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Places of interest #5 in Penrith, Cumbria

Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens

4.4 · 615 reviews
A serene and scholarly historic estate.
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Estate Office, Dalemain, Penrith CA11 0HB, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The mansion serves as the permanent home of the World's Original Marmalade Awards, attracting thousands of international entries annually.

2

The house features a 16th-century 'knot garden' design element, reflecting traditional Renaissance gardening layouts.

3

Parts of the current structure incorporate walls dating back to the 12th century, originally constructed as a fortified pele tower.

4

The estate boasts a specialized collection of over 200 varieties of heritage apple trees.

5

The dining room contains a notable example of a 'grotto' style fireplace from the 18th century.

6

The family has maintained ownership through uninterrupted patrilineal descent for over 340 years.

Overview

Dalemain Mansion is a historic country house located in the Lake District, featuring a blend of medieval, Tudor, and early Georgian architecture. The estate is globally recognized as the headquarters of the World Marmalade Awards and Festival. The house has been the seat of the Hasell family since 1679. Visitors can explore grand state rooms featuring fine art, period furniture, and ancestral family portraits. The surrounding five-acre gardens include a rare collection of ancient apple trees and a woodland walk. The grounds encompass a working deer park, which remains a prominent feature of the local landscape. The mansion interior showcases a unique transition of architectural styles across several centuries of occupation. The estate actively curates an extensive archive documenting its long-standing rural history.

Photo spot

The view of the mansion facade framed by the tiered terraces in the lower gardens.

Insider tips

Check the event calendar specifically if visiting in the spring to align with the peak of the Marmalade Festival activities.

Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear if planning to explore the lower garden paths and the woodland trail near the river.

Combine the house tour with the tearoom visit, as many ingredients are sourced directly from the estate's kitchen garden.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk the entire estate grounds in standard street shoes, as the terrain near the river can be muddy.

Good to know

The mansion and gardens are seasonal and typically closed during the winter months.

Etiquette

Photography is restricted inside the house interior; maintain quiet decorum in the historic state rooms.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer to experience the garden flora in full bloom and milder weather for walking the estate.
Address
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Estate Office, Dalemain, Penrith CA11 0HB, United Kingdom
54.634, -2.811
Get directions
Details
Key attractionsWorld Marmalade Awards headquarters, 16th-century Knot Garden, and Medieval Pele Tower

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer to experience the garden flora in full bloom and milder weather for walking the estate..

The view of the mansion facade framed by the tiered terraces in the lower gardens.

Close by you'll find Lowther Castle & Gardens, The Quiet Site, Aira Force.