Spring has transformed the gardens of Cumbria’s National Trust properties into scenic displays of daffodils, tulips and magnolias.
As plants and trees emerge from winter hibernation, the head gardeners from each property have highlighted the gardens’ best features and why spring is an ideal time to visit.
Travel to each garden is encouraged to be done in an eco-friendly manner, via the Stagecoach bus service.
Concessions travel for free after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends.
Fares for other passengers are capped at £2 under a government scheme to encourage people to travel by bus.
Acorn Bank
The National Trust walled garden near Penrith is famed for its herbs, lily pond and fruit orchards.
Heather Birkett, garden and outdoor manager, said: “Acorn Bank woodland forms a glorious backdrop to the house and formal gardens. In spring the woodland floor is swathed in daffodils, followed by carpets of wild garlic, wood anemone and patches of bluebells".
Bus service 563 is available and the bus stop is a one-mile footpath walk from the Temple Sowerby stop.
Sizergh Castle
These gardens south of Kendal were developed more than 800 years ago.
People can hop on the X6, 555, or 755, and ask the driver for Sizergh Complex.
The stop is a 20-minute walk from the Brettargh stop.
Explore the rock garden, stumpery and orchard, as well as the Dutch garden, kitchen garden and herbaceous border, and bookshop.
Guests can also enjoy a free hot drink at the cafe when they show their bus ticket.
Bridget Cottam, a member of the gardening team at Sizergh, said: “During spring, Sizergh garden begins to wake up with soft translucent jewel-coloured leaves unfurling on the Japanese maples that clothe the banks of the rock garden."
Wordsworth House and Garden
Located in Cockermouth, this riverside garden gave William Wordsworth lifelong inspiration.
It is packed with 18th century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers, and the River Derwent runs behind William’s beloved terrace walk.
Amanda Thackeray, head gardener, said: “Spring here is the time for an abundance of blossom, especially those bursting from our many fruit trees.
"Starting in May, pale pink and white apple, cherry and damson flowers dance along the paths and against the garden walls."
Tickets are £9 for adults, £4.50 for children, £22.50 for families, and National Trust members can enter for free.
The X4, X5, or 600 buses can be used to reach the garden, with Cockermouth Main Street as the stop to hop off at.
Allan Bank
The informal Georgian villa with lawns overlooking Grasmere and a craggy woodland trail, complete with picturesque viewing points, an ornamental cascade and a tunnel.
The garden is complete with views over the rolling countryside.
To get there, hop on the 555 or 599, and then get off at Grasmere centre.
The villa is a 300 metre walk up the lane next to Emma’s Dell.
Rebecca Costello, senior gardener, said: “Spring is a wonderful time to visit Allan Bank. We are creating a wild orchard in the old kitchen garden with varieties of apples suited to our damp Cumbrian climate, such as Keswick Codlin and Ladies Finger of Lancaster.
"Hazel, crab apples and blackcurrants will thrive in the shadier woodland edge, providing a feast for wildlife and a forage crop for people."
Stagshaw
The tranquil National Trust woodland garden close to Ambleside provides a haven with rambling paths, shrubs, trees and plants to discover.
Skelghyll Woods is home to some of the tallest trees in England, with great views over Windermere from Jenkyn’s Crag.
Ms Costello said: "Escape the hustle and bustle by alighting at Waterhead to visit Stagshaw woodland garden.
"A peaceful oasis of calm, it boasts displays of wild daffodils, bluebells and a fine collection of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias – at their peak in springtime.
"Discover the viewpoint with panoramic views across Windermere to the Langdale Pikes. Truly a garden for all seasons.”
Get there on the 555 or 599, with the stop being a short uphill walk from the Waterhead stop.
Admission to Stagshaw is free, with tickets to the gardens are £9 for adults, £4.50 for children, £13.50 to £22.50 for families, and National Trust members can enter for free.
For timetable information, go to https://tinyurl.com/5f3xsaht.
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