Levens Hall

Perfect for both rainy days and summer afternoons, Levens Hall with its outstanding gardens and beautifully maintained Elizabethan buildings is a delight for visitors.

With part of the building still lived in by the owners, Hal and Susie Bagot, this family home gives visitors a fascinating insight into days gone by with its collection of artwork and other items.

The Hall is located just south of Kendal in the Kent Valley and is a great day out for the family.

History

In response to continuing threats from the Scots, a Pele (or Peel) tower was constructed on the site of Levens Hall in around 1350. In the late sixteenth century the Bellingham family made the tower their home and expanded around it to create Levans Hall. Many of the original plasterwork and wood carving from this time can be seen today.

Further additions were made in the seventeenth century by Colonel James Grahme who bought the house in 1689 and work began on the award winning gardens under the supervision of gardener Guillaume Beaumont. The original layout of the gardens has largely remained throughout the years and can be explored in detail today.

The house has remained in the ownership of the same family since, having briefly played host to a group of nuns during the Second World War. The current owners opened up the house for visitors adding a number of facilities including a tea room, office suite, and garden centre.

Things To See

Take a stroll through the house and you will see an astonishing collection of historical artefacts and artwork. In the Great Hall you will find exquisite plasterwork, armour from the civil war period, and artwork by St Peter Paul Rubens.

The Drawing Room features an elaborate carved wooden fireplace, whilst the bedrooms are a treasure trove of items and portraits. You may even spot one of the resident ghosts, including the "Grey Lady", a small black dog, and the late Oliver Robin Bagot, previous owner.

Outside there are ten-acres of gardens to explore, laid out as the original designer, Guillaume Beaumont intended. Impressive topiary figures have been created from box and yew. There’s an orchard, flowerbeds, a rose garden, herb and vegetable gardens, fountains, meadows and lawns. Children will love the Willow Labyrinth and the play area, and there are plenty of spots for picnics.

Useful Information

Hot and cold meals, drinks, and cakes can be enjoyed in the Bellingham Buttery. Gifts and other items can be purchased in the Potting Shed Shop, whilst plants can be purchased in the plant centre.

The gardens, tea rooms, and shops are fully accessibly for wheelchair users. Due to the historic nature of the house, the house is not accessible but a DVD is played on a loop in the Bellingham Buttery that allows you to see the contents of all of the rooms open to the public.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased for either entrance to the house and gardens or to the gardens only. A group discount is available for groups of twenty or more.

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