Dalemain Mansion
Enjoy a trip through four centuries of House Architecture.
Dalemain and its Lake District Gardens and much-loved family home is set against the grandeur and picturesque splendour of the Lakeland Fells and Parkland.
A mediaeval, Tudor and early Georgian house and Lake District gardens that has been home to the same family since 1679.
Behind the impressive pink, ashlar façade you will discover the real surprise of Dalemain - its sheer variety.
The name Dalemain means 'manor in the valley', and there has been a settlement here since Saxon times.
The first recorded mention of a building on this site, is of a fortified pele tower in the reign of Henry II; one of a line of towers built to protect the country against marauding Scots to the North.
To this was added a manor hall in the 14th century, with a second tower and in turn, in the 16th century were added two wings housing kitchen and living quarters, one on each side of the main building.
The impressive Georgian front was completed in 1744, built to enclose a central courtyard between the new and the old parts of the house.
The Lake District gardens facade was rebuilt in 1748 to match the new front, and there have been no major alteration since that time.
Georgian Dalemain
Grand public rooms including the breathtaking Chinese Room with its original, eighteenth-century, hand-painted wallpaper.
Tudor Dalemain
A glorious confusion of winding passages, quaint stairways and unexpected rooms, including the Fretwork Room with its magnificent, sixteenth-century plaster ceiling and oak panelling.
Fascinating interiors
With fine furniture, family portraits, ceramics, dolls' houses, old toys and the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry Museum.
Lady Anne Clifford
Sir Edward Hasell was 'Chiefe Officer' to Lady Anne Clifford until her death in 1676. See various gifts from Lady Anne to Sir Edward, including the Clifford lock and key, her portrait by Bracken and her Diary of 1676.
The Mediaeval Hall
Here, in a manor hall dating back to the fifteenth century, you will find Dalemain's licensed tearoom and restaurant (seating up to 45 people). Enjoy fresh coffee, home-made lunches and afternoon teas, beside the huge log fire. Pre-booked groups may book their meals/afternoon teas, in advance.
Sheepdog Trials at Dalemain this Saturday 25th May. Starts at 9am. FREE entry to the Show Field
DALEMAIN Charity Open - Proceeds to the MS Society.
The Home of the World's Original Marmalade Awards Wins Prestigious Garden of the Year Award 2013
The charming English gardens of Dalemain, nestled in the Lake District, have won the 2013 Garden of the Year Award sponsored by the Historic Houses Association and Christie’s. This prestigious national award, now in its 29th year, is designed to recognise the importance of gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal, either in their own right or as the setting for an historic house.
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens Opening times
The Historic House & Gardens officially opened for the Summer Season on Sunday 24 March. We are open Sunday to Thursday.
Yet another record number of jars sent into the World's Original Marmalade Awards held at Dalemain annually in March
An international competition founded by Jane Hasell-McCosh. For the past eight years, Dalemain has hosted The World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival firmly placing it at the centre of the marmalade map. From 50 jars in 2005, the Awards have grown each year and this year, nearly 2,000 jars of marmalade were entered and judged.
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens wins prestigious Heritage Award for best event
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens in Penrith has been presented with a prestigious Hudson’s Heritage Award for Best Event - The World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival.
