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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 sixteenth 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.

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, enjoy tea after a restful and entrancing day.

The Cavendish and Burlington rooms, within the Café, can be hired for private functions as well as cater for weddings 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. Visitors and their enjoyment of Holker Hall are very important to them and they strive to provide a well-rounded experience for all visitors. 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. In the early 19th century several new features were added: an arboretum, a conservatory, balustraded terraces by the House, and a large walled kitchen garden.

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: the shelter belt of trees, planted in the last 20 years, gives protection between the Park and Gardens; the old croquet lawn planted as a 'garden room' is one of the formal highlights of a visit.

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 - 2008:

Hall: Sunday - Friday, 16th March – 2nd November, 11 - 4 pm (Closed Saturday)

Gardens: Sunday to Friday, 16th March – 2nd November, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm (Closed Saturday)

Holker Food Hall & Restaurant: 7th January - 23rd December, daily, 10:30 am - 5.30 pm (out of season 4.00 pm)

Gift Shop: 3rd February - 23rd December, daily, 10:30 am - 5.30 pm (out of season 4.00 pm)


Admission Charges - 2008:

Hall, Garden, Lakeland Motor Museum & Park:
Adult - £11.50
Senior/Student - £10.50
Child - £6.50
Family - £32

Hall & Gardens:
Adult - £9.25
Senior/Student - £8.50
Child - £5
Family - £25

Gardens & Grounds:
Adult - £5.95
Senior/Student - £5.25
Child - £3
Family - £15.50

Child - (6-16 years), Under 6 years go FREE
Group rates are available for parties of 12+
Season tickets are available.

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