stayed in 1937.
The gardens of Holker Hall are one of the key attractions and was the winner of the Christies/HHA Garden of the Year award in 1991. Set within an 25 acres of land, the estate is surrounded by formal gardens, rose gardens, parkland and woodland, and within the grounds there are also a further six Grade II listed structures. Keep an eye out for the herd of deer in the grounds.
Although Holker Hall is a privately owned house, it is open to the public on various days of the year. The estate has never been sold and has been passed from the Preston family to the Lowther family and then onto the Cavendish family who still reside here today.
On-site there is an adventure playground and picnic area, as well as a gift shop selling home accessories, and the food hall selling local producing including meats and cheese. There is also a courtyard cafe.
Numerous events take place at Holker Hall throughout the year, but the most popular is at the end of May - the Holker Garden Festival which runs over three days to celebrate gardening and the countryside and its traditions and crafts.
