Acorn Bank

Acorn Bank sits just north of the village of Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, in the Eden valley. It is a small, sheltered garden protected by ancient oaks and high walls, and its speciality is herbs: more than 250 medicinal and culinary kinds are grown here, which makes it a rare place in the north of England to see so many in one collection. Add orchards and a watermill, and it makes a satisfying few hours out.

The herb garden is the heart of the visit. Walking along the beds is a good way to learn which plants were used in the kitchen and which in medicine, and to see how they look when grown well together. Beyond the walls are the orchards, planted with old varieties of English fruit. From the garden, paths lead down to the watermill, which has been partly restored to working order and is powered by the Crowdundle Beck.

For home gardeners, the herb collection is full of ideas for a kitchen herb bed or a scented corner, and the orchards are a good reminder of the range of traditional fruit varieties that suit northern conditions. The high walls also show how shelter allows a wider range of plants to grow in a cooler climate. Combine a visit with the Eden valley and the market town of Penrith, and wear shoes suited to the paths down to the mill.