Holker Hall and Gardens

Historic Houses & Building

The confidence, spaciousness and prosperity of Victorian style on its grandest scale.

HOLKER HALL, home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, shows the confidence, spaciousness and prosperity of Victorian style on its grandest scale. The New Wing, built by the 7th Duke of Devonshire (1871-4), replaced a previous wing totally destroyed by fire. Workmanship throughout is of the highest quality, particularly the detailed interior carving and linenfold panelling. Despite this grand scale, Holker is very much a family home. Visitors can wander freely throughout the New Wing. Photographs, beautiful floral displays and bowls of scented pot pourri create the warm and friendly atmosphere so often remarked upon by visitors. Varying in period and style, Louis XV pieces happily mix with the Victorian. Pictures range from an early copy of the famous triple portrait of Charles I by Van Dyck to a modern painting by Douglas Anderson. gardens Christie's/HHA Garden of the Year (1991), includes formal and woodland areas covering 24 acres. Designated "amongst the best in the world in terms of design and content" by the Good Gardens Guide. This wonderful Italianate-cum-English garden includes a lime-stone cascade, a fountain, a rose garden and many rare and beautiful plants and shrubs. Holker is also home to the Holker Garden Festival held from 4 - 6 June. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES SUMMER: 1 April - 31 October Daily except Sat 10am - 6pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Winter 1 November - 31 March Closed