Dalemain House and Gardens, Lake District

Dalemain House and Gardens is one of the most beautiful and impressive stately houses in the North West of England. Steeped in history, this distinguished estate offers centuries of architectural splendour, with the finely dressed pink stone of its Georgian façade glowing magnificently in the sunlight.

Inside you'll discover an expertly-curated collection of furniture, including pieces by Thomas Chippendale and woodcarvings from Grinling Gibbons, as well as pieces from celebrated ceramicist Lucy Rie and many artworks from noted portraitists.

Outdoors, within the rugged grandeur of the Lake District's high fells, Dalemain boasts romantic parkland and gardens with views of the distant Pennines on clear days. Wander the meticulously curated grounds within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every corner reveals a glimpse of the splendour that has earned Dalemain its deservedly prestigious status.

Dalemain is also home to The World’s Original Marmalade Awards. Each year, marmaladers from around the UK - as well as in locations as diverse as Japan, Brazil and India - enter their offerings for sampling and judging by Dalemain's experts. The festival takes place each April, and even outside of the festival you can discover hundreds of different varieties in the café and shop. It's an eccentrically delicious day out.