Group Itinerary: Gardens of Eden

A choice of two very different gardens to start this day of garden exploration...Acorn Bank or Lowther Castle and Gardens.  Visit Acorn Bank with its collection of herbs and woodland riverside walk. Or explore Lowther Castle and Gardens to experience the vast restoration project being undertaken on this unique and precious part of the Lake District.

Enjoy a lunch stop in Penrith. Explore Penrith and Eden Museum, the Penrith Castle ruins. There are town trails to follow if you have time. Enjoy some time browsing the town’s fascinating speciality shops.

Explore the historic Hutton-in-the-Forest - a beautiful house with fine collections of furniture,
ceramics, tapestry and portraits.  Explore the gardens and the interesting topiary.   

10am - Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill is a National Trust property best known for its outstanding collection of medicinal and culinary herbs. The walled garden also contain traditional orchards and mixed borders. Beyond the walls, wooded riverside walks lead to the partially restored watermill.
Location: 1 mile from Temple Sowerby (midway between Penrith and Appleby on A66). 
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/acorn-bank

or 10am - Lowther Castle and Gardens

Lowther Castle and Gardens lay abandoned for 70 years and in 2011 opened for the first time since 1938 and is an ongoing major restoration project.  Visitors can follow simple routes through the 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces.

Location: Situated just off the A6, near the village of Hackthorpe less than 15 minutes from the M6, (Junctions 39 and 40) and 15 minutes from Penrith. 
Website: www.lowthercastle.org

12.30pm - Lunch in Penrith

Enjoy lunch in Penrith and a walk around this charming market town and a bite to eat. Park the coach at Sandgate Car Park, which has toilet facilities and is only a few moments walk from the town centre.

2.30pm - Hutton in the Forest

Visit Hutton in the Forest - the romantic and historic home of Lord and Lady Inglewood, with beautiful walled gardens, topiary terraces and a woodland walk.
Website: www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

All group visits should be pre-booked with individual attractions. For more information and assistance please contact Penrith TIC.