Forget manicured lawns and tidy plots.

Plants from all over the world nestle in the wild splendour of over 70 acres of gardens with the romantic backdrop of the glorious Lakeland Fells.

Check out the wonderful Himalayan Gardens featuring many specimens rarely seen in the West. Experience, too, the spectacular rhododendrons - Europe's oldest leading collection. Whatever the season it's truly a "gateway to paradise".

Standing at almost sea level in the Himalayan gardens of Muncaster is startlingly similar to being 3350 metres (11,000ft) high in the Himalayan foothills.