Many of English Lakes hotel guests take advantage of the summer Festivals in Cumbria each year. We take a look back at some of the highlights of last year’s Garden Festival in the run up to another spectacular event in 2016.
Holker Hall and Gardens
25 Acres of Award-Winning Gardens
Anticipation builds as you join the throng of festival goers waiting to enter Holker Garden Festival. Wondering how 20,000 people are going to fit into the venue over the three days, it all becomes clear as you sweep into the grandeur of the Holker Parkland and realise that 25 acres of award-winning gardens have been set aside for this celebration of gardening, countryside, food and crafts.
Holker Hall Gardens
Flower carpet hidden in the woods of Holker Hall
The 24th Anniversary of the festival
This year will be the 24th Anniversary of the festival which will take place between 3rd and 5th June 2016. Headlining the event this year, Charlie Dimmock, best known for her appearances on the TV show Ground Force, will be meeting visitors and taking part in a question and answer session in the Garden Theatre.
The sound of music is usually the first thing that greets you on arrival, that and the tannoy letting you know what’s coming up in the entertainment programme. This year the Horsemen of the Knight will be putting on a Jousting Show with sword fights and fire. The Little Nippers Terrier Racing Team are limbering up to make sure they clear the hurdles in their Obstacle Race. There’s even a relay race featuring the Blackrock Llama Display Team.
The Show Gardens are a must-see and a focal point in the outside arena. The theme this year is Gardening Through the Generations. I’m sure the exhibitors will once again excel in imaginative and creative designs. Each garden is judged and awarded Large Gold, Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze.
Inside the Horticultural marquees there is an explosion of colour and rare botanical sights.
Inside the Horticultural marquees
Artisan produce and locally produced goods to sample make browsing the Food Tent a tempting treat.
A Victorian helter skelter is the perfect backdrop and lends its own particular charm as well as being great fun.
The bandstand provides the perfect place to sit and relax.
There are live demonstrations of traditional crafts and this year, for the first time, there will be a Rural Crafts Marquee where you can meet the craftsmen and learn about their designs and materials.
For a small additional fee you can gain access to the magnificent Holker Hall.
Lots of Things to do in the Lake District
There is something for everyone in the Lake District from car free days out with the family, climbing mountains, adventures on the lake, meandering around some stunning Lakeland gardens or taking it easy with a cool crisp G & T.
English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues look forward to welcoming you and would be delighted to help you design your very own holiday in our Lake District Hotels.
