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Despite its grand scale, this handsome rose coloured neo-Elizabethan mansion and its Gardens provide a soft and gentle contrast to the ruggedness of the Lakeland countryside to the north. The record reveals that Lord Cavendish’s ancestors felt that for them Holker was more desirable, more favoured by providence and more enhanced with natural beauty than any other place on earth.

Holker is a Norse word, which can be translated as ‘a rising in marshy land’. Although the origins are lost in the mists of time, the earliest records of a house on the present site date back to the beginning of the seventeenth century. Only a short distance from the sea, Holker Hall is magnificently situated and is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens merging into parkland, with hills on one side and the expanse of Morecambe Bay on the other.

The Hall and Gardens comprise the two spectacular attractions in one perfect setting. But that is not all. Holker Hall also boasts a delightful Cumbrian Café. At The Courtyard Café you can linger over morning coffee and read the wide selection of dailies and broadsheets, or enjoy tea after a restful and entrancing day.

The Cavendish and Burlington rooms, within the Café, can be hired for private functions and special events. In addition, there is a marvellous design-led and unique Gift Shop with many items personally selected by Lady Cavendish. The Holker Food Hall has a distinctive Cumbrian entity offering a range of Estate produce including the famous Holker Saltmarsh Lamb and Shorthorn Beef. There are lots of tempting items to suit all tastes.

In 2003 Holker Hall was awarded the Cumbria Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide as well as the Horticultural Award by JPC Publishing. Providing an enjoyable and well-rounded visitor experience is very important to Holker. There is a site guide available to all upon entrance; more information is available on their Website.

The Award Winning Gardens:

The immaculately kept Gardens (25 acres in all) are part woodland, part formal and essentially Victorian in character, though never heavy or oppressive. The 200-acre 'natural' parkland is in fact the result of the late 18th century planting of Lord George Cavendish.

Lord and Lady Cavendish have sought not only to conserve the historic but have made changes and additions to the Gardens that are still being made today, with great liveliness and confidence: These features include the stunning Cascade water feature, the labyrinth, inspired by Lakeland stone circles and the giant sundial created from a single piece of Lakeland slate, from Holker’s own Burlington Slate Quarry.

Not to be missed are the spectacular display of Rhodendrons in the spring. The magnificent blooms of all hues grace the arbours and cascade with a riot of colour never able to be captured completely on film. Also not to be omitted from your visit is The Great Holker Lime, labelled as one of the finest and largest common limes (Tilia europaea) in Britain. This awe-inspiring tree measures 7.9 metres in girth. In 2002 Holker’s Great Lime was awarded the distinction of being one of Britain’s 50 Great Trees in honour of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee.

Opening Times - 2010:

Hall:
14th March – 31st October: Sunday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm (Closed Saturday)

Gardens:
14th March – 31st October: Sunday - Friday, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm (Closed Saturday)

Courtyard Café, Food Hall, Gift Shop:
1st February - 24th December: daily, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm (4 pm in winter)

Admission Prices - 2010:

Hall & Gardens:
Adult - £10
Senior/Student - £9
Child - £5.50
Family - £27.50

Gardens & Grounds:
Adult - £6.50
Senior/Student - £5.50
Child - £3.50
Family - £16.50

Child - (6-16 years), Under 6 years go FREE
Group rates are available for parties of 10+
Season tickets are available.

Groups Welcome (minimum 10 people)

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.