Dalemain is a fine mixture of medieval, Tudor and early Georgian architecture. The imposing Georgian facade strikes the visitor immediately but in the cobbled courtyard the atmosphere of the north country Tudor manor is secure. The 12th Century Norman Pele Tower is the oldest part of Dalemain. The manor house has evolved through the centuries and the early Georgian pink ashlar facade completed in 1744 was the last significant addition. The present owner’s family have lived at Dalemain since 1679 and have collected a wide variety of china, furniture and family portraits. Don’t miss Mrs Mouse’s House on the back stairs! The Gardens have developed during the passing generations of owners and are for all to enjoy. There are 5 acres of richly planted herbaceous borders with and intriguing and unusual combination of flowers set against the picturesque splendour of the Lakeland Fells and Parkland. Highlights are the Rose Walk with over 100 old-fashioned roses and ancient apple trees of named varieties, magnificent Abies Cephalonica and Tulip Tree. Tudor Knot Garden. Wild Garden with a profusion of flowering shrubs and wild flowers and in early summer the breathtaking display of blue Himalayan Poppies. Giantess Earth Sculpture and newly developed Stumpery in Lobs’s Wood, a woodland garden. Jane Hasell-McCosh is the founder of The World’s Original Marmalade Festival which is held in February each year and hosts the prize giving for Competitions for Amateur and Artisan Marmalade Makers. www.marmaladefestival.com