Cheshire's Gardens
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Cheshire's gardens are some of the finest ornamental gardens in the UK. They include Biddulph Grange,Tatton, Lyme Park and Little Moreton Hall, but there are other smaller and less famous gardens that are immensely rewarding, too:
Gardens close to Coole Hall Farm
Dorfold Hall is just outside Nantwich, about 6 miles from Coole Hall Farm. It's a fascinating place to visit - the gardens measure the changes in fashion over the 400 years since the house and gardens were established. As well as the formal gardens close to the house, there's an extensive woodland area, with streams and rock gardens. And one of the trees - a Spanish Chestnut - is over 1,000 years old, and is reputed to be the last surviving tree of the ancient Delamere Forest. The Jacobean house is worth a visit, too, with wonderful plasterwork and panelling to see. Open from April to October. Tel: 01270 625245.
Combermere Abbey - a fascinating place, on the Cheshire / Shropshire borders, Combermere's walled gardens deserve to be better known. The 5 acre gardens include a Geometric Garden and a completely unique Fruit Tree Maze! At the centre is the stunning Glasshouse, which is now a very popular venue for weddings and corporate events. It's not the easiest place to visit - you have to prebook on a guided tour (Tel: 01948 662880), and tours are run only in March, April and May. But it's a hidden gem, and well worth the effort.