Holker Hall & Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

The Hon. Lucy Cavendish

Peace, romance and adventure lie at the heart of 25 acres of our formal and woodland gardens. The tightly clipped hedges and quadrants of herbaceous borders in the Elliptical Gardens echo the styles and fashions of the early 1700s, when the first formal garden was laid on this footprint. While strong yew forms still offer structure, especially in winter, softer planting in more recent years with pleached apple trees and a lime archway offer views across the park and wildflower meadow.

Between two plump topiary Sphinxes, the path narrows down shallow steps into the Summer Garden. Here, during the 1980s, an old sunken croquet lawn was replaced with boxed formal lawns; careful planting schemes keep the borders vibrant throughout the summer. Contrasting light and shade from the dense Portuguese Laurel tunnel creates drama and atmosphere.

At the heart of the garden, within a less formal setting of lawns and woodland, lies the romantic Sunken Garden. The semi-circular stone structure, with terraces and a deep water trough, was designed by Thomas Mawson in the early 20th century. The original concept of a rose garden has evolved towards looser herbaceous planting more suitable to our climate.

The Wildflower Meadow links the formal gardens to the ancient parkland and the natural landscape beyond. A network of mown paths meander through the grasses and rich tapestry of wild flowers. Holker’s woodland garden is home to the National Collection of Styracaceae, flowering late summer and delivering magnificent autumn foliage and fruit.

We hope you feel free to explore Holker for yourselves at your own pace. Allow the magic to unfold and celebrate with us its constant change, whether that’s new horticultural projects, the latest seasonal dish from our brilliant chefs, or just a shift in mood with the changing seasons.