Holker Hall, Cumbria

PGG visit to Holker Hall

Head Gardener: Glyn Sherratt

Holker Hall history
The earliest records of a house on the present site date back to the beginning of the sixteenth century. The Estate has never been bought or sold but has passed by inheritance through just three families: the Prestons, the Lowthers and the Cavendishes, with each generation leaving its impressions, either by planning and altering the landscape or by changing the house by adding, re-facing, embellishing or even rebuilding – as was necessary after the disastrous fire of 1871.

The gardens at Holker have evolved over many hundreds of years, under the guidance of generations of the Cavendish Family. Each owner has made their mark, adding new features and plantings, to create a garden that is now rich in character and beauty.  At its heart, it remains a family garden and while its scale is grand, it retains an intimacy in its planting and design.   

The 23 acres of immaculately kept gardens comprise of a series of formal gardens set within a more informal landscape of interesting trees, shrubs and meadows. They are planted to offer year round inspiration for casual visitors and keen gardeners alike. The spring is a riot of colour with displays of tulips, daffodils, wallflowers and spring meadows, framed by majestic Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Summer brings billowing borders packed with colour and exciting tender plants, and wonderful summer flowering trees such as Styrax, Stewartia and Eucryphia. Autumn brings its own show in the stunning autumn colours across the gardens.  

Much of the gardens you see today, were developed by Lord & Lady Cavendish over the last 40 years. They are a credit to their eye for detail, sense of fun and love of exotic plants, which they have brought together to give the garden its unique character. The gardens are now entering a new phase with their daughter Lucy Cavendish and her husband Tor McLaren now starting to make their own mark.  

The gardens have won numerous awards, most recently BBC Countryfile Garden of the Year 2016.

Visit www.holker.co.uk

Programme

10.00am Arrival – Tea, coffee, biscuits: Self pay (£6.95 including afternoon tea).
Lunch – One course: Self pay in cafeteria or bring picnic lunch.
4.00pm – Finish.

Address and directions

Holker Hall, Cark, Grange-over-Sands Cumbria

Holker Hall and Gardens are approximately 5 miles south of the A590, the main road running from Kendal to Barrow-in-Furness.

Postcode/Satnav: LA11 7PL 


Cost

£12.00 per person

Booking

Book Online or send payment by cheque made payable to ‘The Professional Gardeners’ Guild’ to Alan Mason, Jasmine Cottage, 22 Church Lane, Caythorpe, Grantham Lincolnshire NG32 3DU or email organiser-northern1@pgg.org.uk for more information