Historic Sites in the South Lakes at Levens Hall and Cartmel

In Brief.

Levens Hall is a largely Elizabethan Manor House with varied gardens, including the oldest and most extensive topiary garden in the world. The gardens are a particular highlight, but the interior of the house is also in excellent condition, with panelled walls and furniture from different periods.  Nearby is the village of Cartmel, with its winding streets hosting a variety of houses, shops and eateries adjacent to its long established Priory. 

Levens Hall from the Topiary Garden

What's Here?

The garden at Levens hall is set out in a grid pattern, with different elements of the garden often separated by hedges, including a substantial beech hedge that was a feature of the original garden design from the 1690s. This means that the different areas feel quite separate, with their own characters.

The most prominent feature is the Topiary Garden, which is next to the house, featuring not only diverse geometric patterns but also colourful flower beds, where there are said to be 15,000 homegrown annuals planted twice a year. It is a civilised and varied space. There are then a variety of other areas that merit leisurely strolls, including an orchard that provides fruit for the restaurant, a bowling green that was being used for croquet on my visit, a fountain garden with waterlilies, and many borders. The gardens are very well maintained, and worthy of a visit.

Also nearby is another country house with extensive grounds at Sizergh.

Perhaps a chess piece?

The nearby village of Cartmel, with winding streets not all lined with Range Rovers, hosts several potential visitor attractions, including a race course, Michelin starred restaurants and a priory. Visiting just after lunch, I had a look round Cartmel Priory, which has a history of 800 years, though most of the building is from the 15th and 16th centuries. The interior feels spacious and airy, an effect amplified by the light stone and large windows.

Cartmel Priory

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 74 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 35 minutes

Price: Levens Hall - $$; Cartmel Priory - donations.

Parking: There is free parking both at Levens Hall and on the outskirts of Cartmel

Food and Drink: There is a cafe/bakery and a restaurant at Levens Hall. I had a superior cake from the bakery, and then returned at lunchtime for a sandwich so huge it was impossible to eat politely. Caramel is full of eateries, from Michelin starred restaurant to pubs and cafes.

Retail therapy: There is a pleasant gift shop at Levens Hall full of standard gift shop fare, so think soap, jam, candles, cuddly toys. There are several visitor-focused retail outlets in Cartmel.

Child Friendly: There is a play area in Levens Hall.

Toilets: Yes - at Levens Hall.

Do it justice in: Levens Hall - 2 hours; Cartmel - 1 hour

Inside-Outside: 30:70

 

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