'Capability' Brown’s visionary landscape designs have earned him the nickname the ‘Shakespeare of Gardening’, and his birthplace was here in the small hamlet of Kirkharle in 1716. Brown worked here as a gardener’s boy, before going on to become a leading light in heritage landscape design.
A serpentine lake inspired by him is Kirkharle’s newest feature. Stroll around the shoreline among trees and shrubs visualised by Capability Brown himself.
Visit
Kirkharle Courtyard for a shopping experience with a different. Set in a restored historic farm courtyard, there’s an eclectic collection of arts and crafts shops and studios to browse, from furniture makers to naturally produced skin care ranges and a café too.
Take an easy stroll from the Courtyard to the Grade I listed
St Wilfrid’s Church with its striking masonry. Look out for the individual mason’s marks etched in stones within its chancel.