Levens Hall and Gardens – 10.7 miles

The first dwelling at Levens was a medieval pele tower built by the de Redman family of Yealand Redmayne.  Levens was then chosen by the Bellingham family in the 1590s as their main residence.  The fortified tower then became a gentleman’s residence.  Local craftsman carved oak panelling and used elaborate Italian plasterwork including Elizabeth the First’s coat of arms and stained glass, which is still there to this day.

Levens Hall contains fine furniture, paintings, Spanish leather wall coverings, the earliest English patchwork, Wellingtoniana, clocks and miniatures.  It has become one of the finest stately homes in Cumbria.

The gardens contain some of the oldest topiary in the world.  The historic topiary includes a small orchard of apple trees and medlars, a nuttery and herb garden, a bowling green, a rose garden, herbaceous borders and seasonal bedding.

The Hall, Gardens, Tea Room and Gift Shop are open Sunday – Thursday until 8th October 2009.  The Gardens, Gift Shop and Bellingham Buttery open at 10.00am.  The House opens at 12.00pm.  Last entry to the House is at 4.00pm, the House closed at 4.30pm.  The Gardens close at 5.00pm.

House and Gardens prices are Adults - £10.50, Children - £4.50 and Families - £26.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children of school age).

Gardens only prices are Adults - £7.50, Children - £3.50 and Families - £19.50 (2 adults and 3 children of school age).

To book a B&B near Lancaster or for more information on Levens Hall and Gardens please see below.

Levens Hall – 015395 60321

http://www.levenshall.co.uk

Kirkdale House Bed and Breakfast, Nr Lancaster – 01524 735373