'Levens Hall and Gardens'

Kendal, LA8 0PD. Tel 015395 60321
E-mail: email@levenshall.fsnet.co.uk

Location : Levens
Map - Ordnance Survey - SD 496851

Levens Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion built around a 13th Century pele tower, which was expanded and rebuilt towards the end of the 16th Century. It is the family home of the Bagots, and contains a collection of Jacobean furniture, fine paintings, the earliest English patchwork and many other beautiful objects.

The world-famous award winning gardens were laid out in 1694. The topiary, beeech hedges and colourful seasonal beds create a stunning visual impact. The topiary garden has huge abstract shapes, pyramids and columns reminiscent of monstrous chess men.

Homemade lunches and teas are prepared daily in the house kitchens. Beverages include fresh ground coffee, wine, and the Levens beer 'Morocco Ale' brewed to a secret recipe.

There is a gift shop, a plant centre and a children's play area.

Photos by Julian Thurgood and Matthew Emmott.

For more information, and details of opening times, see www.levenshall.co.uk