2 for 1 Gardens: Lake District delights

A sleeping beauty

For half a century Lowther Castle lay in ruins. It was only in 2008 that it was given a new lease of life, its gardens transformed by renowned designer Dan Pearson. The Gardenin-the-Ruins offers naturalistic planting that pays homage to the castle’s history. The latest addition is a rose garden in the shape of an English rose and inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty – it’s an apt tribute to the many years that the castle’s beauty remained dormant. 2 for 1 entry £12. Open All year, daily. Card not valid on event days, check before visiting. Full details at lowthercastle.org

Picnic with a poet

Walk in the footsteps of the most famous Lakeland poet, William Wordsworth. At Rydal Mount & Gardens you can visit the poet’s idyllic home – a part of the Lakes he once described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. With breath-taking views of Rydal Water and Windermere, it’s easy to see where he got his inspiration. There is even a picnic spot where you can enjoy the beauty of this wild and romantic informal garden. 2 for 1 entry £12.50 house & garden, £6 garden. Open All year except Jan, daily. Card not valid on event days – check before visiting. Full details at rydalmount.co.uk Ever tried geocaching? At Acorn Bank you can explore the parkland using a GPS app and discover hidden treasure! Track down the six concealed containers (or caches) and be surprised by the trinkets inside – if you take one, just leave your own little prize for the next person to find. The gardens themselves offer colourful borders, orchards and a herb garden with over 250 varieties of medicinal and culinary plants. 2 for 1 entry £9. Open 14 Mar- 4 Sep, daily, then 5 Sep-30 Oct, Thu-Mon. Full details at

nationaltrust.org.uk

Quite the cache!

Food for thought

Levens Hall is most famous for having the oldest topiary garden in the world. It also offers a delicious selection of food and drink. The kitchen café is worth a visit in itself, with its ‘estate to plate’ approach and seasonally inspired menu. Work up an appetite by exploring the amazing topiary, along with elegant rose and fountain gardens, a willow labyrinth and a wilderness. 2 for 1 entry £10.50 (plus £4 per person for house). Open 3 Apr- 6 Oct, Sun-Thu. Full details at

levenshall.co.uk

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 Use your 2 for 1 Entry Card from the May issue to visit gardens listed in the guide and in our directory  Missed the May issue or need additional 2 for 1 cards? You can buy copies of the May issue at

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Before you set off

Always check the garden’s website and the 2 for 1 Guide before visiting, as the card may not be valid on specific days and/or booking may be required. Note: 2 for 1 only available on Adult tickets.  Share images of your best garden visits using the hashtag #GW2for1