Dalemain House & Gardens
- ️Tue Nov 19 2024
: Penrith
Dalemain Historic House and Gardens, home to the annual Dalemain World Marmalade Festival, is a fine stately home with a beautiful Georgian facade of dressed pink stone. It stands in 5 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, and both the house and the gardens are open to the public.
The first thing you’ll discover about Dalemain is that it is not quite what it seems. A defensive pele tower was constructed here in the 12th century. A hall was built onto the tower converting it into a manor house. During Elizabeth I’s reign, two wings were added to the hall. The impressive Georgian Facade is just that – a facade added to the Elizabethan part of the house in the middle of the 18th century.
Little is known of the early history of the building until it was bought in 1680 by Sir Edward Hasell, the steward of Lady Anne Clifford. The Hasell family has lived here ever since. In a small room in the pele tower are various pictures and objects associated with Lady Anne, including the last volume of her diary.
Some parts of the house are a glorious confusion of winding passages, quaint stairways, unexpected rooms – the sort of house children love to play in. Part of the charm of Dalemain is that it is still very much a family home, still occupied by the same family who have lived here for more than 300 years.
Dalemain has its fair share of grand public rooms, including the Chinese Room, with its original hand-painted wallpaper, furniture and fittings. You will find many examples of fine furniture and portraits.
The house is complemented by its magnificent park. The gardens have many rare plants and over 100 old-fashioned roses. Near the fountain behind the house stands a Greek Fir, the biggest of its kind in the UK. There are also some old Walnut trees, some fine Spanish Chestnuts and a 200 year old Tulip tree.
Annual events at Dalemain
- June: Dalemain Plant Fair
- September: Dalemain Harvest Festival
Visitor Information
There is a Medieval Hall Tearoom and a gift shop with antiques & plant sales, and three museums within the grounds.
Dalemain is one of the gardens in Cumbria with free entry for RHS Members at specific times of the year.
3 interesting random facts about Dalemain House and Gardens
- The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards started in 2005 with the goal of finding the best marmalade in the world.
- The old hall dates back to the 12th century, with wings added in the 16th century.
- There is evidence of a Saxon settlement at the site where Dalemain now stands.
2024 Opening Hours
- www.dalemain.com/opening-times
- Gardens and tearoom are open.
- Mansion opens again Sunday 02 April 2023
2024 Admission
- Mansion (with a tour) & Gardens Adults £16.50 / Seniors and children (13-18) £14.50 / Children under 12 FREE
- Gardens Only: Adults £11.50 / Seniors £9.50 / Under 12s FREE
- Historic Houses Members: FREE (except on special event days)
- Parking is free
Penrith, CA11 0HB. Tel 017684 86450. E-mail : marketing@dalemain.com
Website: www.dalemain.com
Popular pages:
Menu :
- Houses & Gardens to Visit
- Places to Visit
- Pele Towers
- Lady Anne Clifford
- East Lakes Area of Cumbria Menu
Grid Ref : NY 478269
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