Holker Hall Gardens
Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL
Twenty-three acres of formal and woodland gardens at the Cavendish family home near Cartmel, with the ancient Holker Lime, a cascade, a labyrinth and fine old trees.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Holker Hall Gardens?
Holker's gardens sit between the Lake District hills and the sea marshes, and their mild climate has let generations of the family plant boldly. The result is 23 acres of formal and woodland gardens, with old trees that are now huge and, in some cases, ancient. The mix of structured formal spaces near the hall and wilder woodland further out makes for a varied walk.
Close to the house, the formal gardens include the Elliptical Garden south of the west wing, the Summer Garden beside it and, to the north-west, a Sunken Garden with a pair of summer houses. Thomas Mawson redesigned the formal garden in 1910. Newer features were added in 2003 and 2004: a cascade and a labyrinth by Kim Wilkie, and a sundial by Mark Lennox-Boyd. Beyond, the pleasure grounds follow a winding path into the arboretum, past a cedar planted by Lord George Cavendish in the late 18th century and an araucaria planted in 1844. Do not miss the Holker Lime, one of the largest common limes in Britain, with a girth of 7.9 metres.
For gardeners, Holker is a lesson in using a sheltered site well and in combining historic structure with modern design. Planting schemes are designed to keep changing, so repeat visitors find something new. There is a café and gift shop in the former stables, and the parkland, deer park and woodland around the gardens are part of the wider estate.
What to see
- The Holker Lime, planted in the early 17th century and named one of 50 Great British Trees in 2002.
- The cascade and labyrinth by Kim Wilkie, added in 2003 and 2004.
- The Elliptical Garden, Summer Garden and Sunken Garden near the hall.
- The arboretum, with a late 18th-century cedar and an araucaria planted in 1844.
- The lead statue of Inigo Jones by Rysbrack, brought from Chiswick House.
Holker Hall Gardens through the year
- spring
- Fresh growth fills the woodland garden and arboretum, helped along by Holker's mild climate.
- summer
- The formal gardens are at their fullest, and the hall is filled with home-grown flowers.
- autumn
- The arboretum and woodland trees colour up, a good time to walk the winding path through the pleasure grounds.
- winter
- The gardens open seasonally, so check the official website for season dates before planning a winter visit.
The story behind the garden
The land once belonged to Cartmel Priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Preston family bought it, and George Preston built the first house in the early 16th century. The estate passed by marriage to the Lowthers and then, in 1756, to Lord George Augustus Cavendish, and it has stayed with the Cavendish family ever since, never once sold.
The parkland was laid out in the late 18th century, and the 19th century brought an arboretum, terraces, a walled garden and a large conservatory by Joseph Paxton, since demolished. After a fire in 1871 destroyed the west wing, Paley and Austin rebuilt it. Thomas Mawson worked on the gardens in 1901 and redesigned the formal garden in 1910. In 2003 and 2004 Kim Wilkie added a cascade and labyrinth, and the gardens continue to change under the head gardener and his team.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Garden lovers who enjoy great trees, historic formal gardens with modern additions, and a day out near Cartmel.
- Getting there
- Holker Hall is at Cark-in-Cartmel, about 2 km south-west of Cartmel and near Grange-over-Sands in south Cumbria, beside the B5278.
- Before you go
- The café, gardens and gift shop open on set days in the season, and the hall is not always open. Check the Holker website for current opening times and tickets.
Source: Holker Hall and Gardens
Questions about visiting Holker Hall Gardens
What is the Holker Lime?
It is a common lime tree in the gardens, thought to have been planted in the early 17th century and regarded as one of the largest and finest in Britain. Its girth is 7.9 metres, and it was named one of 50 Great British Trees in 2002.
How big are the gardens at Holker Hall?
The formal and woodland gardens cover about 23 acres. They sit within a larger estate of parkland, deer park and woodland surrounding the hall, close to Cartmel.
Who owns Holker Hall?
Holker Hall is a privately owned home of the Cavendish family, who have held it since 1756. The estate has never been sold, passing by inheritance from the Prestons to the Lowthers and then to the Cavendishes.
Is there a café at Holker Hall?
Yes. The former stable buildings have been converted into a café and gift shop. Check the Holker website for current opening days, as these follow the garden season.
Garden features
Location
Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL
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