The first dwelling at Levens dates from circa 1350, and was built by the de Redman family as defence against the Scottish raiders of the time. It was then a primitive pele tower, with underhousing for the women and cattle in time of raids, and a large room where smoke from the open fire would escape through a hole in the roof. The medieval structure was built around in Elizabethan times when the Bellingham family created a mansion and beautified it with fine panelling and plasterwork still to be seen today.

In 1694, Col. James Grahme, former Privy Purse to King James II, added much of the fine Jacobean furniture and built the two wings at the rear of the House, forming a courtyard.

All building was completed by the addition of the Howard Tower in 1820. Today, the visitor sees all the finest Elizabethan rooms including the dining room with its embossed Cordova leather wall-coverings, and several elegant bedrooms. Throughout the house there are beautiful paintings, family memorabilia (connections with both the 1st Duke of Wellington and Nelson) and the earliest English Patchwork (1708).

Levens Hall is well known for its various tales of ghostly happenings although visitors will most likely sense the warm and welcoming family atmosphere.

THE GARDENS

The Topiary Gardens at Levens are world-famous in their own right, and are a must for any visitor to the English Lake District. When Col. Grahme, who had held the office of Privy Purse to King James II, came back to Levens in 1688 upon the abdication of the King, he brought with him the gardener Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont, who had been trained under Le Nôtre at Versailles and who had laid out the gardens at Hampton Court. He started work in 1694 creating the design for the garden you can see today

We are fortunate indeed that since that time no owner wished to make changes - as so many others did, and so the five gardeners we have at present are looking after a design which has remained unchanged for over 300 years.

Under the magnificent topiary, depending on the time of your visit, you will find colourful Spring or Summer bedding. There is also a rose garden, a nuttery, fine herbaceous borders, and a fountain garden laid out with pleached limes in 1994 to celebrate 300 years of the Gardens at Levens.

THE PARK

The entrance to Levens Park is opposite the main gates to Levens Hall.  Beaumont created an oak avenue through the park, reflecting a growing popular interest in the landscape style of garden, which was to continue into the 18th century.

There are footpaths through the park, and visitors can see the herd of rare breed Bagot goats as well as black fallow deer.

Dogs are welcome in the park, on leads please.