Muncaster is best visited in spring and early summer when the warmer seasons bring a riot of colour to the 77 acres of woodland gardens and the rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas are at their best.

The whole estate covers around 1,800 acres, including a terrace walk, described by John Ruskin as the ‘Gateway to paradise,’ providing spectacular views of the Eskdale Valley and Lakeland fells.

A Meadow Vole Maze will keep youngsters occupied for hours, a plant centre offers the largest collection of hardy rhododendrons in the North, and there is a café, gift shop and a separate owl shop. This also acts as an information point for the World Owl Trust and has 48 species from around the globe.

Apart from the terrace, the rest of the estate also provides many other opportunities for walking, including the Sino-Himalayan Walk where plants that originally grew at 11,000 feet can be found.

A nature trail, starting at the vole maze, leads to extensive woodland where huge old trees provide a home for badgers, deer, squirrels, foxes and a great many birds.