Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
About
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, perched on the edge of the Lake District, blends medieval, Tudor and early Georgian architecture with an award-winning plant collection. The 2,000‑acre estate sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts the internationally renowned Dalemain World Marmalade Awards each year, where chefs and amateur bakers compete for the coveted golden jar. Visitors stroll through manicured gardens, explore historic rooms and sample homemade marmalade, teas and local produce in the tearoom, all while enjoying views of the surrounding high fells. The mansion is open for guided walk‑through tours, while the gardens offer free self‑guided walks and special events such as garden days, foraging courses and seasonal festivals. An inclusive experience for visitors of all ages, Dalemain provides wheelchair access to the gardens, a mobility scooter on request, and free parking for the adjoining car park. Children under twelve enter at no charge and historic house members receive free access to both the gardens and mansion on special days. Seasonally, the estate reaches full splendour from late May through September when spring bulbs and summer roses bloom, yet the shoulder months of early spring and early autumn attract quieter crowds and allow visitors to appreciate the estate without the peak‑season bustle.
Highlights
- Award-Winning Gardens
- Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival
- Historic Mansion and Art Collection
- Lake District Views from the Estate
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late May to September, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is most pleasant, though the shoulder months of early spring and early autumn offer quieter visits.
Pros & Cons
What visitors love
- Breathtaking Garden
- Friendly & Knowledgeable Guides
- Delicious Tearoom & Marmalade
- Accessible for Families
- Unique Events and Festivals
Things to consider
- Limited Wheelchair Access
- Peak‑Season Crowds
What people are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & pricing
Garden – Adult
£12.00
Garden – Teenager
£10.00
Garden – Child
£0.00
Friend of Dalemain
£37.00
Historic Houses Member
£0.00
RHS Member
£0.00