Castles and Country Houses of Cumbria

Today we depart for Dalemain, meaning ‘manor in the valley’, one of the most impressive country houses in the North West. The house has a charming pink Georgian  façade yet hidden behind the Palladian architecture is the story of a fascinating past. There has been a settlement on this site in various capacities dating back to the Saxons, starting as a series of towers built during the reign of Henry II. Since then, additions such as a manor house in the 14^th century and two wing extensions in the 16^th century have been added which makes for a wonderous confusion of winding passages, quaint stairways and unexpected rooms in the house we see today. It wasn’t until the 18^th century the Georgian frontage was added creating the central courtyard and the house became a truly grand stately home. Since then, very few alterations have been made apart from the additions of electricity and central heating in the 1920s. Although open to the public, Dalemain remains the much-loved family home of the Hasell-McCosh family and we can see the interesting collections of furniture, family portraits, ceramics and toys strewn throughout the rooms.

This afternoon we head to Wordsworth House, the birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth. On arrival we have an introductory talk from a knowledgeable guide before we can go off and explore. The house has been carefully reconstructed to show how the house would have been whilst William lived here with his parents in the 1770s. In the discovery room there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to William’s Lakeland legacy and the pivotal role he played in the founding of the National Trust.

This morning we depart after breakfast and head just north of Penrith for the Grade I listed country house, Hutton-in-the-Forest. This historic house was originally constructed in the 14^th century but the unusual architecture, grand gardens and woodlands that we see today are the result of subsequent generations wanting to leave their own impressions on the estate. Hutton-in-the-Forest is the home of Lord and Lady Inglewood, the house having been passed down from their ancestors for over 400 years. Inside we travel through time as we see the medieval Stone Hall, the high Victorian Drawing room, the arts and craft inspired Lady Darlington’s room and the ornate Rococo design of the Cupid Room.

This afternoon we take the short journey to the spectacular Lowther Castle. The site on which the castle stands has been the home of the same family since 1150 and many different buildings have been and gone during this time, the last of which was the castle itself. It was first commissioned at the start of the 19^th century by William, 1^st Earl of Lonsdale and was designed by the notable architect Robert Smirke, who was later responsible for other civic buildings including the British Museum in London. After some 130 years of glory the castle was abandoned as the family fortune dwindled and in 1957 the 7^th Earl, James removed the roof and all remaining physical assets were sold. Today, the story of Lowther Castle has come full circle through dedication and public funding the castle has been transformed into one of the most visited destinations in Cumbria. We have a historical tour of the castle ruins including the story of Lowther and the family history before some free time to explore. 

Today we head west towards Morecambe Bay, where we find Holker Hall, home to the Cavendish family which has never been bought or sold but just passed by inheritance through three families, the Prestons, Lowthers and Cavendishes. Throughout each generation alterations have been made to the estate either by landscaping or extending, refacing, or embellishing the house itself. We have a private tour of the house through which we can discover the myriad rooms and collections of furniture. After this we have time to enjoy the 23 acres of gardens which had been planted to inspire visitors all year round – keep an eye out (though you can hardly miss it) for the huge Holker lime tree.

In the early afternoon we depart for Muncaster Castle which sits in a dominating position over the River Esk and has been of strategic importance since the Roman times. Throughout history the castle has been added to, extended and refurbished, the most recent of which was commission by the 4^th Lord Muncaster in 1885 and was executed by the famous architect Anthony Salvin. We have the chance to explore the sumptuous state rooms, ancient Great Hall and beautiful collections of furniture and artwork. The castle is today still very much the family home of the Pennington’s as it has been since 1208. After arrival, we head outside to enjoy the ‘Sky Hunters’ flying display where the resident eagles, falcons and owls take to the skies. There is some time to enjoy the 77 acres of tranquil historic gardens before heading to the castle in the late afternoon for a private tour of the Castle before we are treated to a unique dining experience in the castle dining room where we can enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by wine.

This morning we head for home, but before we leave the Lake District we will visit the gardens of Sizergh Castle near Kendal.  Originally built in the Middle Ages by the Strickland family, who still live here, this imposing house at the gateway to the Lake District stands proud in a rich and beautiful garden, with a pond, a lake, an important collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. The estate is crossed with footpaths, giving stunning views over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland hills. Lunch is available here (not included), after which we return to our original departure points.