A hidden gem, I didn’t know existed until I was passing it on the edge of the Lake District.
Dalemain is a Grade I listed historic country house located in the Lake District Park approximately five miles southwest of Penrith in Cumbria, England. The estate has a long and rich history, with evidence of a Saxon settlement at the site. The River Eamont, which historically marked the boundary between Cumberland and Westmorland, was fordable here, and the valley provided natural shelter from harsh weather conditions.
During the reign of King Henry II, a pele tower was constructed at Dalemain to defend against Scottish raiders. The old hall, dating back to the 12th century, was later expanded with wings added in the 16th century. The estate underwent significant transformation in 1679 when Sir Edward Hasell, formerly the steward to Lady Anne Clifford, purchased Dalemain. It has remained in the Hasell family ever since. Following his acquisition, Sir Edward made substantial alterations, including the construction of a grand staircase, modernization of the farmyard, and the addition of a retaining wall below the terrace.
The most striking change to Dalemain came in 1744 when Sir Edward’s son completed the impressive Georgian front, enclosing the older sections within a central courtyard. This addition introduced symmetrical, neoclassical features, including a cantilevered staircase in the new front hall. In 1748, the garden façade was also rebuilt to match the Georgian front. Since then, Dalemain has undergone no major structural alterations. The courtyard itself evolved from a medieval hamlet built around the defensive pele tower to a working farmstead, with many original buildings still standing. Above the courtyard, the Deer Park has remained home to a herd of fallow deer for centuries.
Dalemain’s gardens reflect changing styles over time and include elements from various gardening traditions. The Elizabethan knot garden, the landscaped parkland with sweeping views of the High Fells, the herbaceous terrace, and the wild garden inspired by William Robinson all contribute to the estate’s horticultural significance. The garden is a paradise for plant enthusiasts, featuring a remarkable collection of roses, a timeline of apple trees, and the UK’s largest-girthed Silver Fir, gifted by the botanist Joseph Banks in the 1840s. Other notable highlights include Himalayan blue poppies, as well as seasonal displays of snowdrops, aconites, and daffodils. The garden is also infused with elements of fantasy, featuring a box topiary dragon, a sleeping earth giant, and Lob’s Wood, a secluded beech grove accessed through a hidden door. In recognition of its horticultural excellence, Dalemain was awarded the Historic Houses Association and Christie’s Garden of the Year Award in 2013.
Dalemain has also been home to notable literary and historical figures. The writer and literary reviewer Elizabeth Julia Hasell resided at the estate, as did Eva Hasell, a missionary to Canada and a strong advocate for the British Empire and the church.
In more recent years, Dalemain has become famous for hosting the World’s Original Marmalade Awards and Festival, an annual event founded in 2005. Held each March, the festival has become a celebrated culinary occasion, attracting entries from around the world, including Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and Lebanon. The event has raised nearly £250,000 for local charities, particularly Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, as well as for palliative care organizations in the UK and abroad.
Today, Dalemain remains a cherished historical estate, offering visitors the chance to explore its grand interiors, picturesque gardens, and cultural heritage while continuing its legacy of community engagement and preservation.
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