Make Levens Number One On Your Garden Must-Yew List

What should you be putting on your must-yew list, if you are a keen gardener wanting to box clever?  A trip to see the world’s oldest topiary garden must surely be up there? How about learning all about the use of ha-has, by seeing the oldest English example of one? 

Or maybe even heading to this garden in September, to see cherry pickers and other equipment in action and witness how the massive 330-year-old topiary trees are clipped and kept in shape, as the ‘annual trim’ begins.  

The garden offering all of this is at Levens Hall and Gardens, near Kendal in  the southern Lake District.  The topiary garden dates back to 1694 and is an official Guinness World Record holder.  It is full of old-English charm, mingled with an Alice in Wonderland quality that brings surprises at every turn.  That might be  through spotting the two massive Umbrella trees, a bird, the Top Hat, Toppling Wedding Cake, or even Homer Simpson.

With over 100 pieces of yew and boxwood to enthral you, in a variety of hues and shapes, and the scent of David Austin old English roses wafting on the breeze, it’s hard to leave behind the magical enthralment existing in this part of the garden.  But, if you do, you will also see a 300-year-old beech hedge, be able to wander into the secluded Beech Circle that it forms, discover the labyrinth, explore herb and vegetable gardens and study the Bowling Green that was once the scene of the raucous Radish Feast.

You will be able to explore the orchard, revel in fabulous double herbaceous borders in a variety of bold and pastel hues and stumble upon the ancient ha-ha. Relaxing minutes can be spent by the Fountain Garden, celebrating its 30thanniversary year and do look out for the nuttery and, this year, artworks hidden around the gardens.

But there are other amazing things to see at Levens Hall and Gardens for your bucket list, not just your must-yew list.  Where else can you see the bee clasp that Napoleon was wearing just prior to the Battle of Waterloo, or the gloves the Duke of Wellington wore on that day?  How about the chocolate service (for the pouring of hot chocolate) that Napoleon had ordered for his mother but was unable to pick up, having suffered defeat on the battlefield.  Or maybe his saddle from his Egyptian campaign, or even the Duke of Wellington’s campaign bed?

If you’ve never seen Spanish leather used as wallpaper, this is the place.  And how about the earliest English patchwork?  It could also be the only venue you will ever find that has the Ace of Hearts on its downpipes – a reminder that the property was once won and lost on the turn of that playing card.

To put Levens Hall and Gardens on your must-yew list this year, you will need to visit before October 4.  If you are a longer-term planner, then start looking at dates as from Friday  March 28, when the  unique historic home will open its doors for the 2025 season (closed Saturdays).  

Entrance to Levens Hall and Gardens costs £15.50 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £39 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. Gardens-only admission costs £11.50, £4.50 and £29 respectively. Prices are for the 2024 season in which the house and gardens are open every day, except Saturdays.  The gardens are open from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) and the house as from 11am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm), with the possibility of pre-booked tours as from 10am.

More information is at www.levenshall.co.uk                                                

Ends

Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.