Past and Present
1890s to 21st century
The house and gardens were designed and built in the 1890s. The landscape architect was Thomas Mawson, a local designer who later became a well-known figure in garden and landscape design.
For over 40 years "Brockhole" was the home of the Gaddum family who were related to Beatrix Potter. In the 1940s it became a convalescent home, and since 1965 it has been the main Visitor Centre for the Lake District National Park.
The future
There are now plans to make the Lake District Visitor Centre into a world-class visitor attraction. Read more in Lake District Visitor Centre's future.
Every class and kind
In the spirit of national parks, designated for “every class and kind’ to access the countryside, the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole provides a great lakeside setting to enjoy days out.
Fashions and families have changed, but the enduring peace and beauty of the lake and the fells is still very much as it was in the old Gaddum black and white photographs:
Making hay while the sun shines
Arriving in style by horse and carriage
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
