The Lake District is home to some beautiful attractions that appeal to all types of visitors. Whilst many tourists visit for the beautiful backdrops and walks, numerous also visit for the adventurous water sports and historical attractions, which Cumbria offers plentiful.
Following on in our series of “Great Attractions of the Lake District”, we will be showcasing a favourable heritage site amongst local schools and families alike, Levens Hall. Not far from our luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District, this location is beautiful for a leisurely afternoon tea, a curious dive into the local history or an amble around the gardens and surrounding woodlands.
This beautiful manor house dates back to as early as the 13th century, and records show that the house was built around a Pele Tower by the de Redman family, who then sold it in the 16th century to the Bellingham family. Over the years, each family has made its mark with extensions and remodels. The house was even lost as part of a game of cards in 1688 to Colonel James Grahme. Still privately owned by the Bagot family, this house has been maintained and is open to the public with reports of being haunted by the Grey Lady. The architecture of this stunning Elizabethan house has been well-maintained, with very few changes made since the 19th century.
Situated on the River Kent, Levens Hall boasts three-quarters of a mile of some of the most scenic fishing imaginable. The deer park is open all year round and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Filled with wildlife, the park provides all the tranquillity and peace to escape from busy day-to-day life. The perfect afternoon whilst staying at our dog-friendly cottages near the Lake District as your four-legged friends are welcome throughout the deer park, Levens Kitchen Terrace and the Howard Room.
The land features a stunning topiary garden, which is the oldest in the world. Designed by Guillaume Beaumont, the gardener to King James II at Hampton Court Palace, the gardens still showcase the horticulturist's eye for details and colour. The garden stretches over 10 acres and is home to over 30,000 bedding plants which are beautifully tended to all years round. Each of the shrubs and trees is shaped with intricate care and offers various shapes and silhouettes.
With regular tended to herbaceous borders, a well-maintained vegetable garden, the beech circle and a charming water feature, this garden is a perfect place for relaxation and scenic views.
When visiting Levens Hall, you can take an audio guide which will take you on a journey through all the pleasures found at Levens Hall and explains all the work it takes to maintain the gardens and hall. In addition, many guided tours take place throughout its opening hours, offering the chance to ask questions and get to know an in-depth history of the estate.
This manor is the largest Elizabethan house in Cumbria and hosts the oldest English patchwork in existence, dating back to 1708 and crafted by the wife of Colonel James Grahme. The hall has strong connections to the Duke of Wellington, and many artefacts are on show from the Duke and his adversary, Napoleon. A bowling green is also said to have been used by Sir Francis Drake as the Spanish Armada appeared on the horizon.
Opened in 2019, Levens kitchen offers a seasonally inspired menu for any of its visitors and has won many awards, including the Great Place to Eat in the UK Heritage Awards 2020. All the food is locally sourced and of the highest quality. There is no need to book a table whilst visiting Levens Hall, which is open 10 am-4 pm seven days a week.
Suppose you happen to be accompanied by younger ones. In that case, smaller dishes are available and plenty of facilities for them, including high chairs, books and activities to keep them occupied as you enjoy the delicious meals. Alternatively, there is a whole menu dedicated for you to take away with you, ideal if you are staying in one of our Lake District self-catering holiday cottages in the UK.
As Levens Hall is situated in South Cumbria, you could venture into the nearby village with any spare time after your day. Milnthorpe is a large market village on the cusp of the tame River Bela and only a five-minute drive from Levens Hall. Offering a small selection of public houses, essential shops and one supermarket, you could easily finish your evening with a meal at the popular Cross Keys, or if you fancy a slight detour, the nearby town of Kendal is within a 20-minute drive. It offers a wider variety of restaurants and pubs with additionally as beautiful backdrops.
The most prominent feature of this local area is the open space and walking routes which are both little and four-legged friendly. So, whether you are staying as a group, family or alone, we have 5 star cottages across the Lake District to suit all needs. You can check their availability online and book your next break in a matter of minutes.
