Overnight trip to Lowther Castle Gardens, Penrith and Abbot Hall Gallery, Kendal
(This visit may be combined or split into two separate tours for those who would rather enjoy a day visit only)
Tuesday 9 June and/or Wednesday 10 June 2026
Tickets £30 - Lowther Castle Gardens including afternoon tea & refreshments
£20 – Abbot Hall Gallery including coffee/tea and tray bakes
30 places available
Organiser: Barbara Farmer (contact 07804 955961 or barbara farmer4647@gmail.com)
Visit to Lowther Castle (Tuesday 9 June from 2pm)
Some of you may remember visiting the gardens many years ago in their infancy. It had initially been designed in the early 19th century and, for 130 years, the castle was a beacon of grandeur in the northwest. However, following two world wars and under-investment, the castle’s fortunes turned. The roof of the castle was removed in 1957, and the gardens became home to chicken sheds and then a commercial spruce plantation.
Now the gardens are slowly being restored to their former glory with guidance from garden designer Dan Pearson and his 20-year restoration plan. Our tour will commence at 2pm by guides giving us the history and the future development plans. Sensible shoes are recommended. Please note that there is now a parking charge of £2. The Courtyard Cafe is very good and available for anyone needing coffee/tea or lunch on arrival.
Following the tour, you are invited to have tea and refreshments at the home of Andrew and Barbara Farmer on the shore of Lake Ullswater - directions will be sent with your ticket.
In the evening, we will meet for dinner at The George and Dragon at Clifton, which has 14 bedrooms. There is also good accommodation available at The White House in Clifton. Members are recommended to book their own accommodation.
Visit to Abbot Hall Gallery, Kendal (Wednesday 10 June at 10.30am)
Abbot Hall was initially the family home of Colonel George Wilson of Dallam Tower. It is over 250 years old and is a Grade 1 Listed Georgian Building. Our tour of the Gallery will be by the Curator, Niall Hodson, who was recently curator at the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead. We will meet at 10.30am for coffee/tea and tray bakes before our tour commencing at 11.15am. There will be an opportunity to explore the galleries at your leisure after Niall’s talk. There is a coffee bar in the gallery if you would like to purchase lunch before heading home.