Stagshaw garden is a National Trust garden situated on the edge of Ambleside village and overlooking Windermere Water. It is famous for its multiples rhododendrons and azaleas trees. It is also possible to admire Windermere Water from the several viewpoints in the garden. It is a peaceful place far from the effervescence of Ambleside.
We went to Stagshaw garden the first time in August 2020 but unfortunately it was passed the rhododendrons blooming time so we told ourselves that we should come back the next year during spring time. However, we forgot about that garden and it is only this year that we decided to go back with Matthieu’s family. We went the first weekend of May and this time it was too early as only a few rhododendron trees had flowers. I guess we will have to try a third time.










Information to visit Stagshaw Garden, Ambleside:
- Address: Ambleside LA22 0HE
- Parking: Small car park for around 6 cars. Free of charge
- Pushchair-friendly: No, rocky paths
- Dog-friendly: Yes, no stile
- Website

Final Thoughts
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This looks like a nice garden with some lovely views of the lake. I always find the best time to see rhododendrons in full bloom is late May/early June, I’ve visited several different gardens around that time of year and never been disappointed.
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Thanks Eunice for the tips. We will try to go again maybe in June or it might wait another year 😁.
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I think a lot of trees and flowers are late this year. My wife and I are currently visiting the Scilly Isles, which is noted for its mild climate, but even here things seem to be very late.
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I think you are right the bluebells in Rannerdale were also late this year. Enjoy your holiday 😊.
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I have never seen rhododendrons in bloom, and would love to someday, but this park is beautiful even without them. How fortunate that you got to visit there.
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I did see some in a garden in Perth, Scotland and it was beautiful.
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very pretty all the same!
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I agree.
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Ahh I must have missed this post. I remember holidays in Scotland as a child around the late may bank holiday, and seeing lots of rhododendrons then, my mum loves them. So that might be a time to revisit. Always interested in a NT place to visit as we are members, good that it is dog friendly too. 😊
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It is a nice little garden if one day you are in Ambleside I recommend a detour to visit it. I think next time we will try end of May/June as you suggest.
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That’s one NT site in the Lakes we’ve never visited – must pit that right soon. The rhodendendra were dertainly blooming when I visited Bodnant gardens last week so Eunice’s advice looks spot on.
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Maybe for your next visit to the Lake 😉. Need to plan it right though.
I don’t think I will have time to go back this year so I will try to remember for next June.
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