Dalemain is a historic house and garden near Penrith in the Lake District, still lived in by the Hasell family. Its rooms bring together medieval, Tudor and Georgian details, including a Chinese Room with preserved wallpaper, while guided tours trace more than 900 years of estate history. Outside, five acres include a Tudor knot garden, a walled garden and a Rose Walk. Stop at the courtyard tea room for marmalade cake, or visit the marmalade museum and shop. The estate is also home to an annual marmalade festival.
A house shaped by more than 900 years
Dalemain has medieval, Tudor and Georgian features, and remains the home of the Hasell family. Three families have owned the estate. The de Morvilles built a defensive peel tower during the period of border raids; the Layton family owned it later, before Edward Hasell bought the estate in the late nineteenth century for less than £3,000.
The guided house tour takes you through the estate’s history and into rooms that retain their period details. Photography is not allowed inside, so take time to look closely at the furnishings and decoration as you move through the house.
The Chinese Room and Georgian interiors
The Chinese Room is a highlight, with preserved Chinese wallpaper thought to be the country’s finest surviving example of fully dressed Chinese wallpaper. It was brought to Dalemain in 1756 for £10 and two shillings, and specialists came from London to install it. Gillow furniture, Chinese lanterns and embroidered fire screens complete the room.
The formal dining room has Georgian furniture, much of it made by Gillows of Lancaster. Among its unusual objects is a pineapple holder shaped like an elephant. Guided visits also bring out personal stories connected with the house, including the former bedroom of Eva Hasell, whose missionary work is reflected in the room.
Five acres of gardens
The gardens have been developed by the Hasell family since 1679. Their distinct areas include a Tudor knot garden, a wildflower spiral, a walled garden, a stumpery and a children’s garden. In the latter, plant names such as snapdragon and foxglove are paired with wooden animal signs.
Spring brings daffodils, snowdrops and aconites. The Rose Walk comes into flower in June and July, with more than 200 old-fashioned roses, while summer also brings roses and perennials. Look out for the sleeping giantess and Himalayan blue poppies. Seating around the gardens gives you places to pause among the planting.
Marmalade, tea and the annual festival
Dalemain is known for its marmalade, which is made in the house’s kitchens using a recipe from the 1680s, found in the family archives. The marmalade museum and shop make this part of the estate’s story easy to explore, and the courtyard tea room serves marmalade cake. Dogs can join you in the cafe, though they are not allowed on house tours or in the gardens.
The annual Marmalade Festival brings entries from around the world. If you are visiting for the event, check its arrangements in advance; for a quieter stop, combine the house and garden visit with tea in the courtyard.
Häufige Fragen
Should I book the house tour in advance?
Yes. Booking the tour in advance is recommended.
Can I take photographs inside Dalemain?
No. Photography is not permitted inside the house.
Are dogs allowed at Dalemain?
Dogs are welcome in the courtyard cafe, but not in the gardens or on house tours.
When is the best time to see the gardens?
Visit in spring for daffodils and other early flowers. The Rose Walk is at its best in June and July.
