Once you have scaled the heights of Wainwright’s fells and completed The Ullswater Way, there are gentler pursuits to enjoy in Cumbria’s ‘Eden Valley’. Only minutes drive from the historic market town of Penrith stands a 15th century fortified manor , with an unusual sanctuary door knocker and a fine stately home famed for its annual Marmalade Festival.
Last Sunday I took a few photographs of both Brougham Hall and Dalemain House. It was a perfect sunny Autumn day, and though our visits to both were brief, I hope my pictures inspire you to look them up when you are next in the area.
Brougham Hall
The historic remains of the home of the Brougham family date back to Tudor times . The Hall and several other buildings lie inside the thick fortified walls in the small parish of Brougham. Sir Winston Churchill commandeered the site for secret military research during WWII. Renovations here are a work in progress, so do not expect a grand old house. Instead delight in the area’s history, enjoy a stroll round the grounds and browse the array of arts and crafts workshops in the courtyard. There is a small friendly cafe too. Entry to the Hall is free though donations are of course welcome. As are anyone who cares to visit, including four legged guests. 🙂 www.broughamhall.co.uk









Dalemain House
Unlike Brougham Hall, Dalemain is an impressive Country House that is still resided in by the Hasell family, who have been in residence since the 1600’s. The imposing Georgian facade certainly makes the visitor curious, as to what the rooms are like inside. Of course we rocked up here an hour before the house and gardens closed for the day! So we chose to venture round the gardens. We did not have Hugo with us but that is probably a good thing, as dogs are sadly not allowed at Dalemain. Car parking is free and there is a Tea Room in the Medieval Hall. Because we only had an hour to explore, we were charged a discounted price of £3 each to view the gardens. www.dalemain.com









I hope you enjoyed my super quick tours of two Eden Valley delights. I am determined to visit both of them again in the future. I especially need to frequent the Marmalade Festival. 🙂
If you are thinking of exploring this beautiful area of the Lake District, you might also want to read my blogs about Lowther Castle and Ullswater & Aira Force.
Which historic houses do you like to visit in Cumbria?
Paddington bear certainly should be there. It sounds simply marvellous. Fancy not being able to get a cuppa. Love the dog in in the earlier pictures! What is a stumpery?
I wasn’t sure myself but having googled it , a stumpery is a garden made from bits of dead trees, which does make sense as there were bits of wood weaving in there. X
Beautiful photos, I especially love the topiary dragon!
Yes it was a surprising find, hidden away in a lower garden. 🙂
Great photos, I love the door knocker 🙂
I know its pretty amazing isn’t it. 😁
I’ve not been to neither house, but Dalemain was near to where we were when we visited Dodd Wood. Love the topiary dragon 🙂 x
The dragon was a total surprise to find! I enjoyed it there but we didn’t get to spend much time there…so missed alsorts! X
Lovely & although I’ve been to Cumbria several times, it is always a fleeting visit due to time constraints, but I do love the area. Next time we visit UK, there are quite a few more things I’d like to see in the area & it’s not far from Yorkshire which is our base when over. Thank you for the pics. Did you see the stumpery? Take care.
Yes there are so many beautiful areas in the uk . I live here and can’t get round them all. My local areas to visit inclue Cumbria and Yorkshire. I am lucky enough to have family who live near Ullswater. X
Really love that door knocker – and the scone looks as if was damn fine, too!
That door knocker is pretty unique looking. I love it ! The scone was of course very good. 😁
Lovely! I’ve not been to either of these. My favourite Cumbrian houses are Allan Bank, Blackwell and Townend. In alphabetical order because I can’t put them in order of preference. They all offer different delights.
I love Allan Bank. A very relaxed vibe and a lovely place. Haven’t visited the others yet though. Oneday…
The both look worth a visit but especially Dalemain… I love the dragon and the tea room looked good too!
You would love it there I’m sure. Very scenic at this time of year. 🙂
What beautiful places. We really should make a plan to come visit you neck of the woods 🙂 xx
Yes its not bad up North! X
🙂 xx
Beautiful photos – I love the deer, they’re so cute !
They were a nice surprise indeed! X