‘Haircutting’ Extravaganza For 1694 Topiary Garden

For those fancying a day out with a difference, you might want to put Levens Hall and Gardens in the South Lakes on your must-see list this month, as work starts on trimming the world’s oldest topiary garden.

Heading to the property in September gives visitors the unique experience of witnessing how the estate’s massive 330-year-old trees are clipped and kept in shape as part of the ground’s ‘annual trim’, when cherry pickers move in and gardeners begin their mass hair cut!

With over 100 pieces of quirkily or geometrically shaped topiary trees to see in this Guinness World Record holding garden, which dates from 1694, you can take some great selfies.

Just stand in front of the Toppling Wedding Cake, Top Hat, the two massive Umbrella Trees or maybe even Homer Simpson!

There’s another ‘must-yew’ experience to be had by walking beside the 300-year-old Beech Hedge, into the secluded, ‘secret garden’ Beech Circle. And there’s more to explore, whether that’s the Orchard, Bowling Green, double herbaceous borders, vegetable and herb gardens or the Fountain Garden celebrating its 30th birthday.

There are also other incredible things to see: the bee clasp Napoleon’s wore on his cloak at the Battle of Waterloo and the gloves donned by the Duke of Wellington on battle day.

There’s the chocolate service (for the pouring of hot chocolate) Napoleon ordered for his mother but was unable to pick up, having lost on the battlefield, plus his Egyptian campaign saddle, the Duke of Wellington’s campaign bed and much more.

To put Levens Hall and Gardens on your must-yew list this year, visit before October 4.

Entrance costs £15.50 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £39 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. Gardens-only admission costs £11.50, £4.50 and £29 respectively. Prices are for the 2024 season in which the house and gardens are open every day, except Saturdays.

The gardens are open from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) and the house from 11am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm), with the possibility of pre-booked tours as from 10am.

More information is at www.levenshall.co.uk