A view through the gates of the copper beech tree along the front of Acorn Bank — A view through the gates at the front of Acorn Bank | © National Trust/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.

As autumn evolves, walk beneath the changing colours of Sizergh's famous acers, see what's ready to harvest from the vegetable patch at Hill Top or sample some of the 175 apple varieties growing in the orchards at Acorn Bank.

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.

A family of four stand on the other side of a small lake surrounding by autumn foliage looking around them and into the water

Acorn Bank, near Penrith

Potter around the fascinating garden at Acorn Bank. The garden boasts over 275 varieties of herbs as well as hot beds, vegetable patches and traditional fruit orchards.

Orchards in the foreground with a house in the distance

Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead

Discover Beatrix Potter's farmhouse garden, restored to how it was in her time and spot features which appear in some of her little white books.

Image shows autumnal mist framing the last of the magenta flowering roses on the trellis at Hill Top as colder night draw in

Wordsworth House & Garden, Cockermouth

Explore this bright and beautiful walled riverside garden which was once William Wordsworth’s secret childhood playground. Today, it's filled with the colours, scents and sounds of summer.

Bright yellow flowers stand tall against red rosehips and green foliage

Allan Bank, Grasmere

Wander up from Grasmere village to see what's growing in the vegetable garden. Enjoy sweeping views from the formal lawns out across the lake to the fells beyond and keep an eye out for red squirrels in the woodland.

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

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

Sizergh's Rock Garden

Head to the Rock Garden at Sizergh to experience the acers light up against moody autumn skies. As the days shorten and temperatures lower, they put on a final display before the winter, burning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow .

A family in winter coats look out between autumn leaves to pond, with blue sky reflected in its water

Acorn Bank's orchards

Fruit is the standout reason to visit Acorn Bank throughout the autumn months, with orchards filled with apples, pears, damsons and quince. It is home to over 175 varieties of apple alone, including rare, local varieties, which can be taken home in return for a small donation.

Views from Allan Bank

The garden and woodland are changing into their autumn finery in every shade of red, brown and gold. The view across to the lake changes with the light; as the sun sits lower in the sky, the bracken clad fells surrounding Grasmere turn to burnished copper.

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