Holker Hall and Gardens

About

About Holker Hall

Fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the famous herd of Menil fallow deer, showcasing nature at its most graceful. Holker offers beautiful landscaped grounds, a small playground & picnic area. The Gift shop offers a selection of items for home and garden, while the Courtyard Cafe offers delicious homemade food, cakes and daily specials. Holker also hosts an inspirational programme of special events throughout the year, guaranteed to appeal to all ages and interests.

Special rates for groups of 10 or more. Free entry for organiser and driver. Free parking. Personal welcome.


The Gardens at Holker Hall

The gardens surrounding Holker Hall cover 24 acres of woodland and formal garden areas. They are highly acclaimed and were winners of a 2004 Cumbria In Bloom award. They offer a richness and variety particular to this special micro-climate of the South Lakes. Throughout the year the gardens are a riot of colour and texture. Bespoke garden tours can be arranged upon request and can be tailored to suit the varied interests of the visitor. The 17thC Great Holker Lime is one of the highlights, measuring 7'6" at its widest and has the distinction of being one of Britain's 50 greatest trees. Another rare treat is the blooming of the national collection of styracaceae, not forgetting the rhododendrons in the months of April and May and the colours of Autumn. The gardens will thrill and excite even the most discerning. Look out for our land art feature "Pagan Grove", the peaceful Sunken Garden, and the wonderful labyrinth.

Also at Holker Hall

The Courtyard Cafe

The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal food. Our head chef offers a superb range of daily specials and a mouth-watering range of cakes and biscuits. The Ilex Brasserie serves lunch and evening meals, and can be booked for private functions.

Ilex Bar & Brasserie

The Ilex Bar & Brasserie is a fresh dining experience set in the opulent surroundings of Holker Hall, a modern refurbished extension to the Courtyard, giving guests a sense of occasion.

Open every Sunday from 12pm – 4pm for Sunday Lunch, The Ilex can also be booked for private events and is licenced for wedding ceremonies of up to 70 guests.

Our Executive Chef can create a bespoke menu combining the heritage of great British food with a fresh twist paired with a modern wine and drinks menu that suit any taste.

People and food are our passion and the experience we deliver is as a result of the best of both and makes us the venue of choice for local Cumbrian’s and visitors alike.

And, of course, our famous afternoon tea can be booked either online or in person on the day of your visit.

The Food Hall

Holker Food Hall has a distinctly local flavour, offering a range of produce from the Holker Estate as well as bespoke foods. Estate produce includes cheese made by Martin Gott and the finest seasonal meat including venison, shorthorn beef (an ancient breed still reared in a traditional way) and the famous saltmarsh lamb which grazes on the estuaries of Morecambe Bay and is characterised by its succulence and sweetness of flavour. We sell homemade scones baked in our cafe kitchen fresh each day. The Food Hall is a stockist of a wonderful range of game from Cartmel Valley Game Supplies, also situated on the Holker Estate. You can also choose from an excellent range of beautifully packaged fine food gifts, sweets, wines, local beers and spirits such as Coniston Bluebird, Hawkshead Ale and Damson Gin from the Lyth Valley.


Gift Shop

Holker’s Gift Shop stocks a lovely selection of home and garden ware, toiletries, jewellery, books, toys, fudge and plants.