Gardens of Cheshire

The tour includes visits to a variety of gardens some that are very rarely open to the public and a wonderful opportunity to discover the new flagship garden for the RHS.

RHS Bridgewater is a botanical journey over 154 acres.  It includes one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the country, designed by leading landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, showcasing a variety of horticultural styles together with beautifully landscaped grounds and living plant collections.  Other parts include the Chinese Streamside Garden, the Paradise Garden and more!

Stretton Old Hall – winner of NGS Nation’s Favourite Gardens is a 5 acre Cheshire countryside garden with a planting style of controlled exuberance with an emphasis upon perennials, colour, form and scale. Divided into individual gardens including stunning herbaceous borders, walled kitchen garden, wildflower meadows and breathtaking vistas in every direction.

Laskey Farm a 1½ acre garden with herbaceous and rose borders, parterre and a maze showcasing grasses and prairie style planting. Interconnected pools for wildlife and an unusual water garden which features a swimming pond.   Biddulph Old Hall, once the home of the pre-Raphaelite artist Robert Bateman, Brian Vowles and the late Nigel Daly made it their mission not only to restore the Elizabethan manor house but also to recreate his romantic garden within the picturesque ruins in the grounds.  A truly romantic garden with climbing roses, a Knot Garden and stunning reflecting pool.  Adjacent Biddulph Grange Garden (NT) is a masterpiece of Victorian design created in the mid-19th century by James and Maria Bateman - a miniature tour of the world including a stunning China garden, Egypt and a Scottish Glen. The garden is built on the side of a valley with narrow gravel paths, ledges, and steps but plenty to view for the less adventurous!

The romantic gothic style Cholmondeley Castle overlooks 50 acres of stunning ornamental landscaped gardens a romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, herbaceous borders, ornamental woodland and a new rose garden.  A light lunch will be included in their tea rooms.  Wollerton Old Hall is a four acre stunning plantsman’s garden immaculate design around a 16th century house, formal garden with exuberantly planted borders, great emphasis on colour and form and many rare plants.

Stay for the three nights at the 4 star Handpicked Rookery Hall Hotel, near Nantwich, five miles from Crewe. This elegant Victorian mansion retaining many of its original features is set in 38 acres of picturesque parkland.  A luxury hotel with an award winning restaurant, extensive spa facilities and indoor pool.

Monday 10 June:  Check into Rookery Hall Hotel before joining others for dining in the evening.

Tuesday 11 June: Departing by coach for a morning visit to Laskey Farm before continuing to RHS Bridgewater.  This is a very extensive garden so enough time is allowed for find lunch independently and take time to explore the many different areas before returning to the hotel.

Wednesday 12 June:  Morning visit to Stretton Old Hall with refreshments.  Continue to Cholmondeley Castle gardens where a light lunch will be provided and an afternoon visit to Wollerton Old Hall with late afternoon refreshments.

Thursday 13 June: Check out of the hotel to depart for Biddulph Old Hall (45 minute drive).  Garden visit with refreshments.  Continue to the adjacent Biddulph Grange (NT) – Garden visit and opportunity to purchase lunch.  Return to Crewe Station 2 pm or hotel 2.30 pm.