Holker Hall
Holker Hall is a privately owned manor tucked away in South Lakeland, near Cartmel. The Preston family bought the land the manor stands on, which used to be owned by Cartmel Priory.
They built the hall in the 16th century and over time the property has seen lots of occupants and events! A major event was the 1871 fire, where 103 works of art were destroyed. After the fire, the hall was rebuilt into what we see today.
Lord Cavendish currently owns Holker Hall with his wife, however, they have kindly opened the hall and its surrounding estate to the public.
On a visit to Holker Hall, you’ll find that you have access to an array of things to see and do. First and foremost, a tour of the hall is in order. During the tour you’ll learn all about the hall’s history, including the fire. The beautiful interiors are a major highlight of the tour; must-sees include the library with its 3,500 books and the hand-carved, grand staircase.
The gardens are another gem of the estate and sprawl over 200 acres! You can look forward to relaxing strolls while admiring the historic plants and rural vistas. A couple of landscaping marvels also await, including the fascinating Holker Labyrinth!
After exploring the estate, why not venture to the Courtyard Café for a bite to eat? It’s open on a daily basis and offers lots to choose from, including the iconic Holker Afternoon Teas.
A gift and farm shop can also be found on site, so you can pick up a unique and personalised keepsake before heading home.
A day of history, gorgeous gardens and tasty treats awaits at Holker Hall…
Image Credits: Barbara Carr – CC BY-SA 2.0