Rydal Hall Gardens
OS Grid ref:- NY 367064
Rydal Hall, a grade II listed building, was once the home of the le Fleming family and dates from the sixteenth century.
The Fleming family leased the house and came to live at Rydal in 1576, they remained there until the mid twentieth century. The house has undergone an extensive series of alterations, including the addition of a Victorian wing. Lady le Fleming, who owned the hall, rented Rydal Mount to Wordsworth from 1813 to 1850.The house became a conference centre in 1963 and is now owned by the Diocese of Carlisle.
The garden was created in 1909 by the renowned garden designer Thomas Mawson (1861-1933) and contains a 500-year-old sweet chestnut tree which measures 36 feet in diameter.
Rydal Hall Gardens are in the process of being restored. The restoration project has so far included an overhaul of the fountain and lily pond, the formal Mawson Terrace Garden, a new kitchen garden, an extended tea shop and visitor centre and oak panelled summer house.The wooded garden contains an impressive waterfall in a rocky ravine, at the base of which stands an old viewing house, dating to 1669.
The sculpture 'Escape to Light' is an interesting feature, the work of the internationally renowned sculptress Josefina de Vasconcellos, who lived at Ambleside, the sculpture was created when she was 91.
The garden is open daily, admission is free although donations are welcomed.