Brockhole, which houses The Lake District Visitor Centre, is a grand gentleman's mansion. Designed by Daniel Gibson, it was built at the turn of the century for a silk merchant at a time when wealthy businessmen, unhindered by planning permission, were establishing their smart residences along the banks of Windermere. Now much of the remaining shore-line is owned by the National Trust and is thus protected from further development. In 1966 the house, which was being used as a nursing home, was bought by the Lake District National Park and three years later it became the country's first National Park Visitor Centre. Until recently Brockhole was the headquarters of the National Park, but this has now moved to Murley Moss at Kendal, hopefully leaving more room for the primary purpose of informing visitors. As well as a gift shop and tea room there are regular exhibitions, slide shows and displays. With pleasant gardens and grounds reaching down to the shores of Windermere and an adventure playground, as well as its indoor attractions, Brockhole provides an introduction to the Lakes, though before planning a visit it is a good idea to consult the Events Diary. The house was built in 1899 for William Henry Gaddum, a name implying rather frivolous tendencies, but he was a wealthy Manchester business man, and the gardens are unchanged from when they were first laid out by Thomas Mawson. In the season Brockhole is open every day
Tel: 015394 46601