Of the ten good reasons for visiting Brantwood’s gardens and grounds, eight are the quite distinct gardens which have been created in an area of 10 hectares.   The other two are the lovely views, spectacular in Winter, across Coniston Water to the fells beyond and the delightful walks in the 100 hectare estate.

John Ruskin lived here from 1872 until his death in 1900 and used his estate as a means of exploring matters of aesthetic, land management, environmental exploration and other important ideas.

Such an approach also informs the garden today, with the garden borders of the Trellis Walk, for instance, being re-presented to demonstrate the different ways in which plants have influenced Society over the centuries, the Harbour Walk, introduced by swathes of snowdrops, followed by sweetly scented azaleas which border the apple orchard, grown particularly for its flowers, and the early flowering field of wild daffodils beloved by Ruskin; the Fern Maze which contains hundreds of British ferns, and the Hortus Inclusus displaying more than 200 native herbs.

The Professor’s Garden, Ruskin’s favourite little area, is dedicated to experiments with plants that are good for both body and spirit.

The High Walk was created by Ruskin’s cousin, Joan Severn, to provide a spectacular viewing terrace of some of the finest Lakeland scenery. Its neatly mown levels, colour and scent contrast with the maple walk below and the rugged fells beyond.   

In early spring a wonderful display of Hellebores can be seen here.

The Moorland Garden was the site of a visionary experiment in upland agriculture, long since abandoned. It features terraces fashioned from the natural forms of the land and two reservoirs. Today it is presented as a blank canvas – a garden of questions, not flowers.

The most unusual garden is the Zig-Zaggy, its form being based upon Ruskin’s own designs.