Gresgarth Hall Gardens have been developed by Arabella Lennox Boyd – an internationally renowned garden designer of Italian origins – who moved to the Hall in 1978 with her husband Mark Lennox-Boyd. Although the hall dates from the 14th Century, development of the gardens only began in 1980 after he Lennox-Boyds took ownership. The Hall is a private residence and is not open to the public, however the gardens are open to visitors, but only on a single Sunday each month, with a £10 entry fee. To check opening dates, it is necessary to check the Gresgarth Gardens website or Facebook Page. There are formal gardens and a large lily pond lose to the house. Across a small river – Artle Beck – there are extensive woodlands, with sculptures and buildings dotted about, so there is plenty to explore, and lots of photographic opportunities.
Location and Parking
Post Code: LA2 9NB
Gresgarth Gardens are located near the village of Caton, which is 2 miles east of Junction 34 on the M6, along the A683. On reaching Caton, turn right along Quernmore Road, to reach the gardens in just under 1 mile, where there is plenty of parking for visitors.
Gresgarth Hall
The Hall dates from the 14th Century and was originally a fortified residence, however it was re-modelled in a more Gothic style during the 18th Century. There is a good view of the hall from the entrance, across a formal lawn area, but the best view is across the large lily pond, which almost comes up to the house.
Gresgarth Hall
Gresgarth Hall And Lily Pond
Gresgarth Hall And Lily Pond
Boating On The Lily Pond
One of the features of Gresgarth Gardens are the large number of specimen trees and bushes, which form a backdrop for the pond. A number of these have spectacular autumn colour.
The Lily Pond
Autumn Colour At Gresgarth
An ornamental bridge leads across Artle Beck to an arboretum area which extends up the wooded hillside. There are numerous statues and building relics to add some interest.
The Gresgarth Folly
There are also many opportunities for close-ups of the flowers in the herbaceous borders.
Gresgarth Flowers
Gresgarth Flowers
There is an old mill on the site, which has been converted into a cafe. Nearby, there is evidence of the work that goes into maintaining the gardens, though when the gardens are open to visitors, it looks like the gardeners have a day off.
Gardener’s Day Off
It is easy to spend a full day exploring the gardens, and visits in different seasons will show off a different aspect of the gardens, however our visits have been in the autumn, when some of the deciduous trees and buses look at their best.