Brantwood - Historic House and Gardens
Brantwood has unique and beautiful mountainside gardens, set in a 250 acre wood estate with spectacular views.
The Estate
‘Brant’ is Norse for steep, and Brantwood’s steep woods were first worked by Norse invaders in the ninth century. With a stunning diversity of flora and fauna, these ancient semi-natural woodlands comprise half the 250 acre estate. Elsewhere the estate ranges from lakeshore meadows to high, open fell. The estate is a paradise for walkers of all abilities, from low level rambles to energetic hikes to Crag Head. A range of trails thread the estate and a trail guide is available in the shop.
The Gardens
At the Estate’s heart are eight unique and beautiful gardens which continue the many radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began. They are broadly divided into three areas – the northern and southern gardens, which involve some walking uphill, and the lower gardens which are suitable for all.
The Zig-Zaggy
The Zig-Zaggy is based upon designs first sketched by Ruskin 130 years ago, and is said to represent Dante's Purgatorial Mount. Fully realised today in contemporary form, it allows you to begin your tour of the gardens by making an allegorical journey to Paradise!
The High Walk
The High Walk was created by Ruskin's cousin, Joan Severn, to provide a spectacular viewing terrace of some of the finest Lakeland scenery. Its neatly mown levels, colour and scent contrast with the Maple Walk below and the rugged fells beyond.
The Hortus Inclusus
The Hortus Inclusus is an enclosed garden of British native herbs, laid out in the form of a medieval manuscript. It explores the uses of over 200 herbs by habitat according to medicinal, culinary, cosmetic and aesthetic uses.
The Harbour Walk
The Harbour Walk was laid out by Ruskin's cousin, Joan Severn, as a formal walk, framed by sweetly scented azaleas that still bloom today. It borders the apple orchard grown particularly for its flowers, and the wild daffodil field beloved of Ruskin.
The Trellis Walk
The Trellis Walk, with its fine herbaceous planting, traces the historical significance of plants in British culture, from medieval times, via William Morris and the Victorians, to the present day.
The Professor's Garden
The Professor's Garden was Ruskin's favourite garden. It represented the lowly mountain crofter's plot and was dedicated to plants which were good for both body and soul. In it is the bee 'penthouse' and above is the slate throne of Ruskin's Seat.
The Fern Garden
The Fern Garden is a maze of over 250 different types of British native ferns which thrive in the woodland climate of Brantwood. The garden surrounds the ice house which was built in a cave excavated by local miners.
The Moorland Garden
The Moorland Garden was the site of a visionary experiment in upland agriculture, long since abandoned. It features terraces fashioned from the natural forms of the land and two resevoirs. Today it is presented as a blank canvas - a garden of questions, not flowers.
Watch out for......
Pink rhododendron:
Our spectacular 120 year old pink rhododendron is in flower and will be at its best from 16th April 2011 for 2 weeks. It is located in Brantwood's car park .
Azaleas:
Brantwood's large collection of azaleas are also beginning to flower and are particularly impressive in the lower gardens.
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Bluebells:
Blubells are now at their best and form a fabulous carpet through our woodland estate. Don't miss this wonderful sight.
Click below for monthly news from the estate team
Estate News February 2011
Estate News January 2011
Estate News December 2010
Estate News November 2010
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