'Acorn Bank'dates back to 1597, and refers to the ancient oak wood which fills the hillside from the walled garden to the Crowdundle Beck. The National Trust now own the gardens and Water Mill. The gardens are within walking distance of Temple Sowerby House
Temple Sowerby,
Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP. Tel: 017683 61893
Six miles east of Penrith on the A66.
open April to Oct (inc.) 10 to 5.30
Although the gardens occupy an exposed position in the foothills of the Pennines, the high enclosing walls of this 17th century garden shelter it from the worst of the northern weather, and hence there are spectacular displays of shrubs, roses and herbaceous vborders. There are also orchards and the famous herb garden renowned for its large collection of medicinal and culinary plants. The Wild Garden in Spring has masses of daffodils and wood anemones. At the end of the drive is a sequoia, the Giant Californian Redwood, planted soon after the tree's first introduction from the New World
There are a number of woodland walks alongside the Crowdundle Beck. Features of the walk include a lovely pond and the old Water Mill, which has recently been extensively restored and is open to the public
The fine red sandstone house was built for the Knights Templar, and is now being renovated, with a wing being converted to National Trust holiday flats, and the rest being open to the public.
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