The Estate

The beautiful 700 acre Estate boasts a variety of magnificent landscapes with lowland heath, heather, lakes, ponds and woodland all ringed with ancient dry stone walls. The estate has its own spring. The Harrow Beck flows from this spring, across the estate and into the River Eden.

The wildlife is diverse and includes deer, red squirrel, badgers, water voles and great crested newts. Bird life includes an abundance of buzzard, owls, woodpeckers, pheasant, partridge and woodcock. Fifty four species of birds breed on the estate and there are many more visiting birds. Wild orchids, rhododendrons and acres of blueberries flourish in an unspoilt landscape.

One of the lakes on the estate has an island with a stunning stone temple in its centre. The island is accessed by giant stepping stones. The temple has six tall columns and a silver wrought iron domed roof. Surrounded by water this is such a stunningly romantic feature that it is a very popular location for marriage proposals and wedding ceremonies. This classical architectural monument is the perfect location for photography.

For many generations the estate has been managed for shooting and fishing. Bracken Bank owns three beats on the River Eden, a beautiful river that is famous for salmon fishing. The coverts on the estate were all planted for game.

Shooting and fishing may be booked throughout the year. Groups may also enjoy other professionally run activities on the estate such as archery, rifle shooting, cross bows, paintball, paragliding and survival courses.