|
|
|
Cumbria & The Lake District - Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments,
Stately Homes & Palaces |
|
This section covers Ancient Monuments,
Castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc
Not all the
attractions in an area are listed.
If you know of an
activity provider who does not yet have an entry, please
submit the information
here.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sizergh Castle
Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE
Tel: 015395 60070 Fax:
015395 60951
E-mail:
sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Medieval castle extended
in Elizabethan times, with handsome gardens.
Originally built in the Middle Ages by the
Strickland family, who still live here, this
imposing castle has an exceptional series of
oak-panelled rooms culminating in the Inlaid
Chamber. |
|
Sizergh Castle -
Photo:
John Davidson
CCL |
|
Sizergh Castle rock garden -
Photo:
Margaret Clough
CCL |
|
The house contains
fine collections of 16th- and 17th-century oak
furniture, arms, armour and tapestries.
The
grounds are laid out in late Victorian style and
feature a herbaceous border, orchard, topiary,
sculpture and a woodland walk. |
|
|
Castlerigg: Long Meg and
Her Daughters
|
Fantastically positioned amidst the Cumbrian
Mountains is the Castlerigg Stone Circle, one
of the oldest and best examples of its type in
Britain.
It is thought to date from around 3200BC, and
its builders chose a field with outstanding
views, known locally as Chestnut Hill, in
which to erect their site.
To the north the heights of Skiddaw and
Blencathara can be clearly seen, to the south
lie High Rigg and Helvellyn, whilst west are
the Derwent Fells and east, through a gap in
the surrounding hills, one can glimpse the
further Northern Pennines.
More... |
|
Castlerigg Stone Circle -
Photo:
Harold Potts
CCL |
|
|
The Stone Circles of
Cumbria
|
Mayburgh Henge - Photo:
Humphrey Bolton
CCL |
|
Once part of the ancient
kingdom of Rheged -- the southern province of
a realm of Brithonic Celts which stretched
from the English Lake District to the river
Clyde in Scotland -- the modern county of
Cumbria lies on England's north western
border.
Uther Pendragon, father of the legendary
Arthur, is said to have ruled here in the 5th
Century, and few areas of Cumbria lack some
association, however tenuous, with Arthurian
legend.
More... |
|
|
Dalton Castle
Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, LA15 8AX
Tel: 01524 701178 Fax: 01524
701178
E-mail:
daltoncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
14th-century tower.
Located in the main street of the town, the tower
contains a local history exhibition organised by
the Friends of Dalton Castle and a display about
the painter George Romney, a native of Dalton.
|
|
Brougham Castle
Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2AA
Tel: 01768 862488
You can wander through the impressive ruins of
the 13th century fortress, admiring its lovely
location of the banks of the River Eamont. The
keep is the oldest part of the castle still
standing; the bottom three stories are from
about 1175. You may explore the keep, walking
around the rooms which include the castle's hall
on the first floor. On the second floor is the
lord's chamber, in which Lady Anne slept when
she stayed here, and in which she died. On the
third floor is a passage all the way round
within the walls, and from various points you
can get impressive views of the other castle
buildings and the surrounding area. The castle
is in the care of English Heritage. There is a
small shop, and an exhibition of important Roman
tombstones from the nearby fort. A guide book is
available which explains the history of Brougham
and Brough Castles, and includes plans and
photographs of both.
|
|
Carlisle Castle
The Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR
Tel: 01228 591922
Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress
that has watched over the City of Carlisle for
over nine centuries. Visitors can explore
fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and
dungeons and find the legendary 'licking
stones'. Here, parched Jacobite prisoners found
enough moisture to stay alive, only to be
brutally executed on Gallows Hill. Uncover a
fascinating history through lively exhibitions,
offering an insight into William Rufus, Mary
Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. You
may take a guided tour of the Castle. There is a
gift shop with a range of souvenirs with a
medieval theme.
|
|
Muncaster Castle
Muncaster, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ
Tel: 01229 717614
E-mail:
info@muncastercastle.co.uk
Muncaster Castle, home to the Pennington family
for 800 years, is a genuine treasure trove of
art and antiques. Its Great Hall, octagonal
library and elegant dining room are all windows
on a grand past. But Muncaster's wild history
reveals a flipside to life in a stately home.
The castle evolved from the Pele Tower, built to
repel marauding Scots. Those who stay here say
it is haunted by ghosts, including the legendary
Tom Fool. Visit the Tapestry Room if you dare.
|
|
Lanercost Priory Ruins
Lanercost Priory, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2HQ
Tel: 01697 73030
The remainder of the Priory, second only to
Furness Abbey in interest as a ruin, is now in
the hands of English Heritage. There are the
remains of the North and South Transepts, the
Choir, the Sanctuary and the Cellarium. The
Prior's House, originally a Pele Tower, was
converted after the Dissolution into a private
dwelling for the Dacres. Within the ruins are
several interesting tombs, including that of Sir
Thomas Dacre. An audio guided tour of the ruins
is available from the English Heritage shop.
There is a book and gift shop in the English
Heritage ticket office, and also in the Parish
Church. There are occasionally craft fairs held
in the Dacre Hall.
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furness Abbey
Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PJ
Tel: 01229 823420
Furness Abbey was one of the richest Cistercian
monasteries in England, exceeded only by
Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The soaring ruins
of red sandstone soak up the grandeur of this
700 year old site. Located in a peaceful valley,
the majestic remains of Furness Abbey once
housed the flourishing community of a wealthy
order. With the aid of an audio tour, or the
comprehensive guidebook you can walk around the
many buildings with made up the Abbey, including
the Precinct and Outer Court, the Church with
its North and South Transept and Tower, the
Cloister Court, Chapter House, the dormitory,
infirmary and kitchen.
|
|
Lanercost Priory Ruins
Lanercost Priory, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2HQ
Tel: 01697 73030
The remainder of the Priory, second only to
Furness Abbey in interest as a ruin, is now in
the hands of English Heritage. There are the
remains of the North and South Transepts, the
Choir, the Sanctuary and the Cellarium. The
Prior's House, originally a Pele Tower, was
converted after the Dissolution into a private
dwelling for the Dacres. Within the ruins are
several interesting tombs, including that of Sir
Thomas Dacre. An audio guided tour of the ruins
is available from the English Heritage shop.
There is a book and gift shop in the English
Heritage ticket office, and also in the Parish
Church. There are occasionally craft fairs held
in the Dacre Hall.
|
|
The Mysterious Bears of
Dacre
|
Nestling on the edge of
the Lake District, West of Penrith, is the
tiny village of Dacre.
As visitors enter the village, the most
noticeable building is The Horse and Farrier,
an eighteenth century coaching inn.
Stop here for a pint of beer, home-cooked food
and a warm welcome.
More... |
|
Dacre churchyard -
Photo:
Humphrey Bolton
CCL |
|
|
[back to top]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acorn Bank Garden &
Watermill
Temple Sowerby, nr Penrith, CA10 1SP
Tel: 017683 61467 Fax:
017683 66824
E-mail:
acornbank@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Delightful sheltered
garden, renowned for its herbs and orchards
growing old English fruit varieties.
Ancient oaks and high enclosing walls keep the
extremes of the Cumbrian climate out of the
garden, resulting in a spectacular display of
shrubs, roses and herbaceous borders. |
|
Acorn Bank -
Photo:
Carl Bendelow
CCL |
|
Acorn Bank -
Photo:
Stephen McKay
CCL |
|
Orchards contain a variety of traditional
fruit trees and the famous herb garden is the
largest collection of medicinal and culinary
plants in the north of England.
A circular woodland walk runs along Crowdundle
Beck to the partially restored Acorn Bank
watermill, which is open to visitors.
The house is not open to the public, though
parts of it are available as holiday cottages. |
|
|
Derwent Island House
Derwentwater
Tel: 017687 73780 (Shop/info centre at
Keswick)
E-mail:
borrowdale@nationaltrust.org.uK
|
Intriguing 1840s
Italianate house.
Set on an idyllic wooded island in
Derwentwater, the house has a restrained
classical interior and restored garden. |
|
Derwent Isle -
Photo:
Les Hodgson
CCL |
|
|
Stagshaw Garden
Ambleside, LA22 0HE
Tel: 015394 46027 Fax:
015394 46027
E-mail:
stagshaw@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Stagshaw Garden -
Photo:
Ben Gamble
CCL |
|
Steep woodland garden, noted for its flowering
shrubs.
The garden was created by the late Cubby
Acland, Regional Agent for the Trust.
It contains a fine collection of shrubs,
including rhododendrons, azaleas and
camellias.
Adjacent to the garden are Skelghyll Woods,
which offer delightful walks and access to the
fells beyond. |
|
|
Townend
Troutbeck, Windermere, LA23 1LB
Tel: 015394 32628
E-mail:
townend@nationaltrust.org.uk
|
Fine example of Lake
District vernacular architecture.
Largely 17th-century, the solid stone and
slate house is an exceptional survival.
It belonged to a wealthy ‘statesman’ farming
family and contains carved woodwork, books,
papers, furniture and fascinating domestic
implements from the past, largely accumulated
by the Browne family who lived here from 1626
to 1943.
A real fire burns in the ‘fire house’ most
days, lending a homely atmosphere. |
|
Townend -
Photo:
Humphrey Bolton
CCL |
|
|
Brantwood Coniston
Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD
Tel: 015394 41396 Fax:
015394 41263
E-mail:
enquiries@brantwood.org.uk
The house is filled with Ruskin's drawings and
watercolours, together with much of his original
furniture, books and personal items. Brantwood
has 250 acres of wonderful woodland gardens,
lakeshore meadows and moorland hilltop. It
contains all that is best in Lakeland
environments with everything from rocky crags to
cascading streams and wall-enclosed pastures.
Video presentation, special displays and an
excellent bookshop provide a fascinating insight
into the work of this great man and his life in
a Victorian country house.
|
|
Hutton-in-the-Forest
Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TH
Tel: 017684 84449
The historic home of Lord & Lady Inglewood,
Hutton-in-the-Forest is a beautiful house on the
north eastern edge of the Lake District. It is
surrounded by magnificent woodland of the
medieval forest of Inglewood. Legend has it that
it is the Green Knight's castle in the Arthurian
tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Originally a medieval stronghold with a pele
tower, succeeding generations have altered and
added to the house, and the outside and inside
show a wide variety of architectural and
decorative styles from the 17th century to the
present day. The gardens and woodland walk add
to the attraction of this historic house.
|
|
Dalemain Historic House &
Gardens
Dalemain Estate Office, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11
0HB
Tel: 017684 86450
E-mail:
admin@dalemain.com
The history of the hall from it's origins as a
pele tower remains uncharted until the property
was bought by the steward of Lady Anne Clifford,
Sir Edward Hasell, in 1680. Many generations
later, the Hasell family still live here today.
Inside there are a vast amount of rooms to view,
for example, the Chinese Room with it's original
18th century hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. The
Tudor part of the house consists of a network of
winding passageways and staircases, and the
Fretwork Room, which is oak panelled and has a
16th century plaster ceiling. The medieval hall,
called the Manor Hall dates back to 1400 and is
now a tearoom and licensed restaurant. The
sheltered gardens at Dalemain are a haven of
tranquillity.
|
|
Mirehouse Historic House &
Gardens
Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE
Tel: 017687 72287
E-mail:
info@mireho.freeserve.co.uk
A remarkable historic house and gardens facing
Bassenthwaite Lake, with Dodd Wood and Skiddaw
at the rear. The gardens contain four wooded
adventure playgrounds, varied sheltered gardens
to amble around, and lakeside walks through
woods and parks. Being a private house, opening
times to the House are restricted to Sunday and
Wednesday afternoon 2pm - 4.30pm only, the
grounds and tea-room being open daily. The House
has been in the Spedding family for over 300
years, and contains a wide range of literary and
artistic connections, including portraits and
manuscripts of three poet laureates - Southey,
Wordsworth and Tennyson - all friends of the
Speddings in the last century. Relax and enjoy
live classical music in a warm and friendly
atmosphere.
|
|
Holker Hall & Gardens
Cark In Cartmel, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria,
LA11 7PL
Tel: 01539 558328
E-mail:
publicopening@holker.co.uk
Described as 'three superb attractions within
one glorious setting' a day at Holker combines a
visit to the magnificent Hall which displays
grand architecture and furnishings with a most
relaxed lived-in feel; a walk of discovery and
inspiration in the spectacular national award
winning gardens; and the opportunity to visit
the Lakeland Motor Museum, Cumbria Tourist
Board's Attraction of the Year 2000. This
amazing exhibition houses a fascinating and
extensive collection of motor transport and
motoring memorabilia, and has the only extensive
national display dedicated to Donald Campbell's
world record breaking attempts. Newly opened is
the Holker Food Hall selling delicious goodies
from Cumbria and Tuscany.
|
|
Levens Hall
Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD
Tel: 01539
560321 Fax: 01539
560669
E-mail:
E-mail@levenshall.fsnet.co.uk
The Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion
built around a 13th century pele tower. It is
the family home of the Bagots and contains a
collection of Jacobean furniture, fine
paintings, the earliest English patchwork and
many beautiful objects. The world famous award
winning gardens were laid out from 1694. The
Topiary, beech hedges and colourful seasonal
bedding create a stunning visual impact.
|
|
The Bridge House
Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AN
Tel: 01539 432617
Bridge House is possibly the most photographed
building in the Lake District, and a popular
subject for many artists including Turner. A
tiny building, originally an apple store for
nearby Ambleside Hall, was built over Stock Beck
to escape land tax. Once five mills were driven
by the power of Stock Beck and some may still be
seen nearby. It is said that at some time a
family with six children lived here in the two
rooms.
|
|
Rydal Mount & Gardens
Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9LU
Tel: 01539 433002
E-mail:
rydalmount@aol.com
Nestling between the beautiful fells, Lake
Windermere and Rydal Water lies the 'most
beloved' home of William Wordsworth from 1813 -
1850. Now the home of his direct descendants
visitors can wander through the house and the
extensive gardens landscaped by the poet. A
souvenir shop offers a variety of books and
gifts.
|
|
|
New Members required for this section!
To join or recommend an establishment to Tourist Net UK
contact
us
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
