Acorn Bank

Acorn Bank, at Temple Sowerby near Penrith, is a sandstone manor in the Eden Valley whose history the National Trust traces back to the Knights Templar in the 13th century, but its fame rests on the garden: over 275 varieties of herb within 400-year-old walls, and traditional orchards holding 165 apple varieties, carpeted with Edwardian daffodils in spring. Beyond the walls, 180 acres of woodland and parkland run down to Crowdundle Beck, where a path passes a former gypsum mine on the way to a partially restored watermill, with red squirrels and otters in the woods. Families can go geocaching and spot newts in the Sunken Garden. Dogs on leads are welcome in the courtyard, woodland and wider estate, though not in the garden or watermill. Reviewers rate the riverside walk and the courtyard cafe above the house, where only a few ground-floor rooms, including the entrance hall and second-hand bookshop, are open. Tips from visitors: the mill only turns on certain days, so check ahead to see it working, and members park free.