The house is set in rolling parkland with the vestiges of Sir Walter Blackett's elaborate plantations still visible, though they have been re-planted in more recent times. There are straight and serpentine walks though them and the visitor will find ponds with waterlilies as well as a wealth of birdlife and even red squirrels. Nearer to the house there are open views across the ha-ha towards Hadrian's Wall and the Shaftoe Crags further off. Statuary and urns are placed to attract the eye and mixed shrubberies planted in Victorian times for colour and variety.

But the real draw is the very impressive walled garden with its terraced borders, lead statues placed on its paths and nearby conservatories and original buildings and follies. Clever planting with an air of informality sets off the walled garden beautifully against the backdrop of parkland and woods. In the wetter parts of the garden near the stream, water irises, hostas and what is now the National Collection of elders thrive. In the Conservatory a spectacular Edwardian planting scheme survives alongside marble busts and lovely white painted furniture.