Holker Hall & Gardens

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Holker Hall & Gardens
Cumbria's Living Heritage, Holker Hall & Gardens

One of Cumbria’s finest historical sites, the gloriously asymmetrical pile of rambling galleries and green spaces that is Holker Hall and Gardens dates back to the sixteenth century and has acquired a series of beautifications over the course of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In particular, early Victorian architect George Webster’s sympathetic additions in the Jacobean Revival style contribute to a fantastical, Shakespearean atmosphere. Nikolaus Pevsner was impressed!

Formerly the Cartmel Priory, the property was granted to the Prestons during the Dissolution and then passed to the Lowthers and its present occupants, the Cavendishes.

The Cavendishes are active stewards and continue to add features to their property. One recent addition is the impressive and mysterious Labyrinth, a maze in which guests can wander for hours. Constructed using local materials from the estate, and designed according to certain ancient principles, a wander in Holker’s labyrinth makes a fine activity for a summer’s day.

Inside Holker Hall, you’ll find a wealth of fine art and period furniture. There’s also a regular art market, and seasonal events for Christmas and Halloween, including arts and crafts courses for all comers. Surrounding the hall are miles of parkland and woods, making Holker a great departure point for outdoors enthusiasts.

Cark-in-CartmelNr Grange-over-SandsLA11 7PL View map
Telephone: 01539558328 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Wednesday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday10:30am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:30am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Holker Hall & Gardens

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Showzam!

A festival of Circus, Magic and Variety, set to take place during the February half-term holidays. There will be a blend of live performances, illusions, street acts and more.

from £14.00
Keswick Town
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Keswick Film Festival

Keswick Film Festival marks 25 years with a programme featuring some of the best of contemporary independent cinema, alongside select classics, and work from some choice Cumbrian talent.

from £5.00

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