England
Cumbria

Historic Houses in the Lake District

Here you will find our list of stately homes and other grand country houses in Cumbria and the Lakes. You might also like to view historic buildings in the Lake District for attractions that have a strong historic importance but are not classified as stately homes.

Abbot Hall    Abbot Hall is a lovely Georgian manor situated in the shadow of Kendal Castle beside the River Kent in the village of Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria, England, LA9 5AL Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A591 Website: Abbot Hall Email: info@abbothall.org.uk Phone: 01539 722 464 Fax: 01539 722 494 Location map Details of Abbot Hall OS SD517 922 Photo Credit: Abbot Hall Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brantwood    This beautifully situated house was the home of influential Victorian poet, artist, writer, and critic John Ruskin from 1872 until his death in 1900. Brantwood is filled with Ruskin's personal effects, drawings, watercolours, and furniture. Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA21 8AD Attraction Type: Historic House Location: Off the A593 or by regular boat service from Coniston Website: Brantwood Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk Phone: 015394 41396 Fax: 015394 41263 Location map Details of Brantwood OS SD307945 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dalemain   The smooth Georgian front belies the medieval heritage of Dalemain, home to the same family since 1679. The house is built around an inner courtyard, and the interior rooms are a charming mixture of formal Georgian rococo and paneled Elizabethan. Take a break in the medieval hall, now the tea room. Penrith, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA11 0HB Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 3 miles SW Penrith, on the A592 Website: Dalemain Email: admin@dalemain.com Phone: 017684 86450 Fax: 017684 86223 Location map Details of Dalemain OS NY477 269 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holker Hall    The home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, Holker Hall dates to the early 16th century. The house is set in lovely parkland overlooking Morecambe Bay. The interiors are largely Victorian, with some lovely period furniture as well as some earlier Tudor and Jacobean pieces. Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England, LA11 7PL Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 4 m W Grange-over-Sands, on B5278 Website: Holker Hall Email: info@holker.co.uk Phone: 01539 558 328 Fax: 01539 558 378 Location map Details of Holker Hall OS SD359 773 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hutton-in-the-Forest   A lovely historic house in a quiet north Cumbrian village, Hutton-in-the-Forest boasts a Stuart limsetone facade, which is dwarfed by two towers, one a surviving pele tower from the 14th century, the other a false Gothic giant constructed in the 19th century. The interior is a mix of Regency and Vicorian rooms, including original William Moris wallpaper. The same family has been here since 1605. Penrith, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA11 9TH Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 6 m NW Penrith, on B5305 Website: Hutton-in-the-Forest Email: info@hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk Phone: 017684 84449 Fax: 017684 84571 Location map Details of Hutton-in-the-Forest OS NY460 358 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Levens Hall    Gabled Elizabethan house on medieval foundations, set in topiary gardens. A comfortable home, not just a show-piece, with warm, panelled rooms. If you simply must see Beau Brummel's snuff box, this is the place to come. Kendal, Cumbria, England, LA8 0PD Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 5 m S Kendal, on A6 Website: Levens Hall Email: houseopening@levenshall.co.uk Phone: 01539 560 321 Fax: 01539 560 669 Location map Details of Levens Hall OS SD495 851 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mirehouse   Part family home, part literary museum. The family of Spedding were friends with Tennyson, Wordsworth and Carlyle, among others, and this pleasant but unremarkable Georgian house is full of literary memorabilia. Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA12 4QE Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 4 miles N Keswick, on the A591 Website: Mirehouse Email: info@mirehouse.com Phone: 017687 72287 Location map Details of Mirehouse OS NY235 284 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Naworth    On the hillside above Lanercost Priory, close to Hadrian's Wall, lies this Tudor house, the seat of the Howard family, Earls of Carlisle. Evidence of early defenses remain, such as the 14th century tower, a testament to the turbulent past of this border region. Furnishings are sparse, as much of the Howard treasure resides at Castle Howard in Yorkshire. The largest great hall in the north (78 ft long) is the house's greatest claim to fame. Brampton, Cumbria, England, CA8 2HF Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 12 miles E Carlisle, off A69 Website: Naworth Email: office@naworth.co.uk Phone: 016977 3229 Location map OS NY562 624 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sizergh Castle    Georgian facade fronts extensive medieval and Tudor underpinnings. Interior largely Elizabethan and earlier, with linenfold panelling and 16th century four-poster bed. Sizergh, Kendal, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA8 8AE Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 3 m SW Kendal, off A590 and A591 Website: Sizergh Castle Email: sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 015395 60951 National Trust Location map Details of Sizergh Castle OS SD498 878 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Swarthmoor Hall   A lovely 16th century manor on the outskirts of Ulverston that is famous for its association with George Fox and the founding of Quakerism. Furnished with period furniture and objects associated with the life of Fox and early Quakerism. A very friendly, welcoming historic manor. Opening times may be limited so please check first. Ulverston, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA12 0JQ Attraction Type: Historic House Location: Signposted off the A590 in the centre of Ulverston. free parking. Website: Swarthmoor Hall Email: info@swarthmoorhall.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)1229 583 204 Location map Details of Swarthmoor Hall OS SD281772 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Townend    Unpretentious Tudor house, home of the Browne family for four centuries. Not a showpiece, but an honest family home. The furnishings are unremarkable, but appealing. Don't miss the servant's bedrooms tucked above the kitchen. Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, England, LA23 1LB Attraction Type: Historic House Location: 5 m SE Ambleside, off A592 Website: Townend Email: townend@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 015394 32628 Fax: 015394 32628 National Trust Location map Details of Townend OS NY407 020 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wray Castle   Wray Castle is a Victorian Gothic country house overlooking Lake Windermere. It was built around 1840 by Dr Dawson, a prominent Liverpool surgeon, who created a fanciful mansion in the 'picturesque' style. The grounds are open to the public year round, and the house during the summer months. William Wordsworth planted a tree in the garden which can still be seen. High Wray, Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Historic House Location: Signposted from the B5286 between Ambleside and Hawkshead. Follow signs for National Trust Low Wray campground, but carry on past the campground to the castle. Details of Wray Castle OS NY375009 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering