Holker Hall and Gardens
: Cartmel
Holker Hall, near Cartmel in Cumbria, is an exceptional example of Victorian architecture and enduring family heritage. The property has been home to the Cavendish family for over four hundred years and remains privately owned. Remarkably, it has never been sold, underscoring its status as a treasured family seat.
A Home with Rich History
Rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1871, Holker Hall showcases the architectural brilliance of Paley and Austin, celebrated Victorian architects. Constructed from warm red sandstone in the Elizabethan style, the hall features elegant spaces including a distinguished library, a stunning drawing room, and an ornate dining room. Visitors can freely explore the house, including the bedroom once occupied by Queen Mary in 1937 and a gallery displaying portraits of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.
Renowned Gardens and Natural Landmarks
The surrounding 25-acre gardens are a key attraction, blending formal landscaping and woodland serenity. Winner of the Christie’s/HHA Garden of the Year Award in 1991, the gardens have earned international recognition. The limestone cascade and the Holker Great Lime Tree, a 400-year-old marvel celebrated by The Tree Council as one of 50 “Great British Trees,” are particular highlights.
Thomas Mawson, a prominent landscape gardener, contributed to the estate’s design in the early 20th century, adding terraces, a rose garden, and a balustraded boundary wall. This careful landscaping complements the estate’s rolling parkland and rare plant collections, including conifers and rhododendrons.
Out of the Ground, A Thread of Air: Julie Brook at Holker Hall
The installation “Out of the Ground, A Thread of Air” by Julie Brook is a striking land art piece located within Holker Hall’s deer park. Composed of locally sourced stone from Brathay, Cumbria, the sculpture reflects Brook’s signature style of integrating natural materials with the environment. The work invites visitors to walk along its sinuous form, encouraging tactile interaction and contemplation.
The piece explores themes of permanence, transience, and the passage of time, with the stone’s geological history spanning 450 million years. This marks Brook’s move toward creating site-specific works in accessible settings while maintaining a deep connection to the landscape.
Fascinating Facts about Holker Hall
- The iconic Holker Great Lime Tree, with its colossal 72-foot height and 92-inch diameter, is over 400 years old.
- The hall was reconstructed following a catastrophic fire in 1871, showcasing Paley and Austin’s architectural mastery.
- Holker Hall has seen contributions from renowned landscapers, including Joseph Paxton, who also designed the famous Crystal Palace.
- Sustainable woodland management on the estate preserves ancient trees and promotes biodiversity, earning recognition from conservation organizations.
- The estate’s collection includes rare books, furniture, and artwork, reflecting centuries of Cavendish family history and cultural patronage.
Activities and Amenities
Holker Hall offers more than just history and gardens. A variety of attractions enhance the visitor experience, including a gift shop, a food hall, the Courtyard Café, and the Ilex Brasserie. Families can enjoy a children’s playground and picnic facilities. Throughout the year, the estate hosts events ranging from seasonal fairs to horticultural showcases, drawing visitors from across the region.
RHS members can enjoy free entry to the gardens during specific times of the year. While the hall itself is closed in the winter months, the gardens, café, gift shop, and food hall remain open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
For those seeking an authentic combination of history, natural beauty, and contemporary amenities, Holker Hall offers an experience that bridges past and present in a setting of timeless charm.
For more details on opening hours and upcoming events, visit the Holker Hall website.
(updated November 2024)
[nggallery id=337]
Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmell, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 7PL. Tel 015395 58328 Fax 01539 558378
Email: info@holker.co.uk
Popular pages:
Menu :
Grid Ref : SD 355775
Planning a visit to Holker Hall? See location marker below and enter your dates to see available accommodation nearby on a handy map (zoom out for more options)