Discover Brantwood in Bloom
There are few places in the Lake District where the gardens feel as alive and in tune with the landscape as they do here at Brantwood.
Once home to environmental visionary John Ruskin, this is a place where planting and nature blend together, creating a ‘living laboratory’ and a garden that changes beautifully through the seasons.
As a proud RHS partner garden, we have eight historical gardens to explore – each different from the next and all wonderfully connected by ancient woodlands and winding footpaths. With colourful meadows and a mix of rare, traditional and native plants including “Joan’s maples,” azaleas, rhododendrons and of course Wisteria, there’s so much to see here – and all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Coniston Water.
This year we are celebrating Brantwood in Bloom by highlighting Ruskin’s legacy of radical experimental gardening right here and encouraging everyone to enjoy our paradise of art and nature…
We’ve won Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026!
This is an extra special year as Brantwood’s Plant Heritage National Plant Collection of Wisteria (Dispersed) species and cultivars in partnership with Cumbria Wisteria (Fiona Butcher) has been awarded a prestigious Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The judges loved our quintessentially Lakeland garden, showing Wisteria thriving amongst the moss, ferns and slate we are so famous for here in the Lake District.
Also at Brantwood
John Ruskin’s House
Journey back in time to the 19th century and see how John Ruskin lived, discover his passions and inspirations, from his collections of books and drawings to paintings and manuscripts. Explore the fascinating rooms one by one and take in the view from the turret, one of Ruskin’s much loved additions to the house.
The Terrace Café
Where better to stop and enjoy the pure tranquillity of Brantwood than our Terrace Kitchen. A wonderful café offering creative and colourful dishes with fresh local ingredients. Serving brunch, lunch and plenty of beautiful cakes and pastries, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with our visitors all year round!
New Exhibition
Treasures of the Earth: The Mineral World of John Ruskin – in partnership with Lancaster University.
Ruskin was one of the largest private collectors of minerals in 19th Century. With loans of remarkable specimens, Treasures of the Earth explores his love of stones and their meaning to him.
WIN a beautiful Brantwood mini-break
Competition entry
Win a 2-night stay at The Eyrie, our stunning self-contained apartment with panoramic lake views, located in Brantwood itself. Immerse yourself in the beauty, colour and landscape that inspired John Ruskin through lake view windows overlooking our wonderful gardens towards Coniston Water. Your break will include access to Brantwood House and Gardens throughout your stay PLUS an exclusive VIP tour with Head Gardener, Simone Daye.
Winners can book their own dates to stay with us within the next 12 months subject to availability.
View our full terms and conditions. Entries close 30 June 2026, 12noon.
Visit Brantwood once and be welcomed back all year with our 12 month admission ticket, just £16.50 per person!
All under 16s go free and we offer free parking on site. Dogs are welcome throughout Brantwood, except museum areas of the house itself.
“We hope to inspire everyone one who gardens to push the boundaries of what can be grown and achieved no matter the size of their plot and the challenges of climate. Brantwood is dedicated to native and global plant heritage alike. It is vital to preserve biodiversity for the health of the planet. We can all play our part, and nature rewards us with great beauty when we do.”
A selection of the wonderful photos and videos of Brantwood used here have been supported by Westmorland and Furness Council UKSPF.