Levens Hall and Gardens
Just 11 miles east of Grange-over-Sands, close to Kendal, stands Levens Hall — one of Cumbria‘s finest Elizabethan houses.
It’s a place where centuries of history, world-famous gardens, and a few ghost stories all sit side by side.
A House Built on Deeper Foundations
The mansion you see today grew up around a 13th-century pele tower, built as protection during the turbulent border conflicts of the period.
That defensive core is still at the heart of the house, now wrapped in Elizabethan grandeur.
Step inside and you’ll find a genuine treasure trove: fine panelling and plasterwork, valuable paintings and silver, and Jacobean furniture that includes several pieces by the renowned Lancaster firm of Gillow.
Among the more unusual items on display is a bee-shaped clasp taken from Napoleon’s cloak after Waterloo and later gifted to the Duke of Wellington — a small but striking link between this quiet corner of Cumbria and one of history’s most famous battles.
Like many historic buildings of its age, Levens Hall requires constant care — structural repairs to the leaking roof of the north tower are currently underway to protect the house for future generations.
The Topiary Gardens
Levens Hall‘s real claim to fame is its topiary garden, laid out in 1692 by Colonel James Grahme, who brought in the celebrated garden designer Monsieur Beaumont for the job.
Remarkably, the design has barely changed since — many of the original box and yew trees planted over 300 years ago are still growing today, now shaped into more than 100 sculpted, whimsical forms across the grounds.
A Living Estate
Levens Hall has spent the last decade evolving from a traditional stately home into a fuller heritage destination.
The opening of Levens Kitchen — an on-site café and bakery serving locally sourced food — reflects a wider push toward sustainability, both environmental and financial, helping the estate become more self-sufficient while staying rooted in its local community.
With a goal of around 40,000 visitors a year, the income from those visits goes directly back into preserving the house and its historic gardens, balancing the estate’s long history with a genuinely modern, sustainable outlook.
The Curse of the White Stag
Levens Hall’s history isn’t only told through architecture and gardens — it also carries a darker, stranger tale.
One stormy night, a gypsy woman making her way toward Kendal found herself still miles from safety as darkness fell. Cold, starving and soaked through, she spotted a warm light glowing ahead and followed it to the door of Levens Hall.
Inside, a grand feast was underway — platters of meat, steaming dishes, laughter and candlelight.
Hoping for nothing more than scraps and a corner of the stable to sleep in, she knocked. But the butler who answered turned her away without mercy, threatening to set the dogs on her.
As she was driven from the door, the woman cursed the household: no male heir would ever be born at Levens Hall until the River Kent ran dry and a white stag was born in the park.
She died that night from cold and hunger.
A second version of the story ties the curse to the killing of a white buck in the park some decades later.
The gamekeeper ordered to shoot it is said to have refused, calling it as bad as robbing a church — but another man carried out the order in his place.
From then on, misfortune dogged the family, and the keeper always blamed the death of the white buck.
Whatever its true origin, the curse seemed to hold.
For generations, the estate passed sideways — father to nephew, brother to cousin — never father to son.
Then, in 1895, the River Kent froze solid, and that same year a pale fawn was born in Levens Park.
Months later, in February 1896, the Bagot family finally welcomed a baby boy.
White fawns born in the park were long taken as omens of change at Levens Hall, said to have foretold a lord’s return from the Crimean War, a general’s death, a wedding, and finally that long-awaited birth.
Levens Hall’s deer park is thought to be one of the oldest in Britain, and its fallow deer — including the rare, piebald Bagot goats — still roam the grounds today, a living link to the legend.
Planning Your Visit
Opening times: Levens Hall and Gardens are open 27 March to 8 November 2026, seven days a week.
Gardens: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM).
House: 11:00 AM–3:30 PM (last entry 3:00 PM).
Admission (2026 prices):
House & Gardens — Adult £16.45, Child (5–16) £5.50, Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) £41.00
Gardens Only — Adult £12.45, Child £4.50, Family £31.00
Food: Levens Kitchen serves drinks and cakes from 9:30 AM and hot food from 10:00 AM, with last orders at 4:00 PM.
For families: There’s a children’s play area and a willow labyrinth in the gardens, plus the nearby Levens Deer Park, where you can walk the trails and spot black fallow deer and rare Bagot goats.
Where to Stay near Levens and Kendal
Looking for a pet-friendly base for your visit?
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, in the peaceful setting of Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, is ideally placed for exploring both Levens Hall and the wider Lake District — perfect for couples, families, or anyone after a relaxing retreat.
Contact us for more information on 07785944194 or enquire here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. What are the opening times for Levens Hall and Gardens?
Opening times: Levens Hall and Gardens are open 27 March to 8 November 2026, seven days a week.
Gardens: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM).
House: 11:00 AM–3:30 PM (last entry 3:00 PM).
2. How much does it cost to visit Levens Hall and Gardens?
Admission prices for 2026 are:
House & Gardens: Adult £16.45, Child (5–16) £5.50, Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) £41.00
Gardens Only: Adult £12.45, Child £4.50, Family £31.00
3. What makes the topiary gardens at Levens Hall special?
Levens Hall is home to the world’s oldest topiary gardens, dating back to 1694. Created by Guillaume Beaumont, these gardens feature over 100 sculpted yews and boxwoods, with designs ranging from abstract forms to animals. The layout has remained largely unchanged for more than 300 years.
4. Are there dining options available on-site?
Yes, Levens Kitchen is located on-site and serves a range of meals, cakes, and drinks. It opens daily, with drinks and cakes available from 9:30 AM and hot food served from 10:00 AM until the last orders at 4:00 PM.
5. Is Levens Hall suitable for families with children?
Definitely. There’s a dedicated children’s play area and a fun willow labyrinth in the gardens. Families can also enjoy the nearby Levens Deer Park, which features walking trails and the chance to spot black fallow deer and rare Bagot goats.
6. Where to Stay?
There are several accommodation options nearby, but a great choice is our holiday cottage at Kents Bank Holiday. Located in a peaceful setting in Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, with easy access to Levens Hall and the Lake District, it’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing base for their visit. To enquire, ring 07785944194 or click here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay. Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.