Morland House and Gardens
Ancient Cumbrian house and gardens and home to the Markham family since 1828
Morland, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3AZ
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Bike storage facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Facilities for children
-
Free parking
-
Garden only
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
The garden, set on a number of levels, has many stone steps which may be slippery in wet weather. The gravel paths are difficult for wheel chair users.
Morland House is a former Tudor vicarage lived in by the Markham family since 1828. The four acres of magical gardens reflect the changing tastes of successive generations.
Described as ‘a hidden secret in the heart of the tranquil Eden Valley’ (Tim Longville, Cumbria Life) the first impression is one of extensive lawns, colourful herbaceous borders and walled rose garden with views to the Pennines. Then comes the surprise. A flight of stone steps leads down to a lower garden laid out around Morland Beck fed by a high ‘force’ gushing water into a shady pool below. Crossing the beck by the wooden foot bridge, visitors reach a secret wonderland where nature runs riot – a Victorian rock garden created out of a former quarry complete with fountain, grotto and cliff top walk towering overhead. The circular walk returns via the steppingstones and Lion Steps to the croquet lawns.
Starting with snowdrops and aconites in January and February, there are extensive daffodils in March and tulips in April and May. June is the month for the rose garden, and the herbaceous borders flourish from July to October. The garden trail will keep all ages entertained.
How to find us: Morland House is in the heart of the village with the front gates and driveway leading from the village square, opposite the pub and next door to the Millyard cafe (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
The main part of the house and private garden is available to rent for exclusive use for up to 19 guests. Ideal for family celebrations and special occasions with friends. www.morlandhouse.net
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
The gardens are open every day of the year from 10 – 5. Historic Houses members must sign in to enjoy free, unlimited visits.
The House is not open for visitors. The entire house sleeps up to 19 guests in comfort, and is available to rent on an exclusive self-catering basis. Perfect for entertaining in style or celebrating significant occasions. See www.morlandhouse.net
Adults – £5
Cash in donation box or online via www.morlandhousegardens.com
U12s, Historic Houses members and Season ticket holders – free
Payment by cash in donation box
Or online.
Historic Houses members register by Plant Stall. Middle courtyard, to right hand side under arch.
Pre-arranged group visits can include a talk from the Head Gardener.
For all enquiries please email Julia Evans, the house manager
julia.evans@morlandhouse.net
The garden, set on a number of levels, has many stone steps which may be slippery in wet weather. The gravel paths are difficult for wheel chair users.
Getting here
Morland, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3AZ
To get to Morland:
From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 39 (Shap), pass though Shap village and take the second turn right, signposted Morland. On entering Morland follow the road down the hill and the drive entrance is at the bottom of the hill on the left.
From the north, leave the M6 at Junction 40 (Penrith), and take the A66 east for half a mile to the roundabout and then right on the A6 to Shap. Pass though Eamont Bridge and then take the second left, signposted Morland. After 4 miles, in Cliburn village, turn right to Morland and on entering the village follow the road down the hill. The drive entrance is at the bottom of the hill on the left.
From the east, take the A66 from Scotch Corner and turn left 1 mile after the end of the Appleby bypass, down a road signposted to Bolton and Cliburn. After Bolton village, take the first left and then the first right, signposted Morland. On entering the village cross the bridge into the village square, and the drive entrance is on the right.
By train, Penrith is the closest station, on the West Coast Main Line – 3 hours from London or 1½ hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh. If train travellers cannot be collected by other members of their party, a taxi to Morland House will cost approximately £25.00. There is a list of numbers in the station waiting room, or call Beacon Taxis on (01768) 895969 or Penrith Taxis on (01768) 899298. Coming from Yorkshire, Appleby station (on the beautiful Settle to Carlisle line) is another option.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £68 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.