About this Event
Enjoy what neighbour John Ruskin called 'the best view in Europe' from Lawson Park, high above Coniston Water - the artists' residency HQ of internationally-acclaimed cultural organisation Grizedale Arts. The imaginatively refurbished RIBA award-winning farmhouse and barns opens up its extensive collections of art, crafts, books and vintage design, telling alternative histories of the Lake District by the myriad of creative people the house has hosted over the last 25 years.
In the 12 acres of land around Lawson Park, artist / film maker and Head Gardener Karen Guthrie has created an inspirational series of gardens from scratch. Recently featured on BBC Gardener's World, the gardens have hosted visits from gardeners Adam Frost, Huw Richards, Stephanie Hafferty and Piet Oudolf. Visit The Paddies, a mountainside allotment created by Japanese farmers; The Meadow, two wildflower-rich and biodiverse acres to get lost in; The Brexit Orchard, a collection of European apple varieties and The Farmhouse Garden, a riotously colourful frame to the historic drystone wall farmstead. During the Open House & Garden, Karen is on hand to lead tours which cover her design principles and chemical-free, no-dig approach to garden-making.
There's also an on-site cafe serving up light lunches, cakes and drinks created from Lawson Park produce, and publications and crafts for sale, all created at Grizedale Arts' own pottery at The Farmer's Arms, its community pub.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION:
We encourage visitors on foot and on bicycle. There is also ample parking on East of Lake road, a stunning 30 minute walk from Lawson Park. If you do need to drive to Lawson Park you must pre-book a parking space for the same time as your visit. To do this, follow the 'Add-Ons' link in the event listing. To book our accessible parking space, contact us directly.
EXACT LOCATION:
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENTBRITE MAP SHOWS THE LOCATION INCORRECTLY (we've tried to fix it and failed!) - Lawson Park is one mile up hill from East of Lake road.
Sorry, strictly no dogs except guide dogs.
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The Morning Head Gardener's Tour with Karen Guthrie
Info: Join resident warden & Head Gardener, artist / film maker Karen Guthrie for a lively tour through the gardens of Lawson Park, drawing on her 23 years of experience making the gardens from scratch against the odds. The tour will cover all the main ornamental and edible gardens and the magnificent meadow. Expect tried and tested advice, tales of extreme weather and what Adam Frost off the TV is really like. BOOK YOUR TICKET VIA THE 'ADD-ONS' SECTION!
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
The Afternoon Gardener's Tour with Anna Burton
Info: Anna Burton joined the Grizedale Arts gardening team in 2025, and also looks after our RHS acclaimed gardens at The Farmer's Arms pub in Lowick. Prior to joining us, Anna led a major garden construction project in Majorca, and has worked on historic and contemporary gardens with the likes of Tom Stuart Smith and Luciano Giubbilei. BOOK YOUR TICKET VIA THE 'ADD-ONS' SECTION!
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
The Curator's Tour with Adam Sutherland MBE
Info: Longstanding Grizedale Arts director & curator Adam Sutherland MBE leads a lively tour around the eclectic interior furnishings, art collection and crafts of Lawson Park, and discusses the concepts behind the architecture and styling of the artists' residency spaces.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lawson Park, Lawson Park, Coniston, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 11.55
