Highlights
- More than 100 pieces of topiary, some over 300 years old
- The Beech Circle and a 50-metre beech hedge planted to Beaumont's design
- The Fountain Garden, recreated from Beaumont's rediscovered plans
- Herbaceous borders and an early ha-ha
About Levens Hall Gardens
The gardens at Levens Hall were laid out from 1694, when Colonel James Grahme, owner of the hall since 1689, commissioned Guillaume Beaumont to create a formal topiary garden and parterre. Little is known of Beaumont's early life, but his work drew on French gardens such as Versailles and on the gardens at Hampton Court. He remained head gardener at Levens until his death in 1727.
Levens credits just 11 gardeners with shaping the garden since then, and Levens describes it as the oldest topiary garden in the world. Today there are more than 100 pieces of topiary, some over 300 years old and at least half over 150 years old.
What to see
- The Topiary Garden, with yew and box clipped into a wide range of shapes and sizes.
- The Beech Hedge and Beech Circle, planted to Beaumont's design, the main hedge running for 50 metres.
- The Fountain Garden, reimagined to Beaumont's original plans, which were lost for around 100 years.
- Herbaceous borders and fruit trees, also part of Beaumont's legacy.
- The ha-ha, a sunken stone boundary wall from the early works on the estate.
Planning your visit
Levens Hall is near Kendal. The 2026 season runs from 27 March to 8 November. From 4 October some garden areas close to protect paths and borders, though the topiary garden remains open, and on weekdays from 4 to 23 October the house is shown by free guided tour only.
Levens Kitchen serves food made with produce from the estate, and there is a gift shop and plant centre that can be visited without a ticket. Season tickets are available for regular visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Levens Hall gardens?
A gardens-only ticket in 2026 is £9 for adults, £3 for children aged 5 to 16 and £21.50 for a family of two adults and up to three children. House and gardens tickets are £15, £5 and £35.50. Admission is reduced from 5 October.
Can I bring my dog to Levens Hall?
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, gardens, café and shop. Dogs are welcome in the courtyard areas outside the shop and café, in the Howard Room, and on a lead on the footpath through Levens Deer Park opposite the main entrance.
When is Levens Hall open?
The 2026 season runs from 27 March to 8 November, seven days a week. The gardens open 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3pm. After 4 October some garden areas close to protect the grass paths, but the topiary garden stays open.