The Holker Blog

18 May 2026

As we gather this month in our gardens to enjoy our professional gardeners’ “China to Cumbria” talk, we are celebrating not just plants, but a remarkable story of curiosity, resilience and quiet influence. At the heart of that story stands William Purdom, a man born in rural Westmorland whose passion for plants helped...

As we gather this month in our gardens to enjoy our professional gardeners’ “China to Cumbria” talk, we are celebrating not...

23 March 2026

Eggs have long been at the heart of Easter celebrations in the UK, blending ancient symbolism with Christian tradition and modern-day customs. What appears today as a simple exchange of chocolate eggs is in fact rooted in centuries of cultural evolution, shaped by religion, folklore and seasonal rhythms. Ancient...

Eggs have long been at the heart of Easter celebrations in the UK, blending ancient symbolism with Christian tradition...

30 January 2026

Springfest 26 at Holker Hall & Gardens is a celebration of outdoor living in all its forms — from gardens and landscape to the ways people design, use and enjoy outdoor spaces. The event brings together a range of voices, ideas and expertise, and among the expert speakers appearing...

Springfest 26 at Holker Hall & Gardens is a celebration of outdoor living in all its forms — from...

17 November 2025

Three days of craft, creativity and festive cheer What a weekend! Holker Winter Market once again lit up South Cumbria as the biggest seasonal market in the North West outside of Manchester — and this year, it truly felt extraordinary. Across three magical days, thousands of visitors wrapped up...

Three days of craft, creativity and festive cheer What a weekend! Holker Winter Market once again lit up South...

15 November 2025

Visitors to Holker Hall & Gardens often stop in their tracks when they encounter one of the estate’s most captivating sights: the towering, spiny forms of the monkey puzzle trees. These striking evergreens, known botanically as Araucaria araucana, are not just garden oddities—they are living monuments to Victorian curiosity,...

Visitors to Holker Hall & Gardens often stop in their tracks when they encounter one of the estate’s most...

02 October 2025

The Holker Winter Market is one of the most anticipated events in our calendar. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions. Please note: as the event approaches, our small team will be busy on site with extensive preparations. During this time,...

The Holker Winter Market is one of the most anticipated events in our calendar. To help you plan your...