Unearthing the Green Secrets of Lowther Castle

The Lake District is often defined by its dramatic fells and shimmering waters, yet there is a rich horticultural history here that rivals any landscape in the UK. As we look ahead to the new year, we are marking our calendars for a special event that promises to shed light on one of the region's most ambitious gardening projects. For those joining us in January, this is a perfect opportunity to learn about the hidden life of one of our most famous local estates.

A Horticultural Journey Through Time

On the evening of Friday, 9th January 2026, the Rheged Centre will host a fascinating talk by Andrea Brunsendorf, the current head gardener at Lowther Castle. This isn't just a standard lecture; it is a chance to hear directly from the expert guiding the gardens through their current evolution.

The event, titled The Garden of Lowther Castle Today with Andrea Brunsendorf, will take the audience on a journey from the reign of King Edward I right through to King Charles III. It is rare to find a single site that has weathered so many centuries of change, and seeing it through the eyes of a modern expert brings that history to life.

Andrea's background is incredibly impressive. She began with a traditional German apprenticeship and studied botanical horticulture at Kew Gardens in London. Her career has taken her around the world, including internships in Botswana, Israel, and the USA, and she spent time managing the vast 1000-acre landscapes of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Now, she is back in the UK, applying that global expertise to the unique soil and climate of Cumbria.

Reimagining a Northern Icon

The focus of the evening will be on the "reimagination" currently underway at Lowther. This is widely considered a unique horticultural project of the North, and Andrea will share personal highlights from her first four years at the castle. It is a story of conservation, creativity, and the sheer hard work required to maintain such a significant space.

The talk runs from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, which makes it a lovely way to spend a Friday evening. It includes a Q&A session, so you can ask your own questions about how they handle the unpredictable Cumbrian weather or what plants thrive best in our local conditions. Tickets are priced accessibly at £10.70 for adults and £8.70 for concessions.

Your Base for Cultural Exploration

January is a wonderful time to visit the Lakes. The crowds are thinner, the scenery is crisp, and there is a cosy atmosphere that you just don't get in the summer. Attending an event like this adds a layer of culture and depth to your holiday, but you also need the right place to retreat to afterwards.

Staying at Thornbeck Manor offers the perfect balance to a day of exploration. We are situated in Windermere, giving you a central location that makes getting to the Rheged Centre straightforward. More importantly, we provide a "home from home" experience that hotels simply cannot match.

After absorbing the history of Lowther, you can return to the warmth of our luxury villa. We designed the property to cater to groups and families who value their own space. With three bedrooms sleeping up to seven guests, you can debrief on the evening's talk in our spacious lounge or share a late supper in the dining area. We have ensured every detail, from the luxury bed linens to the electric car charging facilities, meets the highest global standards. It is about combining the freedom of a villa with the premium feel of a five-star hotel.

Start 2026 with Inspiration

If you are planning a trip to the Lake District next month, we highly recommend adding this talk to your itinerary. It is a fantastic way to connect with the local heritage and gather some gardening inspiration for the year ahead.

Be sure to book your tickets for the talk soon, and if you haven't sorted your accommodation yet, we would be delighted to welcome you to Thornbeck Manor. It is the ideal spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.