A castle in Cumbria with a 'Sleeping Beauty-inspired' garden has been hailed among the best gardens the UK has to offer.

Although the weather looks pretty unstable over the next few days, you might want to add this garden to your summer calendar.

After all, nothing beats a good garden on a clear day.

Lowther Castle, Cumbria

The Guardian said: "In the dash for Cumbria’s lakes and fells, the area’s other green attractions can get missed. On Knipe Scar, at the edge of the Lake District National Park, Lowther’s acres sprawl around the shell of a ruined 19th-century castle.

"Wildflower meadows, bee-friendly tree hives and rambling woodland contrast with a parterre, sculptured hornbeams and a Sleeping Beauty-inspired rose garden designed by Dan Pearson.

"Bikes and ebikes can be rented for pootling around the estate’s trails or perhaps a five-mile cycle to Ullswater. There is a Lost Castle adventure playground and a cafe. Before leaving, visit the west terrace for views across the Lowther valley to distant fells."

Open daily, adults £15, children £10, lowthercastle.org

Lowther Castle & Gardens has been short-listed for the Historic Houses 2025 Garden of the Year Award. The winner will be decided by the public.

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On their website, they state: "Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north.

"But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.

"Today Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you."