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Thomas Mawson Gardens

Thomas Mawson Gardens

At Rydal Hall

Situated in the heart of the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage site, Rydal Hall estate has developed from the 1600s until the present day with formal gardens, woodlands and iconic landmarks to explore. Designed and built by renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson, the formal gardens are a fine example of Arts and Crafts design in a wonderful setting.

The Grot, or grotto, was built in 1668 by Sir Daniel Fleming and designed as a place to frame and enjoy the spectacular Rydal Falls. It is one of Britain’s earliest examples of a viewing station. William Wordsworth was particularly fond of the Grot, writing about it in one of his earlier poems ‘An Evening Walk’ and visiting with his nephew shortly before his death.

The Quiet Garden is a secluded area of woodland, with ponds and paths leading to Rydal Beck; a place for peace and reflection. Please know that we have limited access in the Formal and Quiet Garden, due to the number of steps.

Rydal Mount

As a guest of Rydal Hall you will receive 10% off in all Rydal Mount experiences. More information can be found below.

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Opening Hours

The gardens and estate are open daily throughout the year. 

Entry Fee

Entry is free, although donations towards garden maintenance and development are greatly appreciated.

Parking

Day Parking is available – Ask at Reception for charges & parking permits. Please note, we can’t always guarantee parking availability.

Dogs

All dogs are welcome but must be on a lead on the premises due to wild stock. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

Treasures To Be Found

  • Red Squirrel Conservation Project
  • Rydal Hall estate is part of the Red Squirrel Conservation Project and is home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife. One relic of the Rydal Hall estate - the sweet chestnut tree - is thought to have been part of the original plantings on the estate, dating back over 400 or 500 years depending on who you ask!
  • Hydro Electric Power
  • Rydal Hall has been generating its own hydro-electric power for over 100 years. The £2m project saw the turbine upgraded, enabling a display of part of the original turbine to be created, which illustrates our commitment to green energy long before it became fashionable.
  • Sculptures & Art Instalations
  • There is a long history of art and artists being inspired by Rydal Hall and the surrounding valley. We have a range of sculptures and art installations throughout the grounds which can be explored by wandering around or by following one of our sculpture paths, all of which mysteriously lead back to the Cafe!
Rydal Hall Gardens

We're Featured In...

We are very proud that our stunning gardens are featured in the Lakeland Horticultural magazine and on the Great British Gardens website.

Great British Gardens
Lakeland Horticultural Magazine
Natural Beauty In The Lake District

Over 30 Acres Of Garden & Woodland

Rydal Hall is set in over thirty acres of garden, woodland and natural beauty in the Lake District. And Scattered around the grounds are various sculptures and other points of interest – making it fascinating to explore!

Rydal Hall works to enhance and protect its beautiful environment and has always welcomed creative partnerships. Our stunning setting and grounds have a history of inspiring creative people and we continue to value that interaction.

Rydal Hall And The Arts

As well as an annual residential arts programme which ranges from icon painting to photography we enjoy acting as hosts for a number of self-organised groups from orchestras and singing schools to spinners, weavers and dyers. Do contact our office if you are interested in any of the above. The Cafe is the venue for a variety of exhibitions and artists associated with those are often to be found on site demonstrating their skills. Sculptures in different materials can be found throughout the estate and we invite you to explore, enjoy and respect them.

Sculpture Path

Rydal Hall welcomed the introduction of an unusual sculpture path into its woodland over a decade ago & has been privileged to receive many donations of sculptures in metal, stone, wood & ceramics. Most of the textile work has been created by designer Dianne Standen who has been inspired by the dynamic forms that arise from the movement of air & water such as spirals, vortices and droplets..

Our Environment

Rydal Beck threads through woodland in a cascade of waterfalls and has been used as a source of natural energy, hydropower, by the Rydal Estate for nearly 100 years. (You are welcome to walk up the waterfalls and through the adjoining woods on a circular route but please be advised paths can be slippery and steep so suitable footwear and care are advised.) We take our environment responsibility seriously and encourage our visitors to join with us in our efforts to reduce our impact on this stunning part of the UK.

Wild Pond Project

Originally inspired by a broken tree, this special area behind the Cafe has been created over two years by one of our volunteers for one reason: to atttract a variety of wildlife to Rydal. The three ponds are interlinked letting water directed from the fells above to flow from one to the next via an aqueduct. Water is vital for many insects and mammals to thive in our woodland. The lower wetland is a bog designed to retain moisture which supports water-loving plants such as bulrushes and flag iris.

Bluebells

Bluebells around the oldest and largest Sweet Chestnut Tree in Cumbria (600-year-old). It was planted before the Hall was built. To find it, walk past the Cafe, go over the bridge and up the steps that lead to the campsite's toilets. Walk straight through the grounds and the tree can be seen straight ahead. The size of this tree is remarkable and is set in a place with lots of history.

Wild Garlic In The Grounds

The wild garlic season starts in late winter and peaks towards the end of Spring, making the month of May the perfect time to visit Rydal for wild garlic lovers. The smell is very subtle and not overpowering. Just note that the woodland you are walking in is ancient when wild garlic grows. To find it, if you are driving, as you go through the big gate, turn right and park at the bottom of the hill. If you are on foot, from the bottom of the road, walk up the hill until you see the metal gate on your right; go through it, and you will find yourself in a stunning white and green field.
Sculpture Designer

Dianne Standen

“My work is largely created from reused materials and woll which weathers with the seasons. This means it is constantly changing and evolving with many pieces providing habitats for insect and fungal life. Most importantly the textiles are designed to blend with the natural environment and encourage exploration of the stunning natural forms, vegetation and mosses throughout the estate.”
Staying At Rydal

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With Ensuite bedrooms, cottages, a campsite and cafe set within 30 acres of the stunning Lake District, Rydal Hall is a truly unique place to spend time.

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The Cafe At Rydal

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A place of Christian hospitality, tranquility and renewal. Accomodation, event space and cafe set within 30 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands and waterfalls in the heart of the English Lake District.

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