Now, you may have heard it rains a lot here in the Northwest – and you wouldn’t be wrong. But it is not often mentioned that this wet statistic enables the Lake District to become the most beautiful, blossoming, stunning landscapes during the summer months! Rich in horticultural bliss and teaming with rare and beautiful plants. We highly recommend a visit to one of the stunning open gardens scattered across the Lakes and surrounding areas.
We’ve popped the best hidden gems below for some inspiration.
Stagshaw Gardens
Perhaps one of Ambleside’s best kept secrets, this hidden National Trust Garden is nestled amongst the tallest trees in the Northwest. Wind your way up the narrow driveway to a clearing in the trees. Enter through the small garden gate and you are welcomed into a fantasy world. With bright bursts of pink rhododendrons and tiny paths snaking through the greenery, you really do feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale. Water trickles down from the fellside and forms small pools under picturesque foot bridges. With access up onto Wasfell Pike, you can make this exploration as long or short as you like. The going can be a steep in places but the effort is rewarded with a spectacular viewpoint of Lake Windermere once you break out of the canopy. Plan a visit to this breath-taking little garden on sunny day and you won’t regret it.
Holehird Gardens
Home of the Lakeland Agricultural Society, Holehird Gardens is the place to visit for any green fingered individuals. With stunning views across Lake Windermere, this 10-acre fellside garden is nurtured by a dedicated team of individuals that tend to their own areas of land. This leads to a totally unique experience, where every corner presents a new vision. Enjoy the walled garden, alpine greenhouse, and colourful herbaceous borders alongside six national plant collections.
Rydal Hall
Whether you are planning a day visit or just stumbling down from the peaks of Fairfield horseshoe, a visit to Rydal Hall Gardens is a must. Designed and built by the renowned Thomas Mawson, Rydal Hall offers woodland walks, impressive gardens, and incredible stone architecture. Visit the famous ‘Grot’, built in 1668 as a viewing station by Sir Daniel Fleming and frequented by William Wordsworth. Steeped in history, Rydal presents an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of the Lake Districts most iconic figures.
