Hutton in the Forest

Hutton in the Forest (Jo Turner / geograph.org.uk)
The grand stately home of Hutton-In-The-Forest lies on the eastern edge of the Lake District in an area known as Inglewood Forest, where, if Arthurian legend is to be believed, the great King once enjoyed a mighty victory over a rather terrifying boar.
The house has remained under the ownership of the same family since 1605 and many of the family treasures are on display in a selection of exquisite rooms that are open to the public.
In addition, there are extensive grounds that make a perfect venue for a gentle summer’s day walk.
Planning Your Visit
History
Like many stately homes in Cumbria, Hutton-In-The-Forest began as a Pele Tower, which were built by powerful families in northern England in defence from raiding Scots. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but there are references to the tower in texts dating back to 1292, when its first owners, the de Hoton family, were visited by King Edward I.
In 1605, the de Hotons sold the property to Richard Fletcher, a merchant from Cockermouth who would later become a knight of the realm. It is his descendants that still own the property to this day, with the current owners being Lord and Lady Inglewood.
Various wings were added to the original tower in the 17th century, with extensive restoration and remodelling works taking place in the 19th century, which is why the property appears to have a mixture of architectural styles.
Things To See
There are several rooms open to the public, brimming with furniture, artwork, antiques and tapestries collected by the family during the last four centuries. The original Pele Tower features medieval weaponry to give visitors an idea of how it might have appeared during the time of raiders and border skirmishes.
Rooms such as the Dining Room, the Gallery, and the Hall are filled with oil paintings of notable figures from the property’s past, whilst bedrooms provide a fascinating insight into the lives of historic wealthy figures. Throughout the property you can see magnificent wood carvings, items from the Arts and Crafts period, and early William Morris wallpapers, popular amongst the Victorian elite.
Outside visitors are welcome to explore the carefully maintained gardens that include large parklands, a walled garden, a rhododendron garden, and woodland that is home to wildlife, such as the Red Squirrel and Roe Deer. The gardens host events throughout the summer, including plant and food fairs and vintage car shows.
Useful Information
- There is a small tea room at the property serving light lunches and beverages.
- The lower ground of the property and the gardens are accessible by wheelchair.
- Private tours are available for groups of 30 or more if booked in advance.