The gardens are set in 4.25acres, facing southeast overlooking Morecambe Bay. Although situated on an exposed hillside this is quite a sheltered spot as a result of the surrounding woodland which covers about half the site.

When we arrived umbrellas (a common theme with some of our visits over the last two years) were rapidly unfurled to combat the persistent steady rain. Despite the weather the gardens were amazing; the borders were colourful with perennials supplemented by lots of Dahlias. The Sunken Garden at the side of the house is where redevelopment started in 2000.

We slowly moved up the hillside through the Italian Terrace and Gravel Gardens, enjoying the Olive Grove before reaching the terraced trial beds on either side of the Orangery which houses a lap pool as well as some stunning plants. The views from the Prospect Tower are well worth the climb, looking out across the bay to Arnside and the Yorkshire Pennines beyond. We returned back towards the house, through the Kitchen Garden and the Japanese Garden which includes an infinity pool, perfectly complementing its beautiful surroundings.

Throughout the gardens a number of sculptures have been created out of the limestone outcrops which are one of the features of the landscape.

Amongst others, there is a full size statue of Sisyphus pushing a rock to the top of a hill - a task he was condemned by the Gods to repeat  endlessly - a true gardening metaphor!

The Potting Shed is also worth a visit, having been constructed around two pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows with beautiful views.

After about an hour the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy the rest of our visit under clearing skies and some weak sunshine.

Having had our fill of the gardens we returned to our coach and moved on to the Bay Horse Hotel & Restaurant at Canal Foot, on the coast near Ulverston where we enjoyed good food and some excellent hospitality.

Fully replete, after lunch we turned our attention to culture rather than horticulture and visited the Buddhist Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at Conishead Priory, Ulverston.