HOLKER HALL - Award Winning Gardens & Lakeland Motor Museum

Holker is a Norse word, which can be translated as ‘a rising in marshy land’. Although the origins are lost in the mists of time, the earliest records of a house on the present site date back to the beginning of the sixteenth century. Only a short distance from the sea, Holker Hall is magnificently situated and is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens merging into parkland, with hills on one side and the expanse of Morecambe Bay. Despite its grand scale, this handsome rose coloured neo-Elizabethan mansion and its Gardens provide a soft and gentle contrast to the ruggedness of the Lakeland countryside to the north. The record reveals that Lord Cavendish’s’ ancestors felt that for them Holker was more desirable, more favoured by Providence and more enhanced with natural beauty than any other place on earth.

One Place to See it All

The Hall, Gardens and Lakeland Motor Museum comprise of three spectacular attractions in one perfect setting. But that is not all. Holker Hall also boasts a delightful Cumbrian Café. At The Courtyard Café linger over morning coffee and read the wide selection of dailies and broadsheets, enjoy tea after a restful and entrancing day or partake of dinner on those special evenings when we are open for events. The Cavendish and Burlington rooms, within the Café, can be hired for private functions as well as cater for weddings and special events. In addition, there is a marvellous design led and unique Gift Shop with many items personally selected by Lady Cavendish and Food at Holker Hall, a distinctly Cumbrian entity offering a range of Estate and bespoke produce, sure to tempt all tastes.

In 2003 Holker Hall was awarded the Cumbria Family Attraction of the Year, by the Good Britain Guide as well as the Horticultural Award by JPC Publishing. Visitors and their enjoyment of Holker Hall are very important to us. We strive to provide a well-rounded experience for all visitors. There is a site guide available to all upon entrance.