Mirehouse and Gardens | Visit the Lake District
From Father's Day summer visits to springtime garden explorations, Mirehouse and Gardens has been a spot of choice for our family over the years since we moved to Cumbria.
Read on to discover just why we love visiting this beautiful spot just outside of Keswick, and how you can plan a visit yourself.
About Mirehouse and Gardens
Mirehouse is a stunning family-run historic house complete with access to so much more. From the beautiful gardens to lakeshore and woodland playgrounds, the grounds are open for visitors to enjoy whatever the weather, and make the perfect, family-friendly day out in the Lake District. The house was built by the 8th Earl of Derby is 1666, and has only ever been sold once in its history. The land is beautiful, the house full of historical and antiques and with a budget-friendly entrance price this is an ideal day out whether you're local or visiting the Lakes on holiday.
When is Mirehouse and gardens open?
Mirehouse is open seasonally, ready for visitors in the spring, summer, and autumn months as follows;
Grounds, playgrounds, and Lakeside Walk
Monday to Sunday
10:00 - 16:30
Mirehouse
Wednesday to Thursday
13:30 - 16:30
N.B. Mirehouse and gardens is closed for the winter from November to March.
Where can I park?
The parking for Mirehouse and Gardens is in the Forestry England car park at Dodd Wood.
The car park is directly opposite the entrance to Mirehouse. However you will need to cross the A591 on which fast moving vehicles travel. So, be safe, especially if you’re visiting with children.
To find the car park, use this post code: CA14 4QE
How much does visiting Mirehouse and gardens cost?
As a Historic Houses site, Mirehouse and gardens are free for members to visit. Tickets can be bought at The Old Sawmill Tearoom in Dodd Wood car park. For non-members the following charges apply:
The gardens
Adult tickets: £5.50
Child tickets: £2
Under 4s: FREE
The house and gardens
Adult tickets: £10.50
Child tickets: £9
Family ticket (2 adults, up to 4 children): £26
Under 4s: FREE
What is available at Mirehouse and Gardens?
Fellside to lakeshore walks
Mirehouse
The Bee Garden
Playgrounds
Under 12s
12-16s
Steeplechase
Forts
Watch my video of our Father's Day visit in 2024
FAQs about our family days out
Is it suitable for children?
Mirehouse Gardens are definitely aimed at children. Exploring the grounds, walking to the lake and even wandering around the historic house all make an ideal family-friendly day out, whatever the weather. Every visit has seen us spend hours here, and I'm sure your family will enjoy it just as much as we do.
Are there facilities available?
While you will not find any facilities on the grounds of Mirehouse and its gardens, there are facilities available at Dodd Wood. These are just beside the disabled parking spaces in the car park… and as this is where you will be parking your car it will be easy to access these facilities.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
You won't find anywhere to eat or drink on the grounds, but like us you could always take a picnic! If you fancy a brew and light bites, The Old Sawmill Tearoom will be right up your street. The tearoom is opens for the season in February half term, 10-4.
With this guide, you have everything you need to make the trip out, from finding Mirehouse to what you’ll find when you get there.
So, whether you want to visit alone or are looking for a local day out for all the family on your next Lake District staycation, Mirehouse and its stunning gardens are a great choice and highly recommended.
For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces England has to offer, check out my days out and travel blog. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in the Lake District and Cumbria? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.
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