Make Levens Number One On Your Must-Yew List

What should you be putting on your must-yew list, if you are a keen gardener wanting to box clever? A trip to see the world’s oldest topiary garden must surely be up there? How about learning all about the use of ha-has, by seeing the oldest English example of one?

Or maybe even heading to this garden in September, to see cherry pickers and other equipment in action and witness how the massive 330-year-old topiary trees are clipped and kept in shape, as the ‘annual trim’ begins.

The garden offering all of this is at Levens Hall and Gardens, near Kendal in the southern Lake District. The topiary garden dates back to 1694 and is an official Guinness World Record holder. It is full of old-English charm, mingledwith an Alice in Wonderland quality that brings surprises at every turn. That might be through spotting the two massive Umbrella trees, a bird, the Top Hat, Toppling Wedding Cake, or even Homer Simpson.

With over 100 pieces of yew and boxwood to enthral you, in a variety of hues and shapes, and the scent of David Austin old English roses wafting on the breeze, it’s hard to leave behind the magical enthralment existing in this part of the garden. But, if you do, you will also see a 300-year-old beech hedge, be able to wander into the secluded Beech Circle th

You will be able to explore the orchard, revel in fabulous double herbaceous borders in a variety of bold and pastel hues and stumble upon the ancient ha-ha. Relaxing minutes can be spent by theFountain Garden,celebrating its 30thanniversary year and do look out for the nuttery and, this year, artworks hidden around the gardens.

But there are other amazing things to see atLevens Hall and Gardens for your bucket list, not just your must-yew list. Where else can you see the bee clasp that Napoleon was wearing just prior to the Battle of Waterloo, or the gloves the Duke of Wellington wore on that day? How about the chocolate service (for the pouring of hot chocolate) that Napoleon had ordered for his mother but was unable to pick up, having suffered defeat on the battlefield. Or maybe his saddle from his Egyptian campaign, or even the Duke of Wellington’s campaign bed?

If you’ve never seen Spanish leather used as wallpaper, this is the place. And how about the earliest English patchwork? It could also be the only venue you will ever find that has the Ace of Hearts on its downpipes – areminder that the property was once won and lost on the turn of that playing card.

To put Levens Hall and Gardens on your must-yew list this year, you will need to visit before October 4. If you are a longer-term planner, then start looking at dates as from Friday March 28, when the unique historic home will open its doors for the 2025 season (closed Saturdays).

Entrance to Levens Hall and Gardens costs £15.50 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £39 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. Gardens-only admission costs £11.50, £4.50 and £29 respectively. Prices are for the 2024 season in which the house and gardens are open every day, except Saturdays. The gardens

More information is at levenshall.co.uk