Visitors exploring the winter garden at Sizergh, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Gardens in the Lake District

A garden grown by Beatrix Potter, a riot of colour in castle grounds or an intriguing collection of culinary and medicinal herbs; the Lakes is known for dramatic country landscapes, but there are some fantastic gardens to explore, too.

Winter brings with it the chance to see National Trust gardens differently; from frozen ponds and skeletal acers to snowy views and frosty veg patches, you'll get a new perspective on nature. Here are the gardens which are currently open for you to visit.

Sizergh, Kendal

Feel inspired with a stroll through the gardens at Sizergh and find out what you’re likely to see growing here when you visit.

Frosty early morning overlooking the south lawn at Sizergh, Cumbria

Acorn Bank, near Penrith

The gardens are closed for winter, but we are hosting special weekend openings throughout February, when the snowdrops will be looking their best. Find more details here.

Snowdrops emerging underneath the apple trees in the orchard at Acorn Bank

Stagshaw Garden, Ambleside

Stagshaw's rambling paths and unusual combination of shrubs, trees and plants give this tranquil garden an enchanted feel, with views out to the lake and mountains beyond.

Bench with a view over Windermere Lake at Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside, Cumbria

High Close Estate and Arboretum, The Langdales

Head to the Langdales and discover rare trees and shrubs from around the world at High Close Estate and Arboretum.

Great Langdale from Silver Howe, Central and East Lakes

Many of our gardens are now closed for the winter, but you can get some inspiration and start planning your next visit here.

Hill Top

Discover Beatrix Potter's garden, restored to how it was in her time, with the carefully tended vegetable plot and views of the pretty cottage garden from the famous path.

Wordsworth House & Garden

Wordsworth House’s walled heritage garden, where William learned his love of nature, is filled with the colours, scents and sounds of the season.

A view of the herbaceous borders and gravelled path in early winter in the garden at Wordsworth House

Allan Bank

With rugged 19th century woodland grounds, formal lawns, exhibitions and surrounding countryside and lakes to explore, there’s plenty to see and do at Allan Bank and Grasmere. Closed for Winter - reopens March 2026

Two people in an exhibition room leaning over a table doing a printing activity.

Townend

Townend is a traditional Lake District farmhouse full of fascinating domestic objects and stories of the family who lived there. Step back in time and learn more about the Browne family and their lives.

A woman in period costume creating food on a table in an old farmhouse kitchen

Feel inspired with a whole host of gardens to visit across the north of England

Gardens in Liverpool and Lancashire

To gardens filled with history and colour at Speke Hall, to a peaceful garden with canal walks at Rufford Old Hall, discover gardens to explore this winter.

A multi-generational family of three adults and one child walk through the gardens at Speke Hall. They are dressed for winter and pushing a pram.

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Manchester

From the woodland garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, discover winter gardens in bloom in this corner of the North West.

Exploring the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Top Gardens in the North East

Embrace frosty mornings, glistening landscapes, and tranquil woodland walks across historic estates and dramatic scenery. From snow-dusted gardens to crisp, clear views, experience the serene beauty and seasonal magic that winter brings.

An elevated view of the Walled Garden at Wallington, Northumberland, on a frosty winter's day

Gardens and parks in Yorkshire

Enjoy Yorkshire's winter gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the gardens within a garden at Wentworth Castle Gardens, pathways and borders at Nostell, and the Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough.