Wealthy land owners, the Bellingham family chose Levens as their main place of residence in the 1590s, employing local craftsmen and builders to create the Hall. Popular styles and details, such as stained glass and elaborate Italian plaster work, were incorporated into its construction. In 1688, Colonel James Grahme became the proprietor after a career in Court in King James II’s reign. He brought with him a young gardener who had studied under le Notre in Versailles, in order to plan and create a fashionable garden.

With an impressive collection of paintings, Wellingtoniana, English patchwork, wall hangings and fine furniture – as well as, of course, the stunning gardens – Levens Hall is one of the finest stately homes in the Lake District.

The on-site tea room is The Bellingham Buttery, a charming place to enjoy a delicious range of home made cakes and food. With a daily blackboard menu of hot and cold dishes, puddings and snacks there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy. A vegetarian option is always offered. Produce from the Levens Estate is served when available, including fruit and vegetables when in season, and venison and pheasant. It is open from 10am until 5pm Sunday - Thursday in season.

The main event that is taking place here in 2010 is the ‘Pinhole Cameras in an Elizabethan House’ exhibition. This is an exhibition of images in the Bellingham Buttery that three local artists spent all 2008 creating; it is their interpretation of Levens Hall & Gardens, using one of the oldest forms of photographic processes. The images have their own unique quality, with a soft focus and wide angle.

With a play area and a range of steam engines on site, collected by Robin and Hal Bagot, as well as a gift shop, Levens Hall really provides the visitor with a great day out.