The Pakenham family's lived-in castle since 1655, surrounded by 20 acres of magical walled and woodland gardens, two ornamental lakes, and a celebrated tree trail curated by author Thomas Pakenham.
Step through the red doors into the family's private rooms — the Great Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Library, and Victorian servants' quarters. Expert guides share 370 years of Pakenham history, scandals, and life below stairs. Tours last 45 minutes. No children under 10. Book ahead — numbers are limited.
Set in the old Georgian stable block in the castle courtyard, with original stall recesses and views of the clocktower. Serves coffee, teas, homemade cakes, quiche, soup, and salads. Indoor and covered outdoor seating. The tearoom doubles as the ticket office and gift shop, selling Pakenham family books and souvenirs.
Over 20 acres of walled gardens, woodland gardens, and two ornamental lakes laid out in the early 1800s. Follow the path from the Castle Terraces through the Pleasure Ground, Grotto, and Flower Garden, past the Kitchen Garden with its highland cattle and Nandi bulls, to the Upper Lake with its follies and summerhouses.
Follow Thomas Pakenham's personally curated trail of his 24 favourite trees. See giants like a 200-year-old beech, a Monterey cypress that started life in a flowerpot, and a fossil tree (Metasequoia) discovered alive in China in 1941. Takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.
A scavenger hunt with 14 whimsical things to find: a wizard in a tree, goblins on the Grotto path, a crocodile on the island, fighting dragons in the Tibetan Garden, and Buddha in a Chinese house. Also a climbing frame near the courtyard. Kids love the llamas and highland cattle.
A serene woodland walk through Georgiana's former 'American garden', now underplanted with rhododendrons and exotic species from Thomas Pakenham's plant-hunting trips to China, Tibet, and Sikkim. Don't miss the Tibetan Glade, Chinese Garden, and the rare magnolia collection at the Lower Lake.
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