Holker Hall and Gardens in South Cumbria has been crowned ‘Garden of the Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.

Now in its fifth year, the 11-category awards is a celebration of the countryside and its people with a shortlist of nominees drawn up by experts including BBC presenters John Craven, Ellie Harrison and Chris Packham.

Nominations for ‘Garden of the Year’ were shortlisted by the editor of BBC Gardeners’ World and Lucy Hall and winners were crowned via a public vote.

Holker Hall and Gardens head of visitor services Jillian Rouse commented: “We were thrilled to be nominated for the BBC Countryside Awards and even more delighted to win the title of ‘Garden of Year’.  Holker Hall and Gardens has been lovingly tendered by generations and it means a great deal to be honoured with this award by the public who recognise the dedication, love and commitment which goes in to ensuring they are enjoyed by our visitors”.

Holker beat off stiff competition from across the Country with the five-strong nomination list including Glendoick Gardens in Perthshire and Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex.

Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, said: “With increasing pressures on the countryside and wider natural environment, it’s even more vital to shout about what makes rural Britain so special.  Our annual awards help champion our landscapes, our wildlife and our country heroes.  This year’s nominees represent the best of rural Britain and are exceptional examples of what the UK’s countryside has to offer”.

The full line up of winners were unveiled online this week and will appear in the May issue of the magazine.

Holker Hall and Gardens are open for the 2016 season from 20 March to 30 October, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.  The Hall opens 11am to 4pm, Gardens open 10.30am to 5pm and the café, gift shop and food hall open from 10.30am to 5pm.

For the first time visitors will have the opportunity to book a ‘Tour and Tea with the Head Gardener’ event which takes place on 20 April and again 13 July.

Hall & Garden tickets are priced at £12.00 per adult with under 16’s free when accompanied by an adult. Free parking and free entry to grounds and picnic areas, adventure playground, Café, Gift Shop and Food Hall.

For more information please call 015395 58328 or e-mail info@holker.co.uk.  Visit www.holker.co.uk for full event details.