Gardens of Distinction

Cheshire’s wealth ofworld-class gardens owes as much to history as it does to the mild climate and fertile soil. Large areas of the county were owned by wealthy families, who created lavish and ideal landscapes to surround their homes. Some are now in the care of the National Trust, others are still cherished by individuals and families who open their gardens to the public.
Among Cheshire’s most distinguished gardens are one of the country’s finest botanical gardens at Ness, a romantic temple garden, two magnificent arboreta and two of the largest garden centres in the world – StapeleyWater Gardens and Bridgemere Garden World.

Few other areas of the UK can boast the range and number of superb gardens that can be found in this famously green-fingered county. You’re invited to visit any of our 23 outstanding gardens, which offer far more than just horticulture, including over 250 special events based within or around these spectacular gardens.

Gardens for All Seasons

Whatever time of year you choose to visit, you will be able to enjoy English gardens at their best – from snowdrop walks at Rode Hall in February to sumptuous blossom and grand sweeps of daffodils at Cholmondeley Castle in spring. May brings dazzling colour to Ness, as great expanses of rhododendrons and azaleas bloom. During long summer days, the RoseWalk in Norton Priory’s outstanding Walled Garden can be enjoyed at its best. The fiery tones of maples bring the autumn to a vivid climax in Tatton Park’s famous Japanese Garden.

Oh, Mr Darcy!

On the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park’s gardens have never seemed quite the same since Colin Firth, as Darcy, emerged drenched from the lake in the TV production of Pride and Prejudice. But there is more to them than this – including a Georgian Orangery, Edwardian Rose Garden and a magnificent sunken Dutch garden created in the early 18th century.

Diary date

Cheshire’s Year of Gardens ’08, a year long festival, will celebrate the rich heritage of the gardens and green environment in Cheshire. To discover Cheshire gardens simply visit yearofgardens08.com

RHS FLOWER SHOW AT TATTON PARK WEDNESDAY 18TH – SUNDAY 22ND JULY
Winner: Best Event in the Visit Chester & Cheshire awards, the flower show presents a truly unique day out for all garden lovers.

Our Top Gardens

ARLEY HALL & GARDENS
Arley’s beautiful gardens cover 17 acres with charming little pathways, secret places to discover and many unique features including the Ilex Avenue, Tea Cottage Garden and shrub rose, herb, scented and walled gardens. The gardens’ centrepiece is provided by the breathtaking double herbaceous border, reputed to be the oldest in England.

CHESTER ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
Chester Zoo is almost as famous for its plants as it is for its animals, and has won many prizes for its horticultural displays over the years. Plants are used to create themed gardens and naturalistic habitats for the animals, in addition to traditional ornamental displays.

CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDENS
These extensive ornamental gardens are dominated by a romantic Gothic Castle and are said by many to be among the most romantically beautiful gardens they have seen. Visit the beautiful Temple Garden with its rockery, lake and islands, or the Silver Garden where distinctive silver-leafed plants celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

JODRELL BANK ARBORETUM
With over 2,000 species, the arboretum is a tree lovers’ paradise. Enjoy the spectacular colour in spring and autumn. Take a look at the National Collections of Malus and Sorbus. Guided and self-guided walks are offered throughout the year.

LYME PARK
Lyme Park’s beautiful gardens retain many of the original Tudor and Jacobean features  and are of great historic importance. Extensive lawns stretch from the front of the house down to a ‘reflection’ lake, whilst to the west, there is a magnificent sunken Dutch Garden.

NESS BOTANIC GARDENS
These outstanding botanic gardens overlooking the Dee Estuary contain the
finest collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in the Northwest, one of the bestknown heather gardens in Britain, and an outstanding collection of Himalayan and Chinese plants.

NORTON PRIORY MUSEUM & GARDENS
This 38 acre award-winning museum and gardens boasts a 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden with Rose walk, herb garden, fruit garden, vegetable plots and herbaceous borders. There are 16 acres of established woodland gardens and a unique re-created medieval style herb garden.

TATTON PARK
Explore 50 acres of award-winning gardens rated among the best in the country. Representing over 200 years of garden design and history, notable features include the renowned Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, one of Britain’s finest ferneries, a scented rose garden, early arboretum and recently restored Walled Kitchen Garden.