Levens Hall and Topiary Garden

Levens Hall has been in continual family ownership for over seven hundred years. Most of the staff have worked here for many years, and we know that the welcoming atmosphere at Levens is due to the affection with which it has always been held by those who have come to know it well. We firmly believe that such a fascinating house and garden should be shared with others and we hope by our efforts that future generations will be able to learn from it and enjoy it too. The first dwelling at Levens dates from circa 1350, and was built by the de Redman family as defence against the Scottish raiders of the time. It was then a primitive pele tower, with underhousing for the women and cattle in time of raids, and a large room where smoke from the open fire would escape through a hole in the roof. The medieval structure was built around in Elizabethan times when the Bellingham family created a mansion and beautified it with fine panelling and plasterwork still to be seen today. In 1694, Col. James Grahme, former Privy Purse to King James II, added much of the fine Jacobean furniture and built the wing at the rear of the building. All building was completed by the addition of the Howard Tower in 1820. Today, the visitor sees all the finest Elizabethan rooms including the dining room with its embossed Cordova leather wall-coverings, and many elegant bedrooms. Throughout the house there are beautiful paintings, family memorabilia (connections with both the 1st Duke of Wellington and Nelson) and the earliest English Patchwork (1708). Levens Hall is well known for its various tales of ghostly happenings although visitors will most likely sense the warm and welcoming family atmosphere.

Additional info

There are toilet facilities, and the Gardens, Gift Shop and food and drink are accessible. The Gardens have gravelled paths. Unfortunately wheelchair access is not possible to the House due to the large number of stairs and narrow passages, however, there is a DVD running in the Tea room of the interior of the House. There is an electric buggy available for hire, for use in the grounds.