Best Historic Houses in the Lake District

Discovering historic houses in the Lake District is a wonderful way to combine the region’s natural beauty with its rich heritage. While many people visit for the lakes and fells, the Lake District (Cumbria) also has several properties that fall under the Historic Houses umbrella: stately homes and manor houses that welcome visitors through their doors.

Here are some of the best historic houses in the Lake District, plus top tips for visiting each one. These are perfect options for a rainy day, and given the Lake District is one of the rainiest areas in a famously wet country, it makes sense to have an option up your sleeve if (when!) the heavens open.

Why Visit Historic Houses in the Lake District?

The stately homes of the Lake District offer a unique window into Britain’s cultural history – from literary connections (Wordsworth, Tennyson) to grand architecture and landscaped gardens. Visiting Historic Houses Lake District sites gives you insight into private estates that remain in independent ownership – and many offer free admission with a Historic Houses membership.

* Special Offer: If you click on Historic Houses and then enter our unique Historic Houses discount code TREX05 at ‘Add discount code’, NEW MEMBERS will receive a £5 discount. This also applies if you wish to give an annual membership as a gift to someone else who is not already a member. You can check out how Historic House compares with English Heritage and National Trust when it comes to families in our English Heritage v National Trust v Historic Houses article.

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Top Historic Houses in the Lake District (HHA Scheme)

Here are some of the standout Historic Houses in the Lake District, each with its own story, style, and charm.

Mirehouse – Keswick, Cumbria

Mirehouse is a beautifully tranquil Cumbrian manor house, set against the dramatic backdrop of Bassenthwaite Lake and the dramatic fells. It’s especially valued for its literary and artistic connections; the Spedding family, who still own the house, entertained poets such as Tennyson and Wordsworth.

Top tips for visiting Mirehouse:

  • Opening times: Check their website for current opening days — often seasonal.
  • Tickets / Admission: Free entry for Historic Houses members.
  • Activities: Walk the house’s wildflower meadows, enjoy a “poetry walk,” and visit the bee garden and squirrel island.
  • Nearby attractions: Combine with a trip to Bassenthwaite Lake or the market town of Keswick.

Holker Hall & Gardens – Cark-in-Cartmel, Cumbria

Holker Hall & Gardens is a grand neo-Elizabethan mansion set in 200 acres of formal gardens, parkland and ancient woodland. The estate includes stunning garden features such as a sunken garden, the Burlington Fountain, and a 400-year-old lime tree – often featured in garden tours.

Top tips for visiting Holker Hall & Gardens:

  • Opening times: Open to the public March–November; for 2025, the Hall is open Wednesday–Sunday and bank holiday Mondays (11am–4pm), gardens 10am–5pm.
  • Tickets / Admission: Free for Historic Houses members; for non-members, the Hall & Gardens ticket is £15.50, and Gardens only is £11.50.
  • Facilities: On-site café, gift shop, parking, picnic area, and a children’s playground make it a great family stop.
  • Nearby attractions: Visit the nearby Lake District fells, take walks along the Cartmel Peninsula, or combine with a trip to Grange-over-Sands. There is also a very charming racecourse at Cartmel for those wanting some equine action. Cartmel itself is also home to several superb restaurants, including L’Enclume, which boasts three Michelin stars, should your budget stretch that far!

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens – Penrith, Cumbria

Dalemain Mansion is a charming estate with medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture. It’s particularly famous for its annual Marmalade Festival, a quirky but delightful tradition.

Top tips for visiting Dalemain:

  • Opening times: Check Dalemain’s own website or HHA listing for the latest opening days.
  • Tickets / Admission: Free for Historic Houses members on presentation of membership card.
  • Facilities: There is a café/restaurant, a shop, and lovely picnic areas.
  • Nearby attractions: This estate is close to Ullswater and other Lake District highlights – ideal for combining a heritage visit with scenic lake walks.

Hutton-in-the-Forest – Near Penrith / Lake District Border

Though slightly on the edge of the Lake District, Hutton-in-the-Forest is an important historic house and garden well worth including. The architecture spans medieval to Georgian eras, and the gardens are beautifully maintained.

Hutton-in-the-Forest – Near Penrith
Photo by Michael D Beckwith

Top tips for visiting Hutton-in-the-Forest:

  • Opening times: House is open April to October on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays plus bank holiday Mondays (11:30am–4pm); gardens open April–November daily (10am–5pm).
  • Tickets / Admission: Historic Houses members visit for free. Non-members: House & Gardens £14, Gardens only £8.
  • Facilities: Accessible parking, toilet facilities, cafe/restaurant, bike storage, shop, picnic area.
  • Nearby attractions: Great as a stop on a drive around Penrith or between Keswick and Windermere.

How to Use the Historic Houses Discount Code

If you’re planning to visit multiple Historic Houses in the Lake District, it’s worth considering a Historic Houses membership – especially if you want to make the most of the Historic Houses Lake District scheme. Use our exclusive Historic Houses discount code TREX05 when purchasing your new membership to get a £5 discount. With this, you’ll enjoy free admission to all of these properties listed above and many more, making your trip more rewarding (and more affordable).

Why These Historic Houses in the Lake District Are Special

These Lake District historic houses aren’t just architectural gems – they are deeply embedded in the region’s cultural and natural landscape:

  • Literary connections: Houses like Mirehouse have ties to poets such as Tennyson and Wordsworth.
  • Gardens and design: Holker Hall’s gardens are a highlight, featuring topiary, fountains, and centuries-old trees.
  • Living heritage: Dalemain remains a working estate and offers a genuine sense of continuity, combining medieval, Tudor, and Georgian elements.
  • Scenic setting: These homes are set in some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Cumbria – between lakes, fells, and woodlands.

Tips for Planning Your Visit to Historic Houses in the Lake District

  1. Check opening times: Some HHA houses are seasonal or have limited opening times – always check their own website or the Historic Houses directory before you travel.
  2. Buy a membership if visiting more than one house: With our TREX05 code, you can access these properties more economically, especially if you plan to visit 2–3 or more.
  3. Combine with Lake District walks: Many of these houses are near beautiful walking routes – for example, Mirehouse is near Bassenthwaite, Holker Hall near Cartmel, Dalemain close to Ullswater.
  4. Bring a picnic: Gardens at these houses (especially Holker and Dalemain) are perfect for enjoying a relaxed outdoor lunch.
  5. Photography tips: Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon for the best light on house façades and garden features.

Final Thoughts

The Lake District historic houses that belong to the Historic Houses Association offer a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a literary enthusiast, a garden lover, or simply someone who appreciates grand estates set in stunning landscapes, these houses enrich any Lake District itinerary. Use your TREX05 Historic Houses discount code on a Historic Houses membership to unlock free admission (and peace of mind) as you explore these iconic corners of Cumbria’s heritage.

Explore more: Visit the Historic Houses website to browse all member houses, plan your trip, and use your discount code TREX05 to begin your journey through the best of the Lake District’s stately homes.