Something for Your Must-Yew List in Late Summer

Put a trip to Levens Hall and Gardens, in the South Lakes, on your ‘must-yew list’ before October 4, whether a keen gardener wanting to box clever, or someone wanting to tick off seeing the world’s oldest topiary garden and earliest example of an English ha-ha.

Heading to the garden in September will also give you the unique experience of witnessing how the massive 330-year-old trees are clipped and kept in shape, as the ‘annual trim’ begins and cherry pickers move in.  

With over 100 pieces of quirkily or geometrically shaped topiary trees to see in the Guinness World Record holding garden, which dates from 1694, you can grab some great selfies.  Just stand in front of a Toppling Wedding Cake, Top Hat, the two massive Umbrella Trees or maybe even Homer Simpson!  

There’s another ‘must-yew’ experience to be had by walking beside the 300-year-old Beech Hedge, into the secluded, ‘secret garden’ Beech Circle. And there’s more to explore, whether that’s the Orchard, Bowling Green, double herbaceous borders, vegetable and herb gardens or the Fountain Garden celebrating its 30th birthday. Add to this hidden artworks and children’s playground and you can have hours of fun.

There are other incredible things to see for your bucket list, not just your ‘must-yew list’.  There’s the bee clasp Napoleon’s wore on his cloak at the Battle of Waterloo and the gloves the Duke of Wellington from that day. There’s the chocolate service (for the pouring of hot chocolate) Napoleon had ordered for his mother but was unable to pick up, having lost on the battlefield, plus his Egyptian campaign saddle, the Duke of Wellington’s campaign bed and much more.

Spanish leather used as wallpaper, the earliest English patchwork and the Ace of Hearts on downpipes, to remind how Levens Hall was once won and lost on the turn of that playing card, make it all a unique experience.

To put Levens Hall and Gardens on your must-yew list this year, visit before October 4.  If a longer-term planner, look at dates from Friday March 28, when the  unique historic home will reopen for the 2025 season.  

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                                                

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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.