Excursion F: Lake District Gardens and Tour

We will visit Holker Hall, home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, and one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.

Holker is at the heart of 17,000 acres of rural Cumbria encompassing a major proportion of the Cartmel Peninsula. The Estate has a long tradition of farming through the craftsmanship of tenant farmers who produce cheese, honey, prime shorthorn beef, seasonal venison and game and the famous Holker saltmarsh lamb. Packed lunches can be provided on request. Alternatively, lunch may be purchased at a wonderful cafe and there are gift shops selling local produce.

There is a choice of the special tours of approximately 1 hour duration:

Tour 1: Special Hall Tour. This fascinating tour focuses on the history of the Preston, Lowther & Cavendish families who have lived in, developed and cherished the Hall and Estate from the beginning of the 17th century to the present day.

Tour 2: Garden Tour. Discover the history and development of the gardens, learn about the wonderful trees plants and flowers. Your guide will adapt the tour according to season so that you experience the best seasonal colours, textures and scents.

In the afternoon we take a steam train on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and cruise up Windermere, the longest lake in England, to Bowness. We have over an hour here, so there is plenty of time to explore the shops or visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.