GARDENS of England’s Northwest 2006
2-for-1
offers on garden visits!
Discover the region’s best places to visit Fun ideas for family days out Gardening experts reveal their favourites PLUS
where to eat, drink & stay
Visit England’s Northwest…
35
Fun for kids in Liverpool
36
6
The Southport Flower Show
15
26
Cobble Hey Gardens in Lancashire
Tatton Park in Cheshire
42
Holker Hall in Cumbria
Cathedral Gardens in Manchester
Contents Picture perfect
‘Why I love the Northwest’
3
Chester & Cheshire
5
Sail and play at Victoria Park, Southport
Garden designer Arabella LennoxBoyd puts down some roots Tatton Park Gardens of distinction Family days out More of a kind Essential listings
Editor Emma Mercer Art Editor Charlotte Chandler Sub-editor/Picture Editor Emily Brooks Production Manager Trevor Simpson Account Director
Cormac Bourne Account Manager Anna Yeardley Group Managing Editor Johnny Aldred Art Director Martin Tullett Publishing Director Simon Kanter
For NWDA Rob Martell, Nick Brooks-Sykes, Helen Batte ✽ Published by The Marketing Department, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Renaissance House, PO Box 37, Centre Park,
Warrington, WA1 1XB [t] 01925 400100, www.nwda.co.uk ✽ Produced by Haymarket Network [t] 020 8267 5000 ✽ Repro by Colour Systems, Pentonville Road, London, N1 9HS
✽ Printed by Garnett Dickinson, Brookfield Park, Yorks, S63 5DJ This guide has been prepared by Haymarket Network and is brought to you by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
No part of this guide may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except for the quotation of brief passages for review purposes. The publishers and authors have done their best to ensure
the accuracy of the information in Gardens of England’s Northwest, but can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained as a result of information or advice contained in the guide.
Pictures Maps: Michael Carr Cover: Carol Sharp/Flowerphotos.com Pg 2-4: Alamy/Rob Rayworth; Shutterstockx3; Brtainonview/Rod Edwards; CWTBx4; NWDA/Ian Lawson Pg 5: Joe Wainwright Pg 6-7: CWTB; Joe Wainwright; Britainonview/CWTB/NWDA/Adrian Houston; Shutterstockx3; Wildscape/Alamy Pg 8/9: Chomondeley Castle; Britainonview/CWTB/NWDA/Grant Pritchard; CWTBx2; Shutterstockx3; Bryan Lewis Pg 10-11: Shutterstockx2; CWTBx2; John Trinder; Simon Buckley Pg 12-14: Shutterstock x2; CWTBx2 Pg 15: David Millington Pg 16-17: Marketing Manchester; Marketing Manchester/Alan Bellwood; Ian M Butterfield/ Alamy; Shutterstock; MEN Syndicationx2; Simon Buckley Pg 18-19: Shutterstockx2; NTPL/Nick Meers; Alan King/Alamy; Philip Smith/Alamy/BBC Pg 20: Alamy/Photos.com Select Pg 21-22: Shutterstockx2; NWDA/Ian Lawsonx2 Pg 23: Andrew Lawson Pg 24-5: Shutterstockx3; Williamson Parkx2; Alamy/Jon Sparks; Alamy/David Poole; Simon Buckley; Pg 26-7: Shutterstockx2; Lancashire Tourism; Gresgarth Hall; IT Stock Free/Alamy Pg 28: Lancashire Tourism; Shutterstockx2; Mark Bolton/GPL; Paul Cartwright Pg 29-30: Williamson Park; Shutterstock Pg 31: Visit Sefton Pg 32-33: Shutterstockx4; NWC; the Mersey Partnershipx2; NWDA/Ian Lawson Pg 34-35: Shutterstockx3; NWDA/Ian Lawson; The Mersey Partnership; Simon Buckley; Granada Television; Visit Sefton; Photolibrary.com; britainonview/Ben Barden; Pg 36: Visit Sefton; NTPL/Joe Cornish; Shutterstockx3 Pg 37-38: Shutterstockx4; The Mersey Partnership Pg 39: Cumbria Photo/Val Corbett Pg 40-41: Shutterstock; Cumbria Tourist Board x2; Rex Features/Nick Cunard; Martin Varleyx3; Jason Friend/Alamy Pg 42-43: Topfoto/UPP; Cumbria Tourist Board x4; Blackwell; Shutterstock; NTPL/Clive Boursnell; NTPL; Rydal Mount Pg 44-45: Alan King/Alamy; Muncaster Gardensx2; Shutterstock; Cumbria Tourist Boardx2; Simon Buckley/Larch Cottage Nurseries Pg 46: Cumbria Tourist Board x3; Shutterstockx2; Pg 47-48: Rydal Mount; Cumbria Tourist Board; Shutterstockx2
Manchester
The greener, brighter metropolis Town and country Family days out Outdoor entertaining Essential listings
Lancashire
A day in the park Perfect plots Family days out Essential listings
6-7 8-9 9 10-11 12-14 15 16-17 18-19 19 20 21-22 23 24-25 26-28 27
Welcome…
35
2
The Northwest scenes that inspired our greatest artists
Liverpool Step into the wild Mersey roots Family days out Essential listings
31 32-33 34-36 35 37-38
Cumbria:
The Lake District Blooms with a view At one with nature Family days out Wildly different Essential listings Special 2-for-1 offers
39 40-41 42-43 43 44-46 47-48 49
No matter what time of year you visit England’s Northwest, you’ll be treated to a dazzling horticultural display. Rhododendron tunnels in spring, scented roses in summer, woodland walks in autumn and alpine plants in winter – it’s all here for you to enjoy. The different terrains and climates that make up the Northwest create changing landscapes and allow a huge variety of rare and unusual plants to thrive in the many gardens. From the stately homes of Cheshire to the unspoilt scenery of Lancashire, the urban edginess of Manchester and Liverpool to the romantic wilderness of the Lake District, the Northwest has something to suit all tastes. Surprising, exciting and most of all naturally stunning, England’s Northwest is a joy for the gardening enthusiast. To give you a taster, you can discover many of the area’s highlights within this guide: but be warned, one visit is never enough!
*Picture perfect Naturally Northwest
W
Why I love… the Northwest
Neil Coates discovers a spectacular countryside that has inspired some of our greatest artists, poets and authors
ordsworth’s daffodils still glow beside Ullswater each spring, perhaps the most familiar image of England’s favourite acres amidst the mountains and fells of the Lake District. The National Park is the jewel in the crown of England’s Northwest; travel south from here, however (perhaps taking in the inspiring topiary garden at Levens Hall and the Lyth Valley’s damson orchards) and the landscape becomes less well-known as mountains give way to coast, verdant valleys and rolling moors.
HIGHS AND LOWS This diversity is reflected in the wealth of gardens – large and small – that pepper the countryside, drawing on this spectacular natural landscape as inspiration. Here you’ll find a range of picturesque gems such as Bowland’s heathery dome, the Goyt’s wildflower-filled valley, Rossendale’s haunting stone country and Cheshire’s cottage-garden villages and vast country estates.
▲
CHANGING SCENERY Beyond some of the country’s most loved seaside resorts; beyond the city centres with
shiny new public faces; and even beyond the world-famous views from the highest Lakeland Fells, the Northwest boasts much territory that may be unfamiliar to the casual traveller. No other region can offer such a tapestry of different landscapes, where contrasting environments sit within close proximity.
Garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd explains how the region has captivated her
Above: neat villages with their chocolate-box cottages are among the hidden gems of rural Cheshire Left: ullswater, worthy of Wordsworthian inspiration. Below: Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, equally influential for J.R.R. Tolkein
“e
ngland’s Northwest is a very romantic area that has a wonderful roughness to it. From the hills of the Lakes and the rich, black soil of Blackpool, to the wooded areas of Lancashire and the flats of Cheshire, it’s terrifically varied. We have a great variety of climates which is partly due to the Gulf Stream. In Cheshire, for example, it can be very sunny and mild so everything grows beautifully – it’s almost like being in the south of France. It means that there are no frosts in some areas so you can grow things that won’t always grow as well elsewhere. My extraordinary collection of magnolias is an example: some of my frends said I wouldn’t be able to grow them, but they crept into flower at the end of March and have flourished. We also have a wonderful, balmy drizzle that everyone
complains about but which is so good for the plants, especially those from China that can be found in many gardens, such as Dunge Valley in Cheshire and Dalemain in Cumbria. Coming here from my native Italy has been a learning process and it still is. When my husband and I bought Gresgarth Hall in Lancashire, I have to admit
grow Mediterranean plants beautifully. It’s all about experimenting – and that’s what makes gardening in the Northwest so interesting. I love all seasons here. Spring explodes – the spring flowers here are better than in other areas of england. Summer brings blooming peonies, roses and fantastic herbaceous borders that go on until November, by which
“At Gresgarth I have put my roots – and my trees – down, and I just couldn’t leave now.” I never thought I could create a garden: it was really hilly, the house was in a frost pocket and there was an infestation of weeds. All I wanted was to grow lavender like I did in Italy! I had no experience with wet, heavy soil and I had to learn how to work with it and what to grow in it. I soon discovered that drainage and regular feeding were vital, and now I can
time the woodlands are ablaze with autumn colour. Whatever time of year you visit the Northwest you will discover some fantastic gardens, such as the wonderful Holker Hall and the beautifully-maintained Levens Hall in Cumbria. At Gresgarth, I really feel I have put my roots – and my trees – down. I just couldn’t leave now: it’s home.
“
Anything grows, at Gresgarth: the Northwest’s mild, wet climate is a boon for gardeners For more on Gresgarth Hall, turn to page 27
www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com
3
A line of high moors stride south from the stunning heights of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) where tiny Dunsop Bridge is the geographical centre of Great Britain. The moors are cut by the meandering Ribble Valley (where Tolkien gained inspiration for “The Shire”) only to bubble up again as the whaleback hills of the West Pennines and the scalloped gritstone edges east of Manchester. Secreted here are estates and gardens thriving on the acidic soils below the heights
villages. The west Lancashire plain succumbs to the sea via some of the country’s most extensive sandhills and dune slacks along the Sefton Coast, where cool coastal pinewoods are home to a rare colony of red squirrels.
Thriving Dunge Valley
CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDENS
Still and serene Silverdale
The Temple Garden: a peaceful retreat
ENDLESS VISTAS South of the Mersey on the Wirral Peninsula, Liverpool University’s Ness Botanic Gardens drop to the Dee Estuary’s fabulous seamarshes, with endless vistas across the silvery waters to the hills of north Wales. From here the Cheshire
“The Lune Valley drains the Pennine’s waters to the sea via limestone knolls and villages, culminating in the expanse of Morecambe Bay” – Browsholme Hall in Clitheroe, Lyme Park in Stockport and the delightful Dunge Valley high above Macclesfield. These airy heights are in contrast to the lowlands spreading to the Irish Sea. The gorgeous Lune Valley – one of J.M.W. Turner’s favourite studies – drains the Pennine’s waters to the sea via a countryside of limestone knolls and villages, culminating in the expanse of Morecambe Bay (one of Europe’s foremost wildfowl areas), fringed by the reed-beds at Leighton Moss, where roe deer, bittern and otters thrive below the wildflower-studded woodlands of the Arnside & Silverdale AONB.
Plain ripples inland towards the dark line of the Peak District; sturdy Delamere Forest thrives on sandy soils whilst further inland, the deer park at Tatton is transformed each summer by the RHS Flower Show and Jodrell Bank’s arboretum is shaded by the futuristic dish of the Lovell Radio Telescope. England’s Northwest is truly a world apart and awaits your discovery!
FERTILE LAND These unfamiliar landscapes are drained by unknown rivers: the Hodder, Yarrow and Douglas thread across Lancashire, watering an incredibly fertile succession of plains and peaty mosslands, skirting low sandstone ridges and linking ancient
The wet but wonderful River Dee
ABLE ASSISTANCE: helping gardens to thrive It takes a lot of effort to look this good...
THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME
THE HISTORIC HOuSES ASSOCIATION ✽ The HHA exists to help private owners maintain Britain’s historic houses and gardens, for the benefit of the nation and for future generations. It represents more than 1,500 properties, most of which provide some form of public access, in turn making a huge contribution to rural economies through tourism. If they have noteworthy gardens, we’ve included information about HHA properties in the guide. For more information call 020 7259 5688, or visit www.hha.org.uk
Holker Hall’s deer park
Hutton-inthe-forest
✽ By opening fine gardens to the public, this scheme has been raising money for more than 75 years. Since it first began in 1927, the NGS has raised over £20 million for charity, with £1.8 million being raised last year alone. Every year, thousands of people across the country participate in the scheme. Keep a look out in the listings for this symbol [ ], signifying that the garden is an NGS participant. For further details, call 01483 211535 or visit www.ngs.org.uk
Chester
& Cheshire One of the great garden counties of the UK, Cheshire has many horticultural treasures. Find out why inspiration comes in all sizes – from stately homes to private plots
✽
Inside this area
P6-7 TATTON PARK One of Cheshire’s finest gardens, and host to the RHS’s must-see show P8-9 GARDENS OF DISTINCTION Discover some breath-taking gardens P10-11 MORE OF A KIND Make a date to visit these horticultural delights P12-14 ESSENTIAL LISTINGS
*
Chester & Cheshire
EVENTS at Tatton
✽
11 June ORCHID SHOW THE TENANTS HALL
The largest annual orchid event in the North.
17-18 June
MEDIEVAL FAYRE THE OLD HALL
Medieval re-enactment with lots of entertainment.
25 June CANCER RESEARCH uK RACE FOR LIFE
A photo opportunity
A 5km run to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
No visit to Cheshire would be complete without a day out here, especially if combined with the flower show in July
1-2 July
STARS & STRIPES AMERICAN CAR SHOW
Lovers of Americana can get their fill of 1950s autos.
6 July
Tatton Park S
et in 1,000 acres of Green Heritage and Green Flag awardwinning parkland, this stately home and gardens is an impressive landmark. The mansion and Old Hall offer a fascinating insight into the daily life of the Egerton family, while the extensive gardens provide a living history of the tastes and fashions of the family over the last 400 years. Here are a few of the highlights…
JAPANESE GARDEN Dating from 1910, this was the last piece of the original garden to be built. It is said to be the finest example of a Japanese garden in Europe – hardly surprising, since it was originally built by Japanese craftsmen. It was restored in 2001 and features many of the original artefacts such as the stone lanterns, the thatched tea house and the cedarwood Shinto shrine. WALLED GARDEN This extensive kitchen garden has been restored and is well established with a variety of fruit and vegetables that would have been used in the Edwardian era. These include a turn-of-thecentury apple called ‘the Bloody Ploughman’, as well as vegetables such as the unusual turnip-like kohlrabi.
There are more than 40 varieties of rhubarb, and 15 varieties of fig in the fig house; you can also find the Greyhound cabbage, one of the earliest varieties in existence. Produce from the walled garden is sold in the Garden Shop and served in the restaurant. TOPIARY This large section of yew tree topiary is more than 200 years old and encloses the Rose Garden and the Tower Garden. There are many different shapes to see but none so
Creative contrasts
Inquisitive deer
curious as the pigeon that was once a peacock! Apparently an overly-keen gardener trimmed off the resplendent peacock’s tail by mistake – the current gardener is trying to restore the bird to its former glory. ROSE & TOWER GARDENS Contrasting in style and content, these small gardens symbolise light and dark, male and female, yin and yang. The Rose Garden is the female element, shrouded in pretty
THE WINTER’S TALE A faithful reworking of the Shakespeare classic.
9 July
CANCER RESEARCH uK BIKE RIDE
16 miles of fund-raising fun for all the family.
19-23 July Tatton Gardens: a living history
RHS FLOWER SHOW See right for details. TICKET HOTLINE: 0870 906 3811
29 July modern old roses which create a tremendous scent in summer, while the Tower Garden, with its mysterious tower and rare trees, represents the male element. The tower was built in the 18th century as a look-out against sheep stealers and forms a focal point with the summer house, miniature topiary, and several interesting and exotic plants. THE PINERY A recent project now underway is the restoration of the pinery, or pineapple house. In the mid19th century, pineapples were very much in vogue, with estates competing to grow this exotic fruit. Many were known as ‘pinery vineries’ where the pineapples were grown in beds and vines were grown over the roof to shade them. The buildings were heated by warm air in flued walls.
HALLÉ FIREWORKS & LIGHT SPECTACuLAR A spectacular outdoor concert that creates a night of midsummer magic.
6 August
FuN DOG-SHOW Ten novelty classes including Saddest Eyes and Waggiest Tail.
19-20 August
THE 19TH TATTON PARK VINTAGE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW Vintage and classic cars and displays.
Admiring the displays
Show stoppers: 19-23 July
The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park just keeps getting better. Here are 10 reasons why you should be there
1
Best year yet The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park will feature more gardens in 2006 than ever before, with over 60 displays including 26 show gardens, 32 back to backs and nine show features. Show gets a new look A new ‘grid system’ layout will make the show even easier to navigate and find your way around. Feeling hot, hot, hot A double floral marquee will feature chillies from Cookoo Box Nursery, oriental trees from Mendip Bonsai Studio and the launch of a new Eucomis variety from Philip Tivey & Son. Bedding wars Local authorities and colleges compete in the RHS National Flower Bed Competition, paying homage to everything from black pudding-throwing to Alice in Wonderland, all in a 7m by 4m space.
2 3
4
5
Global movement A ‘Fairtrade’ feature garden from Vale Royal Borough Council is based on Costa Rica and comes complete with a banana plantation and lush tropical planting. Victoriana is not just on the catwalk Gardens get some 19thcentury inspiration with Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s ‘Naturally Victorian’ design and Clive Scott’s tribute to Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade poem. Africa comes to Tatton Louise Ward and Lucy Hunter join forces to create an art deco-style show garden inspired by the film Out of Africa. Meanwhile Tatton Park’s ‘Into Africa’, will pick up on Lord Egerton’s legacy, with an African school garden.
6
7
8
Tatton’s debutantes There are more than 20 first-timers at the show this year, including former solicitor, Guy Petherham, and his back to back garden, ‘The Function Room’, and Andrew Parsons, who is designing a ‘Rainy City Garden’ especially for wheelchair users. Cool for cats The West Kilbride Environmental Group is creating a special ‘cat friendly’ back to back garden complete with underground tunnels and shading foliage. Satisfy those shopa-holic cravings Hundreds of exhibitors offer the chance to buy luxury goods, gourmet food, arts and crafts and garden accessories.
9
10
A 2005 show garden
27-28 August
THE TATTON PARK COuNTRY SHOW Country sports with falconry, gundog and sheepdog displays.
2 September
PARTY AT THE PROMS An evening with the English National Orchestra.
www.visitchester.com
7
*
Chester & Cheshire
CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDENS
Romantic, beautiful, wild: these gardens stir up emotion in whoever visits them. The stunning landscaping creates colourful areas that change dramatically each season, such as the rose garden, the laburnum grove and the temple garden with its small lake full of giant koi carp swimming lazily among the water lilies. n Malpas, off the A49 Whitchurch-Tarporley road
Something different
NORTON PRIORY
This 38-acre site contains the ruins of a 12th-century priory. The gardens contain a wealth of secrets, best known perhaps being the walled garden, winner of four ‘Britain in Bloom’ awards. Built between 1757 and 1770, the garden was originally a kitchen garden and now also houses a rose walk. Norton Priory recently recreated a traditional medieval herb garden for BBC2’s Hidden Gardens. As well as the gardens, you can enjoy exploring sculpture trails, and other historical artefacts in the area.
▲
▲ Stirring the senses
▼ Golden oldie
ARLEY HALL & GARDENS
When a garden is described as ‘exciting and unpredictable’ by BBC presenter and garden writer Roy Lancaster, you know it’s got to be pretty special. Arley Gardens has been cared for and added to by the same family over successive generations, resulting in stunning displays and a variety of unique features. There’s the Furlong Walk, the pleached lime avenue and the exquisite yew topiary, as well as two walled gardens, a secret grotto, and around 300 species of azalea and rhododendron. There’s lots to keep the kids happy too. n Six miles from Northwich: ten
minutes from M56 junction 10, and from M6 at junctions 20 or 19
Why I love…
Arley Hall
n From M56 take J11 turn for Warrington
Gardens of distinction Tree of life
▲
Beauty contest
JODRELL BANK ARBORETuM
LYME PARK
CHESTER ZOO
n Junction 12 or 14 from M53, then the A41 Chester road
For further visitor information please see Cheshire listings on page 12
4
3
Cheshire’s finest horticultural offerings come in all manner of shapes, sizes and styles – so it’s no wonder this county attracts more garden visitors than any other in the region
See plants that animals would use in the wild such as those from the savannah grassland, tropical rainforests and the desert as well as some rare British native species. The orchid collection is one of the best in the North and has over 400 species.
ARLEY HALL & GARDENS Let the kids discover the enchanting secret grotto and Arley’s Playhouse, with its myriad of puzzles Feeding time and challenges. Nearby Stockley Farm is a fun and educational treat where you TATTON PARK can watch the dairy herd As well as a children’s being milked and children play area, Tatton Park is can handle and feed the home to the wonderful baby farmyard animals. Home Farm with its different breeds of cattle WALTON and pigs, Shire horses, HALL & GARDENS chickens and sheep. The This Green Flag awardbirth of piglets is always a winning park has a popular attraction as are children’s zoo with visitors such as goat kids peacocks, pot-bellied pigs and donkeys. Children and rabbits among can have birthday other animals. Go parties at the for feeding times farm and become (1pm in summer, a ‘farmer for a 2pm in winter) or day’ while every for 24-hour fun, December, the enquire about the farm receives a ‘Adopt an Animal’ very special visitor scheme; proceeds in the form of Funny faces go to the zoo. Father Christmas.
2
“One of my favourite gardens is Arley Hall, where plenty of inspiration awaits in the many ‘rooms’ of the garden. My favourite area is the kitchen garden, and the herbaceous border is lovely.” Anne Swithinbank, garden writer and presenter
▲ Survival of the species
Family days out... 1
These immaculate Victorian gardens are overlooked by an ornate 18th-century Italianate palace. Among the impressive bedding schemes, there is a sunken parterre containing 18,000 colourful spring bulbs, an Edwardian rose garden, a reflection lake, Wyatt conservatory and 170-year-old giant red camellias. The garden is surrounded by a 1,400acre medieval deer park offering lovely walks. n Between Stockport
and Buxton on the A6
▲ Taste of the Orient
NESS BOTANIC GARDENS
A passion for plants from abroad, particularly from the Chinese Mountains and the Himalayas, led to the creation of these gardens by Arthur Bulley at the turn of the last century. Expeditions to bring back more than 100 species of plants from the Far East have resulted in a stunning display such as the blue Gentiana sino-ornata, a tumbling laburnum arch, and colourful peonies (right). Other gems include the heather and water gardens, terraces and a rowan tree lawn. n A540, 11 miles from Chester
This 35-acre arboretum, with over 2,000 shrubs and plants, exists to make us aware of our environment. The Solar System Trail features planets laid out to scale in the arboretum and the Planet Tree exhibition looks at how trees help sustain the Earth’s environment. Here, you can also find the world’s first fully steerable telescope.
STAPELEY WATER GARDENS From the Palms Tropical Oasis House and its weird and wonderful reptiles, to the Zoo Room with its family of monkeys, via the pet shop and the play area, this is one place kids will love. Look out for events such as face painting, drawing and fancy dress competitions.
Star attractions at Home Farm
n Turn off the A535
near Holmes Chapel or the M6 at junction 18
2 1
4
3
*More of a kind Chester & Cheshire
For beauty, colour and above all, diversity, these gardens are worth a visit ▼ Trees a crowd
Cheshire
Elizabethan ingenuity
Diary...
LITTLE MORETON HALL
Britain’s most famous timber-framed manor house has seen little change during its 500 years. The Elizabethan knot garden is one of the finest examples of its kind; its design was inspired by the quatrefoil patterning on the building’s exterior. Herbs and vegetables of the time such as ruby chard are grown, and there’s a koi-filled moat and yew-tree tunnel.
21 June
CHESHIRE SHOW Tabley [t] 01565 722050
24-25 June
▲ Club Tropicana
GARDEN FESTIVAL Arley Hall & Gardens [t] 01565 777353
Many of this arboretum’s 4,000 species have been grown from seed. It has national collections of ash and pine (oak is also being planned to join the list), a number of hebes (right) as well as unusual trees such as the the Butternut Tree and the Date Plum.
For anyone with an interest in unusual plants, sourced from all over the world, this is the place to come. An added excitement at Stapeley is the Palms Tropical Oasis, an acre-long greenhouse full of intriguing creatures, such as water dragons, Caiman crocodiles and tarantulas, while in the Tropical House, giant Amazon water lilies offer shade to piranha and catfish.
30 June-1 July
n Swettenham, off the A54
n On the A51 a mile south of Nantwich,
n
100 yards off the A34 Alderly Edge-Congleton road
QuINTA ARBORETuM & NATuRE RESERVE,
between Holmes Chapel and Congleton
▼
DuNGE VALLEY HIDDEN GARDENS & NuRSERY
Find year-round enjoyment at this 1,000-acre country park, with bluebells in spring, shady lime trees in summer and fiery autumn colour from ash and oaks. There’s also an arboretum, a community orchard and a walled garden.
Immerse yourself in Dunge Valley’s colourful displays of hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, acers (below), magnolias and blue poppies, and imagine yourself in the Himalayas, from where owner, David Ketley, took his inspiration. More than 550 species are laid out amid streams, waterfalls, bridges and bog gardens.
n Marbury Road between Anderton and
Comberbach off J10 of the M56
n Kettleshulme, off the B5470 at Whaley Bridge off the A6 from Stockport to Buxton
▼ Woodland displays HARE HILL
SHAKESPEARE’S A MIDSuMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Arley Hall & Gardens [t] 01565 777353
FAMILY PICNIC EVENING Chester Zoo [t] 01244 380280
26 July
NANTWICH AND SOuTH CHESHIRE SHOW Dorfold Hall [t] 01270 780306
6 August
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Lyme Park [t] 01663 762023
13-18 August
WIZARD WEEK Arley Hall & Gardens [t] 01565 777353
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Norton Priory Gardens [t] 01928 569895
▼ Reaping the rewards ORCHARD VILLA
Originally built in 1926 as a smallholding for a railway foreman, Orchard Villa is now firmly on the must-see gardens list. The long and narrow plot – just 10 yards across and totalling a third of an acre – plays host to thousands of species. Highlights include a shaded fern area and small alpine garden as well as two herbaceous borders, a clematis-covered obelisk, and a pretty iris garden. n Junction 16 off the M56, then the
A500 towards Stoke on Trent
For further visitor information please see Cheshire listings on page 12
Room with a view
MOuNT PLEASANT GARDENS
These gardens, recently opened under the National Gardens Scheme, provide the ideal opportunity to wander through exquisite displays of traditional mixed planting and ponds surrounded by waterside species. The garden boasts thousands of plant varieties with a wonderful terraced planting scheme providing a riot of colour as the plants tumble down making way for the views over the Cheshire Plain. You can take some inspiration home with you too: there are home-grown plants, shrubs and seasonal hanging baskets for sale. n Turn off the A54 at the Kelsall traffic lights
TIP FROM THE TOP
Macclesfield on the B5087
20 July
28 August
▼
n Between Alderley Edge and
PRIDE AND PREJuDICE Lyme Park [t] 01663 762023
20 July
▼ Mountain adventures
Park life
Especially delightful in early summer, this woodland garden has stunning displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, hostas and a world-class holly collection. A charming 20th-century walled garden contains a pergola and wire sculpture displays and there are also some lovely walks in the surrounding parkland.
STAPELEY WATER GARDENS
off the M6 at junction 16
MARBuRY COuNTRY PARK
✽
Sam Youd, Head Gardener, Tatton Park Within Tatton’s gardens is the recently restored Kitchen Garden – what was once the heart of the estate. The recent trend in healthy eating has encouraged people to ‘grow their own’. Even in a small space this is possible by incorporating herbs and vegetables within the flower border. Red-stemmed Swiss chard or climbing beans on frames can add a different dimension to the border.
❝
❜❜
30, 31 August & 1 September
A SuMMER FLOWER FESTIVAL – LE CHATEAu LES FLEuRS Arley Hall & Gardens [t] 01565 777353
3 September
GARDEN ENTHuSIASTS’ DAY WITH PLANT HuNTERS’ FAIR Ness Botanic Gardens [t] 0151 353 0123
17 September
HORTICuLTuRAL SHOW Norton Priory Gardens [t] 01928 569895
www.visitchester.com
11
Cheshire – the essentials Where
to visit…
Adlington Hall Gardens Adlington, near Macclesfield [t] 01625 820875 www.adlingtonhall.com The gardens feature a lime avenue planted in 1688, herbaceous borders, a maze and rose garden. Open: Wednesday afternoons in June, July, Aug; weekdays all year by prior arrangement Admission: house & garden – adults £6, children £3
Arley Hall & Gardens
Great Budworth, Northwich [t] 01565 777353 www.arleyhallandgardens.com For more details see page 8. Open: April-Oct, Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays, 11am5pm; Oct; Admission: gardens – adults £5, OAPs £4.50, children £2, Hall, gardens & Stockley Farm – adults £8.50, OAPs £7, children £5
Bluebell Cottage Gardens
Lodge Lane, Dutton, near Warrington [t] 01928 713718 www.lodgelanenursery.co.uk View plants in their natural habitat before popping to
key National Trust Garden National Garden Scheme Garden Parking Plants for sale Toilet
Lodge Lane nursery to buy one of the 2,000 varieties of perennials and shrubs on sale. There are also a threeacre wildflower meadow and bluebell-carpeted woodland. Open: nursery – mid-Marmid-Sept, Wed-Sun & Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm; garden – May-Sept, Fri-Sun & Bank Holidays, 10am5pm; Admission: adults £3, children free
Capesthorne Hall
Siddington, Macclesfield [t] 01625 861221 www.capesthorne.com Jacobean-style hall and garden with daffodil lawn, azaleas, rhododendrons, herbaceous border, woodland walk and arboretum. Open: April-Oct Sun, Weds and Bank Holidays, 12-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) Admission: house, garden & chapel – Weds, £10 per car (max four people). Sundays & Bank Holidays: adults £6, OAPs £5, children £3; garden and chapel – Sun & Bank Holidays only, adults £4, OAPs £3, children £2
Castle Park
Frodsham [t] 01928 733953 (via Leisure Centre) Smart Victorian formal bedding scheme which reflects the work of original designer Edward Kemp, who is renowned for his work at Birkenhead Park. Open: dawn-dusk Admission: free
Orchard Villa
Cheshire Regiment Memorial Garden
72 Audley Road, Alsager [t] 01270 874833 For more details see page 10. Open: 1-2 June or phone ahead. Admission: adults £2, children free
Chester Cathedral, Abbey Square, Chester [t] 01244 324756 Created to commemorate the regiment and maintained by its members. Open: 8am-dusk Admission: free
Chester Zoo
Upton-by-Chester [t] 01244 380280 www.chesterzoo.org For more details see page 8. Open: daily except 25-26 Dec, 10am-dusk Admission: (peak, 8 Apr-29 Oct) adults £14.50, children £10.50, concessions £13; (for offpeak prices, please contact the Zoo directly)
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens,
Malpas [t] 01829 720383 For more details see page 8. Open: Apr-Sept, Wed, Thurs, Sun & Bank Holidays, 11.30am5pm; 8 & 22 Oct for ‘Autumn Tint’ Admission: adults £4, children £1.50; Castle not open to public
Dorfold Hall
Nantwich, [t] 01270 625 245 Jacobean country house with gardens including a rock garden, stream dell, specimen trees and herbaceous borders. Open: Apr-Oct, Tues & Bank Holiday Monday 2-5pm Admission: adults £5, children £3
Refreshments Wheelchair access
Peover Hall & Gardens
Luscious laburnum at Norton Priory
Dunge Valley
near Macclesfield [t] 01625 422101 A beautifully landscaped 12-acre garden with two lakes and an imposing Palladian villa. Planting includes azaleas, rhododendrons, rare trees and herbaceous borders. The site is a national venue for horse trials and carriage-driving. Open by arrangement only
Gawsworth Hall
Jodrell Bank
Church Lane Macclesfield [t] 01260 223456 www.gawsworthhall.com This ancient manor house, re-modelled in 1701, is wellknown for hosting spectacular summer open air theatre with drama, opera and music events. Open: May-Sept, Sun-Wed & Bank Holidays 2-5pm; 25 June-31 Aug, open daily Admission: adults £6, under 16s £3
Grosvenor Park
Chester Designed in the late 1860s by Edward Kemp, a pupil of Joseph Paxton, this fine Victorian park features treelined avenues, statues and sweeping lawns surrounded by ornamental beds. Open: 8am-dusk Admission: free
Hare Hill Gardens
Picnics allowed No dogs Guide dogs only Dogs allowed on leads* Events Shop still be restricted
12 www.visitchester.com
Gawsworth Hall’s summer theatre
Henbury Hall
Hidden Gardens Kettleshulme, High Peak [t] 01663 733787 www.dungevalley.co.uk For more details see page 11. Open: Mar-Apr and Jun-Aug, Thurs-Sun & Bank Holidays, 10.30am-5pm; May only Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays, 10.30am-5pm Admission: adults £3, children £1
Restaurant
* Areas where dogs are allowed may
10am-5pm Admission: free, or £2.50 for group tours of the walled garden
Over Alderley, Macclesfield [t] 01625 584412 For more details see page 10. Open: March-Oct, Wed, Thurs & weekends, Bank Holidays 10am-5pm, open everyday in May Admission: adults £2.70, children £1.25
near Macclesfield [t] 01477 571339 www.jb.man.ac.uk For more details see page 9. Open: daily Mar-Oct, 10.30am-5.30pm Admission: adults £1.50, children £1, under-4s free, 3-D theatre £1
Little Moreton Hall
Congleton [t] 01260 272018 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 11. Open: Mar-Oct, WedSun, 11.30am-5pm; Nov1 Dec, weekends only, 11.30am-4pm Admission: adults £5.50, children £2.80
Lyme Park
Disley, Stockport [t] 01663 762023 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 8. Open: garden – Mar-Oct, daily, 11am-5pm; Nov-Dec, weekends, 12noon-3pm. Admission: garden – adults £3.50, children £2
Marbury Country Park
near Northwich [t] 01606 77741 For more details see page 10. Open: Apr-Sept 9am-8pm,
Oct-Mar 9am-5pm Admission: free
Mount Pleasant Gardens
Kelsall [t] 01829 751592 For more details see page 11. Open: May-Sept Sat, Sun, Wed, Bank Holidays 125pm; Admission: £3
Ness Botanic Gardens
Neston Road, Ness, Neston, South Wirral [t] 0151 353 0123 www.nessgardens.org.uk For more details see page 9. Open: Mar-Oct, 9.30am-5pm; Nov-Feb, 9.30am-4pm Admission: adults £5, under-18s free, concessions £4.50
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn [t] 01928 569895 www.nortonpriory.org For more details see page 9. Open: general gardens – Apr-Oct, weekdays, 125pm; weekends and Bank Holidays, 12-6pm; NovMar, daily, 12-4pm. Walled garden – Apr-Oct, daily, 1.30-4.30pm Admission: adults £4.50, children & concessions £3.25, under-5s free
One House Nursery
Buxton New Road, Rainow, Macclesfield [t] 01625 427087 A character garden of half an acre, with rare woodland and sun-loving perennials, rockery, gravel garden and a hornbeam arbour. Open: Mar-Oct, Tues-Sun
Over Peover, Knutsford [t] 01565 632358 This Elizabethan house is set in a large garden with topiary, rose garden, walled and herb gardens, lily pool and summer house. Open: Apr-Oct, Mon and Thurs (except bank holidays) 2-5pm. Admission: stables & garden – adults £3, children £2
Tatton Park
Knutsford [t] 01625 534400 www.tattonpark.org.uk For more details see page 6. Open: gardens – 19 March2 Oct, Tues-Sun, 10am5pm; 5 Oct-25 March, Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm; mansion – 19 Mar-2 Oct, Tues-Sun, 1-4pm Admission: gardens – adults £3, children £2; mansion – adults £3, children £2; Discovery Saver (for two attractions) adults £5, children £3
Victoria Park
York Street, Macclesfield Small municipal park with floral areas, bowling green, aviary and a fine Victorian bandstand.
Where
to stay… The Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa
Eastgate, Chester [t] 01244 324024 www.chestergrosvenor.co.uk With its luxurious rooms, spa treatments and Michelinstarred restaurant, there’s no wonder this sumptuous hotel was awarded an RAC Gold Ribbon. It’s an ideal place to stay for a spot of pampering.
Chester Stone Villa Hotel
Stone Place, Hoole Chester [t] 01244 345014 www.stonevillahotel.co.uk Winner of ‘Best B&B in Cheshire 2005/2006’, this
access; all this and it is only eight miles from central Manchester.
Crabwall Manor
Parkgate Road, Mollington, Chester [t] 01244 851666 www.swallow-hotels.com Splendid 17th-century country house in 11 acres of garden and mature woodland. Award-winning restaurant with fine views.
Craxton Wood Hotel
Parkgate Road, Ledsham [t] 0151 347 4000 www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk This delightful country house has wooded grounds and striped lawns with vibrant floral borders. The hotel has won two AA rosettes and has an Egon Ronay-recommended restaurant.
The Quinta Arboretum & Nature Reserve
Swettenham village, near Congleton [t] 01477 537698 www.tattongardensociety.co.uk For more details see page 10. Open: daily except 25 Dec, 9am-dusk; Admission: adults £2.50, RHS members and children free
Sunnyside Farm
Shop Lane, Little Budworth [t] 01829 760618 A plantsman’s country garden of more than an acre, with a large wildflower meadow and native woodland developed since 1982. Open: for NGS 16 Jul and 20 Aug, 1-5pm; private visits by appointment Admission: adults £3.50, children free
Hoole Road, Chester [t] 01244 326241 www.greenbough.co.uk A Gold Award winner at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2006, this hotel has roof-top gardens featuring beautiful flora and babbling water feature. Superb restaurant and ultramodern accommodation.
Mere Court Hotel
Warrington Road, Mere, Knutsford [t] 01565 831000 www.merecourt.co.uk Set in the heart of the countryside surrounded by seven acres of mature gardens and parklands.
The Mill Hotel
Milton Street, Chester [t] 01244 350035 www.millhotel.com Built as a corn mill in 1830, this hotel was renovated in 2001 to provide stylish accommodation in central Chester. Guests can dine in the waterside restaurant, or enjoy a meal while cruising Chester’s waterways.
The Mollington Hotel & Spa
Parkgate Road, Chester [t] 01244 851471 www. mollingtonbanastre.com A splendid country hotel set among eight acres of relaxing gardens, just two miles from the centre of Chester.
Rode Hall and Gardens
Scholar Green [t] 01270 873237 www.rodehall.co.uk An historically-important family house with impressive gardens including the Park and its 40-acre lake, the delightful rose beds in the Formal Garden and the Kitchen Gardens where fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown without chemicals. Open: April-Sept 2-5pm, hall – Weds & Bank Hols, gardens – Tues-Thurs Admission: house & garden £5, garden only £3
Green Bough Hotel
Chemical-free Rode Gardens Open: 8am-10pm in the summer Admission: free
Walton Hall & Gardens
family-run hotel has won several awards over the years for its high standards.
Combermere Abbey
Walton Lea Road, Warrington An Elizabethan-styled hall within mature parkland and ornamental gardens, with trees and shrubs from all over the world plus Walton Hall Zoo. Open: 8am-dusk Admission: free
Combermere, Whitchurch [t] 01948 662876 www.combermereabbey.co.uk This Silver Award winner at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2006 dates back to 1133 and is set within 1,000 acres. The self-catering cottages are all individually designed and stocked with everything you need for a relaxing break away.
West Park
Cottons Hotel and Spa
Prestbury Road, Macclesfield Ornamental gardens, formal rose garden, plant nurseries, picnic area, aviary and playground feature in this 15-acre public park. Open: 8am-10pm in the summer Admission: free
Manchester Road, Knustford [t] 01565 650333 www.cottonshotel.com Voted the Cheshire Life Hotel of the Year in 2006, this fourstar hotel is the ideal base for exploring the Northwest. It has all the mod cons you could wish for such as a gym, an excellent spa and wireless
Cheshire’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Crewe Hall Hotel
Weston Road, Crewe [t] 01270 253333 www.marstonhotels.com Crewe Hall is a stately home with origins dating to 1170. It mixes classic and contemporary styles in comfortable surroundings.
The Crowne Plaza
Trinity Street, Chester [t] 0870 4421081 www.ichotels.com Enjoy panoramic views at this stylish hotel, located on the edge of the city. There is an indoor pool, a sauna and fitness suite for guests to use.
De Vere Carden Park
Near Chester [t] 01829 731000 www.devereonline.co.uk Set in a beautiful 750-acre estate with countryside views, this is a very special place to stay. Treat yourself to luxurious accommodation, golf course and spa at this four-star hotel.
Nunsmere Hall Hotel & Restaurant
Tarporley Road, Oakmere [t] 01606 889100 www.nunsmere.co.uk Surrounded by a 60-acre lake, Nunsmere Hall is a haven of peace and quiet and is the epitome of an English country house hotel.
The Pheasant Inn
Higher Burwardsley, Tattenhall [t] 01829 770434 www.thepheasantinn.co.uk This 300-year-old inn nestles on the top of the Peckforton Hills and is an AA two-star restaurant.
Queen Hotel
63 City Road, Chester [t] 01244 305000 www.feathers.uk.com An Italian-style Victorian building with its own walled garden. This hotel is conveniently located opposite the train station.
Rookery Hall Hotel
Worleston, Nantwich [t] 01270 610016 www.rookeryhallhotel.com This magnificent Georgian mansion, a former AA Hotel of the year, is set in 38 acres of beautiful grounds. With award-winning cuisine.
Statham Lodge
Warrington Road, Statham, Lymm [t] 01925 752204 www.statham-lodge.co.uk Renowned for its food and hospitality, the sympathetically restored Statham Lodge also has beautifully gardens.
Where
to eat…
Alderley Edge Hotel
Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge [t] 01625 583033 www.alderley-edge-hotel. co.uk This beautiful 19th-century house has a rose garden and pleasant views. It boasts two AA Red Rosettes for its modern British cuisine and is Egon Ronay recommended.
The Arboreum Restaurant
Mere Court Hotel, Warrington Road, Mere, [t] 01565 831000 www.merecourt.co.uk Traditional English dishes with Mediterranean influences. The elegant dining room has views across the lake and across the seven-acre garden. Awardwinning cuisine.
The Calveley Arms
Handley, near Tattenhall [t] 01829 770619 www.calveleyarms.co.uk First licensed in 1638, this pub retains its historic charm thanks to its pictures and ornaments. Enjoy international cuisine and traditional ales, inside or in the garden.
CATHEDRAL GARDENS
Cheshire – the essentials Frogg Manor Hotel
Nantwich Road, Broxton [t] 01829 782629 www.froggmanorhotel.co.uk Described as “unashamedly bourgeois, eccentric and quintessentially English” with period décor, 1930s music, vast menu, splendid views, wonderful gardens and ornamental frogs!
The Headless Woman
Tarporley Road, Duddon [t] 01829 781252 This 16th-century inn – allegedly haunted by five ghosts, including a headless woman – offers a great value menu ranging from traditional pub grub to Italian, Mexican, Indian and Thai.
The Shelley
imaginative food using only fresh produce. Great service, relaxed atmosphere. European à la carte and table d’hôte menu.
upstairs at the Grill
70 Watergate Street, Chester [t] 01244 344883 The marriage of food and drink is at the heart of this cutting-edge bar and restaurant. Soak in the atmosphere over a drink upstairs before going down to enjoy your meal in The Grill.
Where
to drink… Alvanley Arms Inn
Statham Lodge Hotel, Warrington Road, Lymm [t] 01925 752204 www.statham-lodge.co.uk Landscaped grounds, woodland and a golf course surround this sympathetically restored 18th-century lodge. High-class British and international dishes.
Forest Road, Cotebrook, Tarporley [t] 01829 760200 www.alvanleyarms.co.uk A 400-year-old inn with a glorious hanging basket exterior, hand-pulled cask ales, international wines and malt whiskies. The spacious beer garden has views over a duck pond and trout lake.
Stanneylands Hotel
Bar Lounge
Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow [t] 01625 525225 www.stanneylandshotel.co.uk
75 Watergate Street, Chester [t] 01244 327394 A stylish bar and restaurant, ideal for informal bar meals, a relaxing afternoon coffee or a top-notch evening meal.
Cat & Fiddle Inn
Buxton Road, near Macclesfield [t] 01298 23364 Situated on the A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton, this inn sits 1,690ft above sea level, offering stunning views over the south Pennines that make it well worth a visit.
Cholmondeley Arms The Maypole Inn Outside, pleasant flower gardens with ornamental water features; inside, innovative English menu with two AA rosettes and three RAC awards.
The Wild Boar
Whitchurch Road, near Beeston,Tarporley [t] 01829 260309 www.wildboarhotel.com Award-winner with a reputation for enjoyable,
14 www.visitchester.com
Cholmondeley, Malpas [t] 01829 720300 www.cholmondeley arms.co.uk Once a village school, now a fine country pub near Cholmondeley Castle, serving award-winning home-made food and a wide choice of beers and wines.
The Dysart Arms
Bowes Gate Road, Bunbury, near Tarporley [t] 01829 260183 www.dysartarms-bunbury. co.uk A classic village pub with
These exciting city centre public spaces really work open fires, oak furnishings and a garden tailor-made for alfresco dining. It offers a fine selection of cask ales and has won many recommendations (Michelin, AA, Good Pub Guide, CAMRA).
The Farndon Arms
High Street, Farndon [t] 01829 270570 www.farndonarms.com Sitting on the Welsh border, this pub was once a coaching inn on the 18th-century route between London and Anglesey. Offers an excellent range of real ales and lagers.
The Grosvenor Arms
Chester Road, Aldford [t] 01244 620228 www.grosvenorarmsaldford.co.uk Victorian-built pub and restaurant with roomy bars and lounges. A spacious terrace leads to a garden and the village green.
The Maypole Inn
Hilltop Road, Acton Bridge, Weaverham [t] 01606 853114 Four miles from Delamere Forest, this pub features dazzling floral displays on the outside, with low-beamed ceilings, open log fires inside. Excellent ales and traditional, home-cooked English food.
The Old Harkers Arms
1 Russell Street, Chester [t] 01244 344525 A social pub with a lively atmosphere and a reputation for great food, makes this boozer an ideal meeting place for a spot of lunch.
Ryles Arms
Hollin Lane, Higher Sutton [t] 01260 252244 Small country inn dating back to the 18th century with views of the rolling hills of the Cheshire countryside. Locally renowned for its home-made food, made using local produce, and for its real ales and fine wines.
The Shrewsbury Arms
Warrington Road, Mickle Trafford [t] 01244 300309 www.traditional-pub-food.com Lovingly restored with oak beams, rugs and comfy sofas, this inn is on a road once infamous for attacks from highwaymen. Excellent choice of real ales, guest beers and wines and home-cooking.
The Bridgemere Gardens A spacious paved area allows for alfresco dining and views over open rural scenery.
The Smoker
Plumley, Knutsford [t] 01565 722338 This thatched 16th-century coaching inn just two miles from the M6 was named after the Prince Regent’s racehorse. Traditional ales plus an excellent mix of English and Thai cuisine.
The White Lion Inn
Main Road, Weston, Crewe [t] 01270 587011 This delightful English pub, originally a Tudor farmhouse, has a great ambience, a beer garden, and fresh food cooked to a high standard.
Where
to buy… Bridgemere Garden World
Bridgemere, near Nantwich [t] 01270 521100 www.bridgemere.co.uk With more plants in more varieties than anyone else in Britain, this site is split into 20 immaculate show gardens to offer inspiration to every kind of gardener.
Fryers Garden Centre
Manchester Road, Knutsford [t] 01565 755455 www.fryers-roses.co.uk This prize-winning rose breeder sells everything from furniture to BBQs and has an in-store café.
Gardenland Nursery Blakemere Craft Centre,
Chester Road, Sandiway, near Northwich [t] 01606 888312 This nursery sells a wide range of garden artefacts, stoneware, terracotta and other garden features.
Gordale Nursery & Garden Centre
Chester High Road, Burton [t] 0151 336 2116 www.gordale.co.uk Midway between Chester and Heswall, this was one of the first garden centres ever to open in the UK.
Hidden Nurseries
Plumley Moor Road, Plumley, Knutsford [t] 01565 722315 This nursery, which provides many plants for television, offers specimen-sized plants for sale.
Find something unique in this little shed crammed full of garden goods including furniture, plants, antiques and bespoke items.
PSS Nurseries
Lees Lane, Newton, Macclesfield [t] 01625 523871 Garden Centre stocking everything you need for a flower-filled garden.
Stapeley Water Gardens
London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich [t] 01270 623868 www.stapeleywg.com For more details see page 11.
Tatton Park: the Garden Shop and the Housekeeper’s Store
See Bluebell Cottage Gardens listing on page 12.
Tatton Park, Knutsford [t] 01625 534400 www.tattonpark.org.uk Situated on the Tatton Estate, the Garden Shop offers plants and garden-related gifts, while the Housekeeper’s Store is a speciality food shop stocking a variety of traditional food and drink, sourced from small producers and with a particular emphasis on local produce.
Marbury Hall Nurseries
Waterworld
High Legh Garden Centre
High Legh, Knutsford [t] 01925 756991 Enjoy shopping for outdoors as well as indoors at the nursery’s new gift shop.
Lodge Lane Nursery
Marbury, near Northwich [t] 01606 74168 www.marburynurseries.co.uk A large collection of plants for sale, with many unusual and exotic varieties, including bamboos, tree ferns, shrubs, alpines and palm trees.
The Potting Shed
London Road, Alderley Edge [t] 01625 585819
Chester High Road, Burton [t] 0151 336 3616 www.waterworldltd.co.uk Selling everything you need to create a pond or water feature, including tropical and outdoor fish.
✽ To discover Chester and Cheshire, simply visitchester.com
Cheshire’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Manchester Manchester’s recent urban renaissance, and exciting public spaces, are the envy of the world. Only a few miles out of town you’ll find country parks and historic gardens that are a gentle alternative to the rush of city life
✽
Inside this area
P16-17 THE GREENER CITY Feel the buzz of Manchester’s world-class urban centre
P18-19 TOWN & COUNTRY Peaceful public gardens and stately homes in and around the city P20 OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Topclass events, coming to a green space near you P21-22 ESSENTIAL LISTINGS
*
Manchester
▼ EXCHANGE SQuARE
The square’s terraced rows of benches have given central Manchester a spot for weary shoppers to rest, a good meeting place and some excellent peoplewatching opportunities. Silver birch trees, a curving water feature and changing groundlevel lighting soften the effects of stone, steel and granite.
Manchester city centre:
▲
CATHEDRAL GARDENS
Find a quiet spot
PICCADILLY GARDENS
▲
The Cathedral Gardens are divided into four different areas, each with a distinct feel and theme. Podium Lawns, next to the Urbis building, has grass terraces and ornamental orchard trees; Cathedral Botanical Lawns is planted with specimen trees such as oak and horse chestnut to give the impression of a miniature arboretum; Pillow Lawns has soft, rolling grassy areas; and Gateway Lawns, at the entrance to Victoria Station, surrounds a huge cedar and has a bronze water feature tumbling down to a shallow pool. Sculptural artworks, following the theme of the seasons, provide the thread that binds these spaces together.
A giant electronically-controlled fountain spurting 180 jets of water dominates this ten-acre site at the heart of the city centre. The new Piccadilly Gardens have provided Manchester with a fantastic public space, with large grassed areas, semi-mature trees and a catwalk across the fountain. The 130m pavilion here is the first work in this country by Japanese architect Tadeo Ando. Fibre optics in the fountain and underlit oak benches magically transform the gardens at night.
urbis looms over Cathedral Gardens
Splashing out in Exchange Square
Piccadilly Gardens, post facelift
The greener, brighter metropolis Do you see yourself as an urban sophisticate, or are cutting-edge city centre and historical public parks,
ROCK GARDEN
Protected: the Great Crested Grebe
RSPB
The house in the middle of the gardens, now the park office, witnessed the birth of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It was here in 1889 that the house’s then-owner Emily Williamson formed the Fur and Feather Society to protest against the use of the magnificent plumage of the great-crested grebe in fashionable ladies’ hats. The society eventually became the RSPB.
Turn up the brightness: spring colour
For further visitor information please see Manchester listings on page 21
TIP FROM THE TOP
▲
The star of the show here is Adam’s laburnum, a hybrid laburnum and broom whose branches flower in both yellow and purple. Other rare specimen trees, including Persian ironwood and sorrel, have been chosen for their spring blossom or stunning autumn foliage.
John Steedman, Assistant manager for Parks, Manchester I love the Parsonage Gardens at Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens. In winter, there are scented plants, and those that provide colour in the form of the variegated hollies and the witchhazel. In the spring we have a wonderful display of bulbs, while in the summer the herbaceous border is packed to bursting with colour. Finally, in the autumn, you get rich reds and golds from the trees.
❝
❝
SPECIMEN TREE LAWN
Victorian plant-hunters needed appropriate settings to show-off their hard-won finds: this rock garden is an early example of its kind. Created for the alpines collected from the Swiss Alps and Dolomites by Robert Wood Williamson in the 1890s, its pond, streams and waterfalls mimic the cool mountainside origins of the plants.
SuMMER BEDS & ALPINE HOuSE
▲
A tranquil alternative to their busy surroundings, these 21-acre gardens have year-round appeal. Located in Didsbury, just five miles from Manchester’s city centre, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens were donated to the city council in 1914 by their namesake, local Alderman Fletcher Moss. A popular spot for sporting enthusiasts, its football pitch, bowling green and tennis courts are only half the story: the real draws at this Green Flag garden are its rare trees and plants, and its vivid herbaceous borders.
you more of a suburban traditionalist? With its in Manchester, there’s no need to choose
▲
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Summer is prime time for the borders surrounding the tree lawn, when delphiniums, lavender, oriental poppies, peonies and day lilies create a vibrant show. The 1940s orchid hothouse was recently converted into an alpine house: more than 80 varieties are grown here, and can be viewed at close hand when a gardener is on site.
Beds come into their own in summer
www.visitmanchester.com
17
*Town & country Manchester
Manchester’s long history of civic pride includes the provision of wonderful green spaces for its citizens. Here are some of its best-kept gardening secrets
Family days out... 1
▲
Top spot for hide & seek
WALKDEN GARDENS This is the place to get delightfully lost – the high beech hedges that separate each of the different gardens have led to locals calling it ‘The Maze’. Work only started at Walkden in 1970, yet it now has a fuchsia garden, rose garden, wisteria arch and a new Japanese garden. n At the corner of Derbyshire Road and
the A6144
▼ Lush & lovely
WYTHENSHAWE PARK Transport yourself to the Tropics at the ‘Safari Walk’ at Wythenshawe Park’s horticultural centre: this little corner of the vast 270-acre park aims to reveal the origins of commercial plants such as tea, coffee, pineapples and bananas. There are themed gardens including a series of cottage gardens in a village setting. Half-timbered Wythenshawe Hall, which dates from 1540, is also open on summer Saturdays.
Manchester city centre
“It has improved immeasurably over recent years and I think the combination of fountains, mature trees and lawns works well. I like the way the city has been landscaped” Nigel Colborn, garden writer and presenter
n Off the A576 (Middleton Road)
For further visitor information please see Manchester listings on page 21
2
HEATON PARK A packed summer events programme includes bug hunts, pond dipping and bird box making.
The water works
n Maitland Avenue, close to
the junction of the A5145 and A5103, Chorlton
3
LYMEFIELD VISITOR CENTRE This local nature centre is the gateway to some of the lovely Cheshire countryside that lies between Manchester and the Peak District. Family events include a pushchair-friendly treasure hunt and a ‘make your own instrument’ day using materials scavenged from local woodland. PENNINGTON FLASH A nature reserve centred around a huge lake teeming with bird life. This watery wonderland also has abundant butterflies and dragonflies, and play and picnic areas in which to let off steam.
the A56, junction 7 off the M56
CHORLTON WATER PARK Manchester’s first designated local nature reserve is one of the most popular spots in the Mersey Valley. Set around a central lake with meandering paths leading into woodlands and wildflower meadows, the 170-acre site boasts common spotted and northern marsh orchid in summer. The park offers fishing as well as watersports Common spotted orchid, a including dinghy-sailing, canoeing Chorlton regular and windsurfing. Nearby Kenworthy Woods has a community orchard and poplar trail of more than 20 species.
You can also saddle up for a donkey ride or stroke a guinea pig in the new animal centre.
4
Take junction 3 off the M56 and go to Wythenshawe on the B1567
▲
▲
HEATON PARK A quarter of Manchester’s green space is taken up by this 640-acre park at the foothills of the Pennines. Originally laid out by William Emes, a student of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the park has recently undergone a £6.6m facelift. There are ornamental ponds, extensive gardens, parkland and woodland, and with neoclassical Heaton Hall at the centre of it all, you’ll always have a reason for a return visit.
DuNHAM MASSEY HOuSE AND GARDENS Lovers of unusual plants flock to Dunham Massey: giant Chinese lilies, Himalayan blue poppies and rare lateflowering azaleas draw visitors from far and wide. When you’ve finished exploring the 18th-century house, there are also mixed and herbaceous borders, immaculate lawns, an orangery and an ancient 250-acre park stocked with fallow deer. n Three miles south-west of Altrincham off
n Altrincham Road, Wythenshawe.
Bigger is better
▲ A rare old treat
Why I love…
HAIGH HALL AND COuNTRY PARK Make tracks for the miniature railway, or play giants in the model village. For the daring, group adventure days with orienteering, rock climbing or archery can be organised in advance.
1 2 4 3
*Outdoor entertaining Manchester
Manchester – the essentials
Summer in the city is about getting out and about, so why not try one of these fantastic outdoor theatrical events?
Manchester
Diary...
20 July-6 August
KING ARTHuR – THE LEGEND Heaton Park
Award-winning Feelgood Theatre Productions presents the world premiere of King Arthur, an epic adventure of high drama, magic and chivalry. www.feelgoodtheatre.co.uk
22-30 July
MANCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL Various Venues
Picnic party in the park
Enchanted evenings
This summer at Platt Fields Park, Manchester International Arts will present a brand new series of enchanted evenings. These events are suitable for all ages, so head on down and join in the fun…
17-18 June
Feast! Midsummer Picnic Bring your whole family to this mass picnic event for a food celebration. Go armed with your own picnic or try the various flavours on offer from communities in South Manchester. Dine at the long tables, or lay your blanket on the grass, and enjoy the entertainment and activities. Takes place from 7-10pm on Saturday and 1-5pm on Sunday: free admission.
La Cucina dell’Arte
A hilarious performance by the two Ronaldo brothers as they learn to become pizza chefs. Expect lots of dough spinning amongst other circus skills, in this hugely entertaining and brilliantly-performed circus theatre. Tickets are £12 (£6 concessions): for more details call 0161 274 0600.
20 www.visitmanchester.com
Carabosse – Installation de feu
Let your imagination run wild as you enter a fairytale setting of fire sculptures and live music. Stunning, atmospheric structures laced with firepots peek out from every bush and tree, inviting you to wander through an enchanted world of fantasy fireflies. Displays are from dusk until 11pm: £1 donation at entrance. For more information, visit www.streetsahead.org.uk Get a pizza the action
Circus Ronaldo: La Cucina Dell’arte
14-17 July
28-30 September
Indoor and outdoor performances of contemporary jazz from internationally acclaimed artists and some of the Northwest’s finest musicians. www.manchesterjazz.com
2 August
Wythenshawe Park
3-4 August
Places
to visit… Alexandra Park
✽
Fletcher Moss Gardens ROMEO AND JuLIET
A unique retelling of Shakespeare’s greatest love story, that is charming, passionate and brutal.
www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
5 August
D.PERCuSSION 06 Castlefield
The legendary free music festival, with over 100 artists performing on five stages, is back. Last year’s festival included a surprise visit from Badly Drawn Boy, so anything could happen... www.dpercussion.com Tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet
24-30 July
24:7 THEATRE FESTIVAL Various venues
Premiere productions of one-act plays performed by the best of the region’s acting talent in nontheatre venues across the city. www.247theatrefestival.co.uk
26-27 July
Fletcher Moss Gardens
28 July
Wythenshawe Park THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST
MANCHESTER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Various venues
Gourmet activities celebrating the quality and diversity of the city’s food and drink, with tasting sessions, celebrity chefs and cookery demonstrations. www.foodanddrinkfestival.com
www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
MANCHESTER FESTIVE MARKETS Albert Square and St Ann’s Square
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Wythenshawe Park
Celebrating the centenary of the children’s classic in a heartwarming family production. www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
Woodhill Road, Bury [t] 0161 253 5111 Based around the River Irwell and two redeveloped cotton mills. Ideal for country walks. Open: daily, dawn to dusk Admission: free
Chorlton Water Park
Maitland Avenue, Chorlton [t] 0161 881 5639 For more details see page 19. Open: daily 8am-dusk Admission: free
Boggart Hole Clough
Rochdale Road, Blackley [t] 0161 795 2650 190 Green Flag-winning acres of wonderful variety, including attractive dells, steep ravines and a boating lake. Open: Park open daily; visitor centre, Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm Admission: free
Dunham Massey
Altrincham [t] 0161 941 1025 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 19. Open: 25 Mar-29 Oct, 11am-5.30pm Admission: house & garden – adults £6.50, children £3.25; garden only – adults £4.50, children £2.25
Bramall Hall Park
Near Stockport [t] 0161 485 3708 Timber-framed manor house dating back to the 14th century, with ample gardens and parkland. Open: daily dawn to dusk Admission: free
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Wilmslow Road, Didsbury [t] 0161 434 1877 For more details, see page 16. Open: daily 8am-dusk Admission: free
Haigh Hall & Country Park
6-16 October
An atmospheric outdoor production of Oscar Wilde’s much-loved play.
29-30 July
Whalley Range [t] 0161 226 3117 Victorian park covering 60 acres. Features including a lime walk, raised terrace walk and bandstand. Open: daily 8am-dusk Admission: free
Burrs Country Park
16-19 December
Bag your Christmas presents at these traditional wooden chalets and twinkling stalls bursting with gifts and tasty treats from across Europe. www.manchesterlive.co.uk
For further visitor information please see Manchester listings on page 21
Canada goose at Pennington Flash
Haigh Hall & Country Park
Haigh, near Wigan [t] 01942 832895 Centred around a Victorian Hall, this 250-acre park has a walled garden and woodland. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, weekends 10am-5pm Admission: free
Heaton Park
Middleton Road, Manchester [t] 0161 773 1085 For more details, see page 18. Open: 8am-dusk Admission: free
Hollingworth Lake & Country Park
Rakewood Road, Rochdale [t] 01706 373421 Spanning 118 acres with the dramatic backdrop of Blackstone Edge, this is a popular day out in the area, with boating, a nature reserve, trails, guided walks and play and picnic areas. Open: April-Sept, 10.30am6pm (Oct-Mar, closes 4pm weekdays, 5pm weekends) Admission: free
Irwell Sculpture Trail
Salford Quays to Bacup www.irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk The largest public art initiative in the UK, this trail follows a 30-mile footpath along the Irwell Valley Way from Salford Quays right up into the Pennines. It’s divided into four-to-five-mile walks, taking in 28 environmental sculptures by local, national and international artists. Open: daily Admission: free
Lymefield Visitor Centre
Off Lower Market Street, Broadbottom [t] 01457 765780 Right next to the Broadmills site – a must-see for fans of archaeology and industrial history – this nature centre has changing exhibitions and a host of fun activities for the family – including ponddipping and a maze. Open: May-Oct, weekends, 11am-5pm, Weds & Thurs, 12 noon-4pm; closed Mon, Tues & Fri Admission: free
Peel Park
Salford, Manchester [t] 0161 234 3157 Just next to Salford University, this park features a host of attractions including the Marie Curie Field of Hope. Open: daily Admission: free
Pennington Flash Country Park St Helens Road, Leigh [t] 01942 605253
This major ornithological site contains a 170-acre lake with seven wheelchair-accessible
bird observation hides. There’s also a network of footpaths, picnic area and children’s play area. Open: daily Admission: free
Platt Fields Park
Rusholme [t] 0161 224 2902 This 17-acre park in central Manchester is one of the city’s major outdoor sites. Formally opened in 1910, its main feature is a six-acre lake complete with island. Open: daily to sunset Admission: free
Queens Park
Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, Manchester [t] 0161 234 3157 Take a tour of the ponds, rustic bridge and rose garden at this 27-acre park two miles north of the city centre. Open: daily Admission: free
Smithills Country Park
Smithills Dean Road, Bolton [t] 01204 334010 With more than 2,000 acres of moorland, woodland and farmland, this is an excellent place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with good offroad bridleways, guided trails and picnic areas. Open: daily Admission: free
Trafford Ecology Park
Trafford Park, Trafford [t] 0161 873 7182 A peaceful oasis managed by the environmental charity Groundwork to encourage wildlife, with natural habitats such as coppices, meadowland and ponds. There’s also a bird-hide which offers superb views across the lake. Open: all year Mon-Fri, 9am5pm except Bank Holidays Admission: free
Walkden Gardens
Derbyshire Road, Sale [t] 0161 912 5596 For more details see page 18. Open: all year Mon-Fri, 9am5pm except Bank Holidays Admission: free
Manchester’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Picture it: Irwell Sculpture Trail
Wythenshawe Park
Northenden, Manchester [t] 0161 998 2117 For more details see page 18. Open: daily Admission: free
Take a tour by cab
[t] 0161 230 3333 www.mantax.co.uk Tour Manchester’s sights with a Heritage Touraccredited driver who will furnish you with all the local history you’ll ever need.
Where
to stay… Alias Hotel Rossetti
Piccadilly, Manchester [t] 0161 247 7744 www.aliashotels.com A former Victorian textile building, this four-star hotel in the heart of the city offers individually styled rooms that combine modern comfort with quirky décor.
Arora International Hotel
Princess Street, Manchester [t] 0161 236 8999 www.arorahotel manchester.co.uk Contemporary in design, yet maintaining the unique character of its Grade II listed heritage, the city-centre Arora International is perfectly located opposite Manchester Art Gallery and close to China Town.
Brooklands Luxury Lodge
Eleven Didsbury Park
Didsbury Village [t] 0161 448 7711 www.eleven didsburypark.com A Victorian townhouse with contemporary interiors situated on the edge of Didsbury Village. There’s also a fantastic garden with mature trees and plants.
Great John Street Hotel Great John Street, Manchester [t] 0161 831 3211 www.greatjohnstreet.co.uk Sumptuous boutique hotel, recent winner of Manchester Small Hotel of the Year.
Hollingworth Lake B&B Smithy Bridge Road, Littleborough [t] 01706 376583 A delightful pet-friendly B&B cose to the Pennine Way which has direct access to an attractive garden
KEY National Trust Garden National Garden Scheme Garden Parking Plants for sale Toilet Refreshments Wheelchair access Restaurant Picnics allowed No dogs Guide dogs only
208 Marsland Road, Sale [t] 0161 973 3283 Built in 1851, this charming Austrian-style lodge offers every modern convenience and a beautiful garden.
Dogs allowed on leads* Events Shop * Areas where dogs are allowed may still be restricted
www.visitmanchester.com
21
GRESGARTH HALL
Manchester – the essentials
Wonderful, unusual planting against a stunning backdrop Palmiro
Upper Chorlton Rd, Chorlton, Manchester [t] 0161 860 7330 www.palmiro.net Multi-award-winning restaurant serving authentic modern Italian food made with market-fresh ingredients. Outside there’s a herb garden with decking and an olive tree.
Picasso
London Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport [t] 0161 484 0525 This beautifully appointed Spanish restaurant provides an authentic Iberian dining experience. Try tapas, paella and à la carte options.
The Vicarage Garden
Jumbles Country Park Guesthouse
Swing Cottage Guest House,
Grange Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton [t] 01204 303612 An award-winning B&B with luxurious accommodation, and Aga-cooked breakfasts.
Lakebank, Littleborough [t] 01706 379094 A combination of craft shop, tea room and B&B, this charming guesthouse has won numerous awards.
The Lowry Hotel
Where
Chapel Wharf, Salford [t] 0161 827 4000 www.thelowryhotel.com Spacious bedrooms offer wonderful river views and there are two fine restuarants at this five-star hotel.
Malmaison
Piccadilly, Manchester [t] 0845 365 4247 www.malmaison.com Super-stylish hotel and brasserie located in a landmark building in Piccadilly.
Marriott Worsley Park & Country Club Worsley, Manchester [t] 0161 975 2000 www.marriott.co.uk Surrounded by more than 200 acres of beautiful parkland.
Midland Hotel
Peter Street, Manchester [t] 0161 236 3333 www.themidland.co.uk Luxurious city centre hotel. The Octagon lounge and bar is a popular meeting spot for tea or pre-dinner drinks.
Radisson Edwardian Manchester
Free Trade Hall, Peter Street [t] 0161 835 9929 www.radissonedwardian. com/manchester A five-star city centre hotel that is a recent addition to Manchester’s luxury portfolio.
to eat… Choice Bar & Restaurant
Castlefield, Manchester [t] 0161 833 3400 www.choicebarand restaurant.co.uk Cosy canalside spot providing some of the best modern British food in the North.
Dukes 92
Castlefield, Manchester [t] 0161 839 8646 www.dukes92.com An idyllic setting for the perfect canalside pub lunch. The menu ranges from sandwiches to different pasta dishes and chef’s specials, as well as hefty portions of cheese and patés.
Earth Cafe
Turner Street, Manchester [t] 0161 834 1996 www.earthcafe.co.uk The Earth Café is run according to Buddhist ethics, and serves up delicious and affordable vegetarian food.
Juniper
The Downs, Altrincham [t] 0161 929 4008 With curried chocolate, or haggis on porridge, Juniper boasts imaginative modern cuisine created by awardwinning chef Paul Kitching.
22 www.visitmanchester.com
Le Mont at urbis
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester [t] 0161 605 8282 www.urbis.org.uk/lemont Located on the fifth and sixth levels of Urbis, the first Bollinger bar outside London has a simple contemporary interior. You can enjoy superb modern French cuisine here.
The Market Restaurant
Northern Quarter, Manchester [t] 0161 834 3743 www.marketrestaurant.com The original Northern Quarter restaurant prides itself on top-quality, original food served in a relaxed atmosphere. A changing menu reflects the very best in local and seasonal produce.
The Lime Tree
Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury [t] 0161 445 1217 Outstanding modern British cuisine, made from local organic ingredients and served in a relaxed atmosphere is The Lime Tree’s hallmark. In summer, enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace.
Mongolian Barbeque
Chorlton Street, Manchester [t] 0161 228 1631 www.mongolianbarbeque.co.uk A unique dining experience – choose from a vast array of meat, seafood, vegetables, herbs, oils and sauces, then watch the Mongolian chefs prepare it.
Redhouse Farm Shop & Tea Rooms
Dunham Massey, Altrincham [t] 0161 941 3480 www.redhousefarm.co.uk Delicious home-grown fresh produce and an outstanding selection of home-made cakes and desserts make these tearooms a real treat.
The River Restaurant
Chapel Wharf, Salford [t] 0161 827 4000 www.thelowry hotel.com Spectacular riverside restaurant at The Lowry Hotel. Classic British dishes and great fusion food.
Sam’s Chop House
Chapel Walks, Manchester [t] 0161 834 3210 www.samschophouse.co.uk Premier gastro-pub serving modern British dishes with flair, including steaks, ribs and beef hash – its signature dish.
Simply Heathcotes
Jacksons Row, Manchester [t] 0161 835 3536 www.heathcotes.co.uk Feast on delicious, locally produced British food, in relaxed, stylish surroundings.
The Terrace Restaurant
The Lowry, Salford Quays [t] 0161 876 2121 www.thelowryhotel.com Ideal for pre-theatre meals. Its set menus offer great value for money.
named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel). Its green-tiled exterior is easy to spot, and inside you’ll find mahogany, stained glass – and a good pint.
The Shoulder Of Mutton Holcombe Village, Bury [t] 01706 822001 Historic country pub set in picturesque surroundings, serving hand-pulled real ales and home-cooked food.
Swan With Two Nicks
Little Bollington, Altrincham [t] 0161 928 2914 This typical country pub with white walls and oak beams is popular with both summer visitors and the locals. Superb food, reasonably priced.
Where
to drink… The Bridge
Bridge Street, Manchester [t] 0161 834 0242 www.thebridge manchester.co.uk A must-visit gastro-pub with great food, beer, wine and atmosphere.
Britons Protection Hotel
Bridgewater Street, Manchester [t] 0161 236 5895 A cosy, well-preserved Edwardian hostelry with a gem of a beer garden and excellent bar food. You can park at the nearby G-MEX Centre.
The Crown Inn
Standish, Wigan [t] 01257 421354 This traditional country inn is featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It offers homecooked bar food, an à la carte restaurant and rooms.
Panacea
14 John Dalton St, Manchester [t] 0161 833 0000 www.panacea manchester.co.uk Enjoy a drink or two in this sophisticated restaurant and bar, or book a booth for waiter service with champagne and cocktail menus.
Peveril Of The Peak
Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester [t] 0161 236 6364 Traditional pub dating from 1829 (it’s
The peak of pub pleasure
Where
to buy…
Bents Garden Centre
Warrington Road, Glazebury [t] 01942 266300 www.bents.co.uk Voted Garden Centre of the Year in 2003, and Top Restaurant Within a Garden Centre in 2004. They grow 65 per cent of the plants at their own nursery.
Parker’s Garden Centre Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester [t] 0161 848 1100 www.jparker.co.uk One of four garden centres run by large mail-order horticultural business Parker Dutch Bulbs. Great for bulbs and patio plants.
The Vicarage Garden
Carrington, Manchester [t] 0161 775 2750 www.vicaragebotanical gardens.co.uk More than seven acres of gardens. Specialities include herbaceous perennials, alpines, grasses and ferns.
Lancashire Its rolling landscapes are typically English, as are its famous seaside resorts, but there are unexpected suprises in Lancashire, too. Here, unspoilt parks and fine gardens will capture your imagination and complement the wild outdoors
✽
Inside this area
P24-25 A DAY IN THE PARK Williamson Park offers one of the best days out in the county P26-28 PERFECT PLOTS From small-butperfectly-formed to grand and glorious P29-30 ESSENTIAL LISTINGS
*A day in the park Lancashire
Just for the kids...
There’s a wide range of carefully-crafted courses, quizzes and events available at Williamson Park for children (and adults) to enjoy
✽ Orienteering course Courses of various levels of difficulty
With its gardens, amazing animals and great views, here’s why you’ll need more than a day to explore Lancaster’s Williamson Park
Welcome to Lancaster’s first public park, created in 1881 on the remains of a quarry by local industrialist James Williamson. The stunning 54-acre estate overlooks the city, and from its highest reaches you can see Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland A human sundial fells and even Blackpool Tower.
GARDEN GLORY
Once through the entrance gates you are greeted by landscaped lawns and spectacular flowerbeds designed to change with the seasons. Enjoy the waterfalls and fountains as they were first intended, thanks to a refurbishment of the lake.
TIME TRAVELLER Step on to the Lancaster Sundial and cast your shadow as you become the gnomon (the rod that tells the time). Originally built in 1907, the sundial is sectioned into bronze panels depicting hourly points. You can also learn how to make your own mini sundial using special cut out cards, and find out why in February a sundial will be more than 10 minutes slower than your watch.
✽ Bug hunt A fun game that encourages children to read maps and search their surroundings as they look for the ‘Bugs’. Buy a booklet from the shop and find the bugs dotted around the park on attractive discs. You’ll need to be observant at all times!
✽ Maths trail Exercise your grey matter as you
exercise your legs around the park. Designed for children aged 7-13, the trail is also enjoyed by adults who may have forgotten a few mathematical formulas for working out angles and distances! Booklets are available at the shop.
WOODLAND WALKS
Fenham Carr is a 15-acre extension to Williamson Park, once part of the Lancaster Moor Hospital and dating back to the reign of
LANCASHIRE’S TAJ MAHAL
The Ashton Memorial folly dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles around. Commissioned by millionaire Lancastrian Lord Ashton (James Williamson junior) as a tribute to his late wife, it was constructed in 1906. The stonework reflects the colour of the sun, changing from pale yellow through brilliant white to deep orange depending on the time of day, leading to the building being referred to as ‘the Taj Mahal of the North’. A first floor gallery showcases works by local artists.
❝
TIP FROM THE TOP
VICTORIAN HERITAGE
Christopher Ingleby, Head Gardener, Williamson Park Fenham Carr is my favourite place here because it’s wild, quiet and overgrown, and you get fantastic views of Lancaster city. It was only donated to the park in 1999 but feels as if it has been maintained for much longer, as it already has a network of paths and a lot of wildlife to see, such as woodpeckers, squirrels, herons and roe deer.
❝
Williamson Park
TIP FROM THE TOP
have been mapped out throughout the gardens and woodland areas, which are popular with families as well as school and cadet groups. The initial stages are also suitable for wheelchair users. A booklet for use with the courses is available to buy from the shop for £1, containing a detailed map of the park.
The Ashton Memorial dominates the city’s skyline
George III. Mature trees, shrubs and wild flowers offer the visitor a tranquil setting to while away the time, and you can feed the local birds at a special feeding station.
chinchillas) to stroke. Get close to some exotic feathered friends in the free-flying bird enclosure with its parakeets, finches, cockateels and doves. Alternatively, stroll through the attractive Butterfly House and see some exotic winged wonders including swallowtail and owl butterflies. Pupae are displayed in a special case and you might even be able to see the emergence of a new butterfly from its chrysalis!
WINGS AND WIGGLY THINGS
You’re not in India...it’s Lancashire
Visit an underground Utopia for mini-beasts such as lizards, snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies. If you don’t fancy cuddling up with scorpions and cockroaches, the Animal Garden is a fluffier option, with rabbits, guinea pigs, chipmunks and degus (a bit like
For further visitor information please see Lancashire listings on page 29
n M6 Junction 34 then follow signs
The beastly Butterfly House
for Lancaster City Centre and Williamson Park
The Railway Children
✽ Theatre events The Park plays host to a number of
theatrical productions throughout the year, both in the Park and the outdoor dell. This year, highlights in the dell include Goldilocks & the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood (14 Aug); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (16-17 Aug); Romeo and Juliet (18 Aug); The Railway Children (19 Aug); The Wind in the Willows (20 Aug). The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is on in the Park from 6 July-12 Aug.
www.visitlancashire.com 25
*Perfect plots Lancashire
▲
Work, rest & play
COBBLE HEY GARDENS
On this working farm you can see farm animals in a stunning country garden setting. The range of natural environments here include a cottage garden, woodland, streams, rockeries and surprising features such as the large pond surrounded by a Japanese garden. New this year is a colour theme area and a national geranium collection from Catforth Gardens. The garden was given a commendation in the Best Tourism Experience category at the 2005 Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards. n J33 or 32 off M6 then A6 to Garstang
SAMLESBuRY HALL AND GARDENS
Built in 1325, this black and white timber framed hall still knows how to wow the visitor. An outstanding example of medieval architecture, the hall also contains some interesting antiques which are sold at monthly auctions. The gardens are equally impressive with large lawns gleaming alongside a rose garden and sunny courtyard. A number of new roses with historical names have been planted over the last few years: they include Molyneaux, named after the only Norman baron to settle in Lancashire. n J31 off the M6 then the A677 towards Blackburn
▲ Toil in
the soil
BROWSHOLME HALL
Since the gardens were inherited in 1975 by Robert Parker, they have undergone a mass restoration project with a single gardener tackling difficult natural conditions such as high rainfall, and bolder clay soil. This year’s project is the restoration and enlargement of the ornamental pond next to the box garden. Completed projects include the Yew Walk, a tunnel of yew trees that were planted 300 years ago, the 100-year-old Chestnut Avenue and the lake, created in 1740, which is now stocked with trout and surrounded by a pleasant walk.
▲
▼ Ancient aspirations
Feature garden
▲
Vibrant gardens, historic estates, award-winning public parks: Lancashire boasts several highlights for the green-fingered
GRESGARTH HALL, CATON
The country home and gardens of our columnist, Arabella Lennox-Boyd (see page 3), is one of the must-see places in the Northwest. These spectacular gardens show what can be achieved when you work in harmony with your natural environment. Displaying vestiges of the designer’s Italian roots, Mediterranean plants thrive among the ferns, acers, lilacs, magnolias and azaleas.Other features include a parkland, entrance forecourt, terraces and a series of hedged, coloured, themed gardens and herbaceous border. There is also a wild garden, redesigned lake, kitchen garden, a nuttery and an orchard. Modern and classical sculpture, as well as bespoke furniture, is displayed throughout the grounds. The garden is open for viewing on the second Sunday of every month until October. n J34 off the M6 then the A683 towards Kirkby Lonsdale
Wild & wonderful
Family 3 days out... 1
LEIGHTON HALL
The Leighton Hall estate extends for 1,550 acres with lovely landscaped woodland and parkland walks. There is a pretty 19th-century walled garden, with an abundance of flowers, rose-covered walls, a fragrant herb patch and tumbling herbaceous borders. The only hint of formality among the flowing planting schemes is the ornamental vegetable plot. Visitors are now able to buy a variety of unusual plants in the newly renovated Victorian conservatory. n 10 minutes from M6 J35, then the A6
▲ Airs &
graces
HOGHTON TOWER GARDENS
This fortified manor house that dates back to the Norman Conquest has wined and dined some famous faces including kings and queens of England and William Shakespeare. The gardens are delightful, consisting of a vast lawn surrounded by flowerbeds and a formal rose garden interspersed with yew trees. n On the A675 between Preston
and Blackburn
BOWLAND WILD BOAR PARK The scenic Forest of Bowland provides the backdrop for this animallovers’ paradise, and the wild boar aren’t even the half of it: around the park you’ll meet goats, rabbits, skunks, wallabies, red deer, llamas and more. Several times a day children can join in with feeding the animals and there’s also a kids’ tractor area.
2
LEIGHTON HALL Gorbachov the Russian Steppe Eagle, Fortune the Saker falcon and Yoyo the owl are some of the more unusual feathery residents of Leighton Hall, and every day at 3.30pm visitors are treated to a magnificent falconry display by some of the many birds of prey. The house is steeped in history and the Gillow Reynolds family still live here, so it’s just like a family home.
STANLEY PARK A world away from the kiss-me-quick hats and sticky candyfloss is this more genteel face of Blackpool – a 256-acre oasis that was opened in 1926. Hire a boat on the huge lake, play crazy golf or check out the new roller-blading area. There are plenty of peaceful spots, too, with vast lawns to run around on and colourful floral borders to admire. And you’re not mistaken if you hear an elephant: Blackpool Zoo is right next door.
4
WORDEN PARK More than 300,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong: this place has something for everyone. As well as wonderful gardens and a famous hornbeam maze, Worden has a miniature railway, crazy golf, duck ponds and acres of meadows and riverside woodlands to explore. There’s a large playground – and 11 football pitches if you fancy a kickabout.
2
Why I love… Gresgarth Hall
“It has a delicious combination of styles, a great location and, best of all, unusual plants.” Matthew Biggs, garden writer and regular panellist on BBC Radio’s Gardeners’ Question Time
For further visitor information please see Lancashire listings on page 29
1 3
4
www.visitlancashire.com
27
*
▲
Lancashire
Flag it up
WORDEN PARK
This Grade II listed country park covers more than 150 acres and was first opened in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain. It first received a Green Flag award in 1998, and has repeated the accolade every year since. Unravel yourself in the hornbeam maze, chill out in the 18thcentury Ice House, feast your eyes in the kitchen garden and stimulate all your senses in the new sensory garden. A late 18th-century folly forms the main architectural feature on a woodland walk while the Grade II listed conservatory houses an arts and craft centre. n Leave the M6 at J28 and follow the B5248
Lancashire
Diary...
✽
3-11 June
BOWLAND FESTIVAL
Forest of Bowland www.forestofbowland.com [t] 01484 861148
2 July
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk www.nationaltrust.org.uk [t] 01704 821254
2 July & 6 August
JAZZ ON THE LAWN Hoghton Tower, Chorley www.hoghton tower.co.uk [t] 01254 852986
▲
Step back in time
6 July12 August
PENDLE HERITAGE CENTRE
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER
This collection of Grade II listed buildings is set around an impressive walled garden that dates back to 1780. Its traditional plants include the Lancashire Rose (rosa gallica officinalis) and the Yorkshire Rose (rosa alba semi-plena), as well as a parterre full of medicinal and culinary herbs like thyme, sage and pulmonaria. There is also a vegetable plot that grows produce that would have been used in the house, such as peas, potatoes and beans. New for this year is an exhibition housed in the restored potting sheds that looks at the history of the garden and the tools that would have been here.
Williamson Park, Lancaster www.williamson park.com [t] 01524 598500
21-23 July
ROYAL LANCASHIRE AGRICuLTuRAL SHOW
Ribchester www.rlas.co.uk [t] 01254 813769
28 July
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN – HAMLET
n Take M65 following signs
▲
for Burnley then Colne
A Tudor stage
RuFFORD OLD HALL
This National Trust property is a splendid 16th-century timber-framed manor house surrounded by acres of woodland. Inside the house is a spectacular Great Hall with an intricately carved wooden screen and an impressive hammer beam. There are records to suggest that a young Shakespeare once performed for the owner, Sir Thomas Hesketh. The grounds are laid out in late-Victorian style, with a herbaceous border, orchard and some rather impressive topiary. There is also a wild flower meadow and a sculpture and woodland walk.
Leighton Hall, Carnfoth www.leightonhall.co.uk [t] 01524 734474
29-30 July
TRAWDEN GARDEN FESTIVAL Trawden, Pendle [t] 01282 861706
12-13 August
NORTHWEST FOOD LOVERS FESTIVAL
Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe www.foodloversfestival.co.uk [t] 01200 425566
Where to Visit... Avenham & Miller Parks Preston [t] 01772 203456 Fine Victorian parkland on the north bank of the Ribble. Open: dawn-dusk
Barbara Barlow’s Cottage Garden
Chorley [t] 01257 279981 Enter a world of woodland and rhododendrons via a blazing laburnum arch. Open: Sun-Mon on Bank Holiday weekends only, 11am-7pm; Jun-Jul open Weds, 11am-7pm. Group visits by appointment. Admission: adult £2.50, children free
The Royal Agricultural Show
with hardy plant nursey. Open: 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sept. South Road A small south-facing walled garden with listed long barn. Open: 11 Jun, 9 Jul
Magnolia Cottage
South Road Intimate garden filled with lush, shade-loving plants Open: 11 Jun, 9 Jul
Rosegrove Farm
Eyes Lane Summerhouse and Italianate courtyard in a country setting. Open: 10 Sep
West Side Cottage
Doles Lane Cottage garden with seasonal borders, ponds and copse. Open: 10 Sept
Browsholme Hall
Goosnargh [t] 01995 640557 Country park with 185 acres of moorland and woodland. Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm, weekends 10am-7pm
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Cobble Hey Gardens
Beacon Fell
appointment Admission: adults £2, children free
Bretherton’s Gardens
A diverse group of gardens in an attractive village eight miles south-west of Preston. Open: 12-5, Admission: £2.50 on 13 Aug; £3 on 11 Jun, 9 Jul and 10 Sep. Prices cover all gardens open on the day; children are free.
Hazel Cottage
South View [t] 01722 600896 Victorian cottager’s plot in one-third of an acre. Open: 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sept. North Road [t] 01772 601433 Historic orchard
Higher Walton Road, Walton-le-Dale [t] 01772 257042 The unusual features here include a small box parterre, a koi pond, a summerhouse and a thyme path. Open: 10-11 June, 1-5pm and 12 July 1-4pm. Other visits by appointment, Jun-Aug Admission: adults £2, children 50p
Forest of Bowland
[t] 01772 531473 www.forestofbowland.com Moorlands with breathtaking views: a designated AONB.
Gawthorpe Hall
Padiham, near Burnley [t] 01282 771004 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Elizabethan house, woodland and river walks. Open: House – Apr-Oct, Tues-Thurs & weekends, 1-5pm. Gardens – all year, daily 10am-6pm Admission: adults £3, concessions £1.50, children free
Gresgarth Hall
Caton, Lancaster [t] 01524 770313 For more details see page 26. Open: 11 June, 25 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 Sept, 8 Oct, 11am-5pm, Admission: £5, children free
Hoghton Tower Gardens Chipping Village [t] 01995 615554 www.wildboarpark.co.uk Ancient woodland with boar, llamas and longhorn cows. Open: daily 10.30am-5.30pm Admission: adults £4, children/OAP £3, family £12
Willow House
Briar Cottage
Clitheroe [t] 01254 826719 www.browsholme.co.uk For more details, see page 26. Open: 24 Jun-7 Jul, 19-30 August, Tues-Sun & Bank Holidays, 2-4.30pm Admission: house & garden – adults £4.50, OAP £4, children £1.50. Garden only £2
Hazelwood
n From M6, take J27 and follow signs to Rufford
For further visitor information please see Lancashire listings on page 29
Lancashire – the essentials
Claughton-on-Brock, four miles south of Garstang [t] 01995 602643 www.cobblehey.co.uk For more details see page 26. Open: Thurs-Mon until Sept; groups by appointment Admission: adults £2.50, children £1
Cross Gaits Cottage
Blacko, Nelson, near Burnley [t] 01282 617163 Hardy herbaceous borders, 700ft above sea level. Open: Jun-Aug, by
Between Preston and Blackburn [t] 01254 852986 www.hoghtontower.co.uk For more details see page 27. Open: Sun-Thurs, Jul-Sept Admission: adults £6
Leighton Hall
Carnforth, Lancashire [t] 01524 734474 www.leightonhall.co.uk For more details see page 27. Open: Tue-Fri and Bank Holiday Suns & Mons 2-5pm; August from 12.30pm Admission: adults £5.50, children £4, families £17.
Lytham Hall
Ballam Road, Lytham [t] 01253 736652 www. lythamhall.org Grade I listed building in 80 acres of park and woodland. Open: 5,6,9,12, 13,16,20,27 Jul; 8 and 10 Aug; 10.30am-4pm
Lancashire’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Worden Park Leighton Hall Admission: £1
Pendle Heritage Centre
Colne Road, Barrowford [t] 01282 661701 www.htnw.co.uk For more details see page 28. Open: daily, 10am-5pm Admission: adults £1.20, children 80p
Rufford Old Hall
Rufford, near Ormskirk [t] 01704 821254 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 28. Open: Mar-Oct, Sat-Wed, 11am-5.30pm Admission: house & garden – adults £4.90, children £2.50; garden only – adults £2.80, children £1.30
Samlesbury Hall
near Blackburn [t] 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk For more details see page 26. Open: daily, except Sat and Christmas, 11am-4.30pm Admission: garden – free; house: adults £3, children £1
Stanley Park
West Park Drive, Blackpool [t] 01253 478428 Award-winning 256-acre oasis. Open: 9am-dusk Admission: free
Stonyhurst College
Hurst Green [t] 01254 826345 www.stonyhurst.ac.uk 16th-century college set in the scenic Ribble Valley parkland.
Open: 1 July-29 Aug, daily except Fri, 1-5pm Admission: college & garden – adults £5.50, children £4.50; garden only – £1
The Ridges
Cowling Road, near Chorley [t] 01257 279981 www.bedbreakfastgardenvisits.com Formal gardens with streams and scented areas. Open: Weds in June and July,11am-7pm, August Bank Holiday; and by appointment Admission: adults £2.50, children free
The Stones & Roses Garden
Heapey, near Chorley [t] 01257 277633 www.stonesandroses.org Sunken garden with 400 roses. Open: 8-9 July, 2-5pm, and by appointment Admission: adults £2.50
Leyland [t] 01772 625400 For more details see page 28. Open: daily, 8am-dusk Admission: free
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Martin Mere
Burscough [t] 01704 895181 www.wwt.org.uk A year-round wildlife attraction, home to 1,500 water birds. Open: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm Admission: adults £6, OAPs £3.75, children £2.80
Wycoller Park
Pepper Hill, Trawden, Colne [t] 01282 870253 This tranquil place is said to have inspired Jane Eyre. Open: dawn-dusk Admission: free
key National Trust Garden National Garden Scheme Garden Parking
Towneley Park
Todmorden Road, Burnley [t] 01282 424213 www.towneleyhall.org.uk Landscaped park with woodland. Open: dawn-dusk
Plants for sale Toilet Refreshments Wheelchair access Restaurant
Williamson Park
Picnics allowed
Lancaster [t] 01524 33318 www.williamsonpark.com For more details see page 24. Open: daily Apr-Sept, 10am5pm; Oct-Mar, 10am-4pm Admission: adults £4.25, children £2.75, concessions £3.75, families £15
No dogs Guide dogs only Dogs allowed on leads* Events Shop * Areas where dogs are allowed may still be restricted
www.visitlancashire.com
29
THE BOTANIC GARDENS, CHuRCHTOWN
Lancashire – the essentials Wyre Estuary Country Park
Stanah, Thornton Cleveleys [t] 01253 857890 Enjoy beautiful country walks by the River Wyre. Open: dawn-dusk Admission: free
Where to stay... Admergill Hall Farm B&B Blacko, Nelson [t] 01282 692909 www.admergillhallfarm.co.uk Old farmhouse with oak beams and mullion windows.
Abbey Farm Caravan Park
Dark Lane, Ormskirk [t] 01695 572686 www.abbeyfarm caravanpark.co.uk Award-winning park on the site of Burscough Priory.
Williamson Park’s gallery
www.compton-hs.co.uk Victorian guesthouse with award-winning gardens.
Gibbon Bridge Hotel
Chipping, Forest of Bowland [t] 01995 61456 www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk Set in award-winning gardens, serving home-grown vegetables.
Lancaster House Hotel
Green Lane, Ellel [t] 01524 844822 www.elh.co.uk Four star hotel with an award-winning restaurant, the Gressingham.
Pembroke Hotel
Brockhall Village [t] 01254 244811 www.theavenuehotel.co.uk A luxurious hotel in glorious gardens with scultpure trails.
The Bower
Yealand Conyers, Carnforth [t] 01524 734585 www.thebower.co.uk Georgian B&B with a dining room opening onto gardens.
Crofters Hotel
Garstang [t] 01995 604128 www.mitchellshotels.co.uk Comfortable, modern threestar hotel.
Capernwray House
Capernwray, near Carnforth [t] 01524 732363 www.capernwrayhouse.com A superior, convenient B&B set in 17 acres of gardens.
Compton House
St Michaels-on-Wyre, Preston [t] 01995 679378
Wrea Green, Nr Preston [t] 01772 684347 www.villahotelwreagreen.co.uk Originally a 19th-century gentleman’s residence, this sumptuous hotel is set in idyllic surroundings.
Wolfen Mill Country Retreats
Chipping [t] 01995 61574 www.wolfenmill.co.uk A 300-year-old country mill set in lakeside grounds with fine views of the fells.
Where to eat…
The Assheton Arms
Downham, Clitheroe [t] 01200 441227 www.assheton-arms.co.uk Traditional country pub offering seafood specials.
30 www.visitlancashire.com
Cocker Bar Road, Leyland [t] 01772 421860 Pond specialists selling aquatic plants, fish, and equipment.
Slaidburn, Clitheroe [t] 01200 446246 www.harktobounty.co.uk A lovely rural inn with a remarkable 14th-century courtroom. Alfresco dining.
www.springfieldhouse hotel.co.uk Georgian architecture meets tranquil countryside at this country house with immaculate gardens.
Higher Buck Inn
The Three Fishes
Waddington, Clitheroe [t] 01200 423226 A cosy early-19th-century inn in a well-known village.
The Lunesdale Arms
The Villa Country House Hotel
Claremont Aquatic Nurseries
Hark To Bounty Inn
Sunset Park
Poulton-le-Fylde [t] 01253 886617 www.swansrest.co.uk Cottages and country lodges in open countryside.
The Avenue Hotel
Hornby [t] 01524 221204 Discover one of the region’s finest dining experiences in the heart of the Lune Valley.
Inn at Whitewell
Swan’s Rest Holiday Cottages
Blackpool’s finest catch
Castle Hotel
King Edward Avenue, Blackpool [t] 01253) 351306 www.pembrokehotel.com Award-winning hotel with excellent service.
Sower Carr Lane, Hambleton [t] 01253 700222 www.sunsetpark.co.uk Holiday park ideal for family holidays.
A peaceful, popular visitor attraction in Southport
Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe [t] 01200 448222 Enjoy maginative food at this inn dating back to the 14th century.
Kirkby Lonsdale [t] 01524 274203 www.thelunesdale.co.uk A traditional pub with a fresh, modern feel.
The Millstone at Mellor Church Lane, Mellor [t] 01254 813333 www.millstonehotel.co.uk Charming coaching inn with some spectacular cooking.
Northcote Manor
Langho, Blackburn [t] 01254 240555 www.northcotemanor.com Michelin-starred Nigel Haworth is head chef of this modern, minimalist restaurant.
Mitton Road Great Mitton [t] 01254 826888 www.thethreefishes.com Regional cookery and British classics are on the menu here.
Where to drink... The Anchor Inn
Salterforth, Barnoldswick [t] 01282 813186 Situated in glorious scenery on the Leeds-Liverpool canal. The original pub, dating back to 1655 can still be seen.
The Cartford Hotel
Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston [t] 01995 670166 Riverside free house known for its ales brewed on site. A local CAMRA award winner.
Farmer’s Arms
Heskin, Chorley [t]01257 451276 Family-run pub with superior
Aldcliffe Lane, Lancaster [t] 01524 63828 www.thewaterwitch.co.uk Real ale and a good selection of fine wines.
Where to buy... The Barn Plant Centre & Gift Shop
The Square, Scorton [t] 01524 793533 www.plantsandgifts.co.uk Award-winning shopping experience selling 600 varieties of herbaceous perennials.
Blundell’s Nurseries
68 Southport New Road, Tarleton, Preston [t] 01772 815442 Specialises in trees and shrubs, including topiary, large specimens and conifers.
Cicely’s Cottage Plants
43 Elmers Green, Skelmersdale [t] 01695 720790 Packed with hardy, half-hardy and tender perennials and cottage garden plants.
Southport Road, Eccleston, Chorley [t] 01257 452555 www.croston-cactus.co.uk Diverse plants including Mexican cacti, euphorbias, caudiciform and succulents.
Gardenmakers
Coars Farm, Wigglesworth [t] 01729 840848 www.gardenmakers.co.uk Leading garden design and plant centre with café, gift shop and nursery.
Lakeside Garden Centre Skipton Road, Foulridge [t] 01282 865650 www.lakesidegarden centre.co.uk Three-acre site selling a range of traditional and exotic varieties.
Hawthornes Nursery
Marsh Road, Hesketh Bank, near Preston [t] 01772 812379 A variety of climbers including clematis, honeysuckles, shrub roses and hardy perennials. Open most days Feb-Sept.
Plant World
Myerscough College, Bilsborrow [t] 01995 642264 A nursery in the grounds of a horticultural college.
Potters Lane, Samlesbury [t] 01772 877213 www.huntleysof samlesbury.co.uk Bonsai trees, Japanese maples and bamboos.
Normoss Road, Blackpool [t] 01253 393529 www.seniorsfish experience.com The freshest fish plus locallygrown potatoes, wine, beers and a host of extras.
Shackleton’s Garden & Lifestyle Centre
The Shireburn Arms Hotel
Clitheroe Road, Chatburn [t] 01200 441230 Everything you could want for your garden conveniently located under one roof.
Hurst Green, Clitheroe [t] 01254 826518 www.shireburnarmshotel.com Enjoy satisfying traditional British cooking along with breathtaking views.
Pilling, Preston [t] 01253 790301
The Water Witch
Croston Cactus
Samlesbury Bonsai Nursery
Seniors: The Fish Experience
Springfield House Hotel & Restaurant
restaurant in a former 18thcentury inn with gardens.
Waterslack Farm Shop & Garden Centre Michelin-starred Northcote Manor
Ford Lane, Silverdale [t] 01524 701255 www.waterslack.com Also includes a craft gallery and animal and bird park.
Lancashire’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Liverpool
As the countdown continues to the city’s big moment in the spotlight as European Capital of Culture 2008, there’s never been more to see around Liverpool and Merseyside. Lush botanical gardens, fine parks, coast and countryside are competing for your attention: go and enjoy!
✽
Inside this area
P32-33 STEP INTO THE WILD Visit the National Wildflower Centre and Port Sunlight P34-36 MERSEY ROOTS Packed with ideas for grand days out in Liverpool and beyond P37-38 ESSENTIAL LISTINGS
*
Liverpool
Buttercups are familiar British wildflowers
WILDFLOWER HEROES
The promotion and preservation of endangered wildflower species is one of the centre’s highlighted campaigns for 2006. It focuses on five popular wildflower species that are under threat – cowslip, bluebell, poppy, teasel and Deptford pink – exploring their traditional and cultural values and looking at their importance to our environment.
From the buzz of Liverpool city to the buzz of wildlife in Merseyside’s worldrenowned parks and villages, you’ll be surprised, and delighted, at what’s on offer in the area
WELCOME TO WILDFLOWERS
Step into the wild The National Wildflower Centre
Set in the 35-acre Victorian Court Hey, the National Wildflower Centre is a peaceful haven away from the stresses of city life. One of just two such centres in the world (the other being the Ladybird Johnson Centre in Texas), the National Wildflower Centre opened to the public in 2001, and exists to promote the creation of new wildflower habitats for people to enjoy and where wildlife can flourish and develop. Since opening, it has won a variety of awards, including one from the Civic Trust in 2002 for its outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment, and a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award for the main building.
Wild goingson in 2006
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The centre has a mix of refurbished older buildings and new architecture which provides the base for all displays, activities and workshops. There are wildflower demonstration areas which change accordingly as the season progresses, a working garden nursery, a children’s play area
and, naturally, lots of information about wildflowers. The award-winning new building provides a 160-metre rooftop walkway with meadow and aerial views of the surrounding park. This building houses the shop, plant sales area, the Cornflower Café and a peaceful conservatory area. At the centre are a variety of growing habitats which highlight the range of places and situations where wildflowers thrive; the wildlife pond filled with rainwater, which contains pond life including dragonflies and newts, is one example. There are several demonstration areas around the centre, planted with mixtures of native British wildflowers, for you to use as inspiration for your own garden. The small working Wildflower Nursery
For further visitor information please see Liverpool listings on page 37
The courtyard
A project encouraging people to get involved in a volunteer programme at the NWC.
SOW THE SEEDS
is based at the heart of the centre, and was formerly the walled garden of the Gladstone Estate. It has a demonstration area in the centre and shade tunnels around the edges, with railway sleepers that were originally used for Stevenson’s Rocket, where you can relax and enjoy the natural environment. And, if one of the 60 species of native wildflower plants at the centre takes your fancy, take it home with you: buy it at the shop or by mail order. Sowing seeds of inspiration
Held on the first Tuesday of each month, this new nature discussion group explores the history of British wildflowers, looking at herbalism, folklore and heritage.
GROW YOuR MIND
This creative and environmental workshop covers a wide range of wildflower and green themes. Suitable for all ages, every Sunday. The centre is open from 1 March-1 September and has a range of events for all ages throughout the season. Call 0151 738 1913 for more information. n From M62 J5,
take the A5080
A show of trust PORT SuNLIGHT VILLAGE
Victorian industrialist and philanthropist William Hesketh Lever knew the importance of natural surroundings when he founded Port Sunlight Village for his workers. The village took its name from the Lever’s highly successful Sunlight Soap, and today it is a designated Conservation Area. The Port Sunlight Village Trust manages the environment and landscape of the village. There are 1,000 cottages in the village, built between 1880 and 1900. Although many are now privately owned, the Trust is still responsible for maintaining each front garden. These are openplan, mostly laid to lawn
A blast of colour
and planted with different shrubs so that they retain an individual character. Within the village are wide boulevard-style avenues lined with elm and chestnut trees, and the main avenue, the Diamond which runs from the Lady Lever Art Gallery to the Hillsborough Memorial, has been replanted with 4,500 varieties of new Old English roses. In graduated blocks of colour, these are designed to provide a heady, fragrant scent as Pretty as a picture
well as a visual sensation throughout the summer. Spring is a lovely time to visit the Dell, a sunken tree-lined walkway, laid to grass, bursting with colourful bulbs. With bold blocks of colour from the 60,000 annual bedding plants, the village looks spectacular all year round – go to the new visitor centre, Sunlight Vision, to find out more about this floral community. n From Birkenhead Tunnel,
follow A41 towards Chester. From Chester take M56, M53, and at J5 take the A41
EVENTS Port Sunlight FLOWERPOT FESTIVAL 1-9 July
✽
VILLAGE FETE 9 July 11am-5pm HuLME HALL: Antiques & Collectors’ and Craft Fairs: call 0151 644 8797 for dates GLADSTONE THEATRE For play listings call 0151 643 8757 LADY LEVER ART GALLERY For events call 0151 478 4136
Run along to the Flowerpot Festival
www.visitliverpool.com
33
*Mersey
▲
Liverpool
roots
THE PALM HOuSE An iconic symbol of Sefton Park, this stunning building has a close connection with the people of Liverpool as well as the botanical world. Built in 1896, it was given as a gift to the city by Henry yates Thompson. Originally stocked with a wonderful collection of exotic plants, it became a world-leader in botanical study. Having survived a turbulent few years when it was shut down in the 1980s, the Palm House is again the glory of Liverpool, open for everyone to enjoy. Once you’ve managed to take your eyes off the dazzling exterior, you can enjoy plants from europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa.
Discover glorious parks, stately mansions and fun museums close to the city ▼ Simply striking
n M62 J4, then take the A5058
dark foliage adorn the North Lawn, interspersed with bursts of colour from laburnum and double red hawthorns. The Stream Garden is being replanted with Victorian colours using azaleas, rhododendrons, spiraea and viburnum. Damp-loving plants such as ferns adorn the water edge.
▲ Wonderful
woodland
ACORNFIELD PLANTATION One of the few remaining woodlands of the Manor of Kirkby, Acornfield Plantation dates back to the 1700s. The original wood is made up primarily of oak, birch and alder, with beech and Scots Pine added in the last century for timber production. Ancient sphagnum moss and soft rush can be found in the nature reserve along with rare birds like the greater spotted woodpecker (above).
n Right next to John Lennon Airport. J6 off
the M62 then the A5300, or J12 off the M56
KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK The philosophy behind this awardwinning safari park is to let the animals live as naturally as possible. This means extra space for the 30 species of animal that currently live there which include domestic wildlife such as otter as well as elephant, lion, bison, oryx and giraffe. A Monkey Jungle (with over 100 home-grown baboons), bug house, bird display, small animal farm and amusement rides complete your day out. n Near J6 on the M62, then take
the M57 and exit at J2
For further visitor information please see Liverpool listings on page 37
❝ TIP FROM THE TOP
▲ Creature comfort
Patrick Hassell, Head Gardener, Speke Hall I love the overall lushness and variety in this garden. Few people would realise that the island beds were only created seven years ago – it’s amazing how far they’ve come on. In July and August they are filled with a mixture of herbaceous plants and shrubs like hostas, sedums, eucheras, canna lilies, skimmia, mahonia and phormium – colours and textures that contrast with the black and white hall in the background.
✽
Family days out... 1
n M57 J4, then the A580 towards St Helens
❝
SPEKE HALL This impressive Tudor house has gardens to match. Created between 1855-65, they have recently been restored to their Victorian splendour by the National Trust. Planting on the south lawn includes Victorian favourites such as lilacs, viburnums, and mop-headed hydrangeas, while the rose garden has been designed using old photographs. The Moat Gardens contain dark foliaged shrubs, outlined by bold groups of peonies, hemerocallis astilbes, crinums and sidalcea. Typically Victorian borders of
A dazzling discovery
SEFTON PARK Liverpool’s largest park was a rural wasteland until the early 19th century when city life encroached onto the area. Its design was carried out by Parisian edouard André and local architect Louis Hornblower, following a public competition. Catering for Victorian tastes, André included a croquet lawn, cricket green, aviary and apiary, aquarium for aquatic plants, arbors for tea parties and a music pavilion.
▲ Grass cuttings
BRITISH LAWNMOWER MuSEuM Ever wondered what model of lawnmower a Prince drives? At this quirky, museum you can see the lawnmowers of the great and good, including Prince Charles and Jean Alexander (left), better known as Coronation Street favourite Hilda Ogden. All this plus 300 exhibits of restored garden machinery, many dating back to the lawnmower’s invention in the 1830s.
THE NATIONAL WILDFLOWER CENTRE The centre offers a fun interactive play area for children: make a big noise on the giant wooden xylophone or learn balance on the traversing wall. An oversize model beehive shows how bees pollinate flowers and make honey, and there’s a huge beetle with moveable features. Look out for the tree house in the woods or try some indoor activities in the centre’s craft and exhibition barn.
2
KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK Children will be fascinated by the sea lion show starring Californian sea lions Biffo and Max. There’s also a farm with llamas, mules, goats, rabbits and other furry friends. An onsite amusement park with carousel, bouncy castle, pirate ship and a host of other rides means they’ll be amused for hours.
3
VICTORIA PARK, SOuTHPORT This large open park has lawn areas for ball games and picnics, as well as a substantial children’s play area. There’s a model boat pond, and a miniature steam train (it looks like it couldn’t pull a mouse, but it’s actually a tough little number!).
4
THE BOTANIC GARDENS, CHuRCHTOWN Jump on board the little visitor train that takes you around these lovely gardens or hire a rowing boat on the Serpentine Lake. Children will delight in all the cute animals, including rabbits, chipmunks and guinea pigs, as well as the exotic birds in the aviary.
4 3
2 1
n M6 J26, then take the M58 to J3 and take
the A570 to Southport
www.visitliverpool.com
35
*
Liverpool
Liverpool
Diary... 13-18 June
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOuRNAMENT Calderstones Park
A passion for… Southport Flower Show
VICTORIA PARK “I love the Southport Flower Show and I am delighted to have been associated with such a spectacular show for so many years” Professor David Bellamy, botanist, writer and broadcaster
✽
▲ The place to see red
FORMBY POINT & SQuIRREL RESERVE This National Trust-owned nature reserve offers a chance to see one of Britain’s last colonies of red squirrels thriving in the wild. Consisting of a beautiful beach, sandy dunes and pine woods, Formby makes a welcome escape from the city. Squirrels thrive amid the pines while the shoreline attracts waders like oystercatchers and sanderlings.
▲
n Two miles from the A565, two miles from Formby
Country living
CROXTETH HALL AND COuNTRY PARK It is hard to imagine that this tranquil 500acre estate is only six miles from the city centre, but once you are there all thoughts of city life are forgotten. The Victorian walled garden is a horticultural space almost untouched by time, where colourful scented borders surround well-stocked vegetable plots, a mushroom house and exotic fruit in the greenhouse. Discover the wildlife in the park, or get close to working farm animals in the Victorian farmyard. n M62 J2, then the A5058
With ex-Wimbledon stars Goran Ivanisevic, Pat Cash and Ile Nastase along with ATP players such as Xavier Malisse. [t] 0151 233 2008
26 June-2 July
SCARECROW FESTIVAL AND VILLAGE FETE Thornton Hough [t] 0151 647 6780
28-30 July
ST HELEN’S SHOW Sherdley Park
Free three-day show with entertainment, equestrian events and arena attractions. [t] 01744 456864
6 August
KNOWSLEY FLOWER SHOW Court Hey Park
One of the largest free shows in the Northwest. The show has a giant marquee with more than 400 floral exhibits as well as children’s activities and entertainment. [t] 0151 443 3120
17-20 August
SOuTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Victoria Park, Southport
▲
What’s in a name?
CALDERSTONES PARK This Green Flag Award park is situated in Liverpool’s leafy southern suburb of Allerton. Named after the Calder Stones, ancient megaliths said to predate Stonehenge, the star attraction is the 1,000-year-old Allerton Oak. Other features include a Georgian mansion with sunken ha-ha, the Pinetum with its collection of dwarf conifers, tranquil ornamental flower gardens, Japanese and Old English gardens, a large lake, graceful herbaceous borders and a rose garden. The park also incorporates the Harthill Botanical Gardens, founded in 1802, with its displays of 4,000 species of plants brought from all over the world by traders and travellers. n 20 minutes from city, towards Liverpool John Lennon Airport
For further visitor information please see Liverpool listings on page 37
The UK’s largest independent flower show, which this year has a watery theme, so expect, babbling brooks, outdoor ponds and other water features as well as the usual spectacular displays. [t] 01704 547147
27-28 August
CROXTETH HALL GARDEN FLOWER SHOW Croxteth Country Park
Now in its 26th year, you’ll find great displays of flowers, fruit, vegetables and crafts, as well as lots of goodies to take home. [t] 0151 228 5311
Liverpool – the essentials Where
to visit… 14 Saxon Road
Birkdale, Merseyside [t] 01704 567742 This quarter-acre walled garden contains informal beds, mature trees and shrubs, climbing roses and clematis and many hardy plants. There are homemade teas too. Open: 2&9 July, 10.30am4.30pm; other visits by appointment Admission: adults £2, children free; a share of money raised goes to Cancer Research UK
Acornfield Plantation Local Nature Reserve
Spinney Road, Kirkby, Knowsley [t] 0151 443 3682 www.knowsley.gov.uk For more details see page 35. Open: all year Admission: free
Birkenhead Park
The Grand Entrance, Park Road North, Birkenhead [t] 0151 652 5197 www.wirral.gov.uk Opened in 1847, Britain’s first publicly-funded municipal park inspired the design of
KEY National Trust Garden National Garden Scheme Garden Parking
New York’s Central Park. There are five listed buildings and structures in the park, and eight acres of water. Open: all year Admission: free
Eastham Country Park
Botanic Gardens at Churchtown
Bankfield Lane, Churchtown, Southport [t] 0151 934 2110 These 32-acre gardens are a riot of colour in summer. There’s also a Victorian fern house and a vast boating lake. Open: daily, 8am until 30 minutes before dusk Admission: free
British Lawnmower Museum
106-114 Shakespeare St, Southport [t] 01704 501336 www.lawnmowerworld.com For more details see page 35. Open: daily excluding Sun and Bank Holidays, 9am5.30pm Admission: adults £1, children 50p
Plants for sale Toilet Refreshments Wheelchair access Restaurant Picnics allowed No dogs Guide dogs only
Calderstones Park
Calderstones Road, Liverpool [t] 0151 233 3001 For more details see page 36. Open: park – all year; walled gardens – summer, Mon-Fri, 8am-5.45pm/Sat-Sun 10am-5.45pm (winter, MonFri, 8am-4.30pm/Sat-Sun, 10am-4.30pm) Admission: free
Dogs allowed on leads* Events Shop * Areas where dogs are allowed may still be restricted
[t] 0151 228 5311 www.croxteth.co.uk For more details see page 36. Open: country park – daily, gates close at 8pm; walled garden, hall and farm – Apr-Sept, 10.30am-5pm Admission: hall, farm & garden – adults £4.50, concessions £2.30, family saver £11
Croxteth Hall & Country Park
Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool
Ferry Road, Eastham, Wirral [t] 0151 327 1007 www.wirral.gov.uk/er/ eastham.htm On the banks of the Mersey, this park has an abundance of mature oak, beech, sweet chestnut, silver birch and sycamore, with patches of rowan, yew and rhododendron. Open: daily Admission: free
Flaybrick Memorial Gardens
Tollemache Road, Birkenhead, Wirral [t] 0151 512 3676 This former cemetery in Bidston is a must-see for fans of fine mature trees. You’ll find cut-leaf beech, silver pendant lime, mature Exeter Elm, London plane and monkey puzzle and more. Open: daily until 6pm (pedestrian access only) Admission: free
Formby Point & Squirrel Reserve
Hilbre Islands
West Kirby, Wirral [t] 0151 632 4455/ 678 5488 www.wirral.gov.uk An abundance of grey seals, seabirds and coastal wild plants including bird’s-foot trefoil await you on this sea-swept island. Open: throughout the year but extreme caution is advised due to tides – always ring before attempting to visit Admission: free
Knowsley Safari Park
Prescot Road, Knowsley [t] 0151 430 9009 www.knowsley.com/safari For more details, see page 34. Open: Daily 1 Mar-31 Oct, 10am-4pm; 1 Nov-28 Feb, 10.30am-3pm Admission: adult £10, child/ OAPs £7, family £30
Millbrook Park Millennium Green
Kirkby, Knowsley Public open space with Kirkby Brook running through the middle of it. Open: Daily, 24 hours Admission: free
National Wildflower Centre
Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Liverpool [t] 0151 739 1913 www.nwc.org.uk For more details see page 32. Open: 1 Apr-1 Sep, 10am-5pm
Admission: adults £3, children/concessions £1.50, family £7.50
Port Sunlight Village
Port Sunlight, Wirral For more details see page 33. Open: daily, 24 hours Admission: free
Reynolds Park
Church Road, Liverpool This historic, Green Flagstandard 14-acre park has a walled garden, yew garden and arboretum. Open: daily, 24 hours Admission: free
Speke Hall
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool [t] 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 34. Open: Gardens – daily 11am- 5.30pm; house, 1-5.30pm, 22 Mar-29 Oct, Wed-Sun; 4 Nov-3 Dec, Sat & Sun; Home Farm, 11am5pm – 22 Mar-16 Jul and 13 Sept-29 Oct, Wed-Sun; 18 Jul-10 Sept Tues-Sun; 4 Nov-3 Dec Sat-Sun. Also open on Bank Holidays. Admission: house & garden/garden only – adult £6.50/£3.50, child £3.50/ £1.80, family £19.50/£10
St John’s Gardens Sankey Valley Country Park
Blackbrook Road, St Helens [t] 01744 677772 www.sthelens.gov.uk There’s a diversity of habitats and a wealth of wild flora along the St Helens section of the park. Rare species include adder’s tongue fern and southern marsh orchid. Open: daily, around the clock; visitor centre 12 noon-2pm Admission: free
Sefton Park & Palm House
Sefton Park, Liverpool [t] 0151 726 9304 www.palmhouse.org.uk For more details see page 35. Open: Mon-Sat, 10.30am5pm; Sunday 10.30am-4pm Admission: free
Liverpool [t] 0151 225 4877/5910 Known as the ‘Peace Gardens’ for its statues and memorials. Open: Daily, 8am-dusk Admission: free
Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock, Liverpool [t] 0151 702 7400 www.tate.org.uk/liverpool One of the largest galleries of modern art outside London. Open: Tue-Sun 10am5.50pm; also open on Bank Holidays Admission: free
Victoria Park
Rotten Row, Southport Home to the largest independent show in the country each August. Open: Daily, 8am-dusk Admission: free
Victoria Road, Freshfield [t] 01704 878591 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 36. Open: daily, dawn until dusk Admission: free; car park £3.20, car park closes 5.30pm Apr-Oct
Hesketh Park
Albert Road, Southport Picturesque Hesketh’s nature trails make the most of the duck pond and lakes here. This large park also has an aviary, children’s play area, café and mini golf course. Open: 8am-dusk Admission: free
Liverpool’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Sefton Park Palm House
www.visitliverpool.com
37
DALEMAIN HISTORIC HOuSE & GARDENS
Liverpool – the essentials Walton Hall Park
Liverpool This wonderful 130-acre park was opened in 1934 and contains interesting gardens plus a boating/fishing lake. Open: daily, 8am-dusk Admission: free
Wirral Country Park
Thurstaston Wirral www.wirral.gov.uk/er/wcp.htm Sixty-feet-high boulder clay cliffs look out over the Dee estuary, where sea breeze and salt spray make for a liberating day out. Open: daily, 24 hours Admission: free
World Museum, Liverpool
William Brown Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 478 4399 www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk The herbarium here contains more than 350,000 specimens. Open: daily, 10-5pm Admission: free
Devonshire House Hotel Fairfield, Liverpool [t] 0151 264 6600 Superb Georgian Grade II listed hotel set in 1.5 acres of gardens, just two miles from the city centre. Superb bar and dining facilities.
Hope Street Hotel
Hope Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 709 3000 www.hopestreethotel.co.uk The rooms at this superstylish boutique hotel have DVDs, wireless internet access and luxury bathrooms.
Leasowe Castle Hotel Moreton, Wirral [t] 0151 606 9191 www.leasowecastle.com Built in 1593, Leasowe has glorious coastal views and access to the shore.
Peel Hey Guest House
Frankby Road, Frankby, Wirral [t] 0151 677 9077 www.peelhey.co.uk This renovated Victorian country house offers luxury B&B accommodation.
The Warehouse Brasserie
Mild weather makes for lush Cumbrian gardens Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa
Thornton Hough, Wirral [t] 0151 336 3938 www.thorntonhallhotel.com This four-star hotel located in a picturesque village offers fine flower gardens and an award-winning restaurant.
Tree Tops Country House Southport Old Road, Formby [t] 01704 572430 www.treetopsformby.co.uk Country house hotel with great restaurant, garden and patio in delightful pine tree surrounds close to the coast.
Where
to eat…
Alexander’s Brasserie
Wayfarers Arcade, Southport [t] 01704 543943 Enjoy French-style pastries, sandwiches and coffees next to palms and ornamental water features within a delightful Victorian shopping arcade.
Colin’s Bridewell
Campbell Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 707 8003 www.colinsbridewell.co.uk Housed in a former police station, this reasonably-priced restaurant offers traditional fare in the city centre.
Forge Brasserie
Queen Anne Street, Southport [t] 01704 500522 This stylish steak and seafood restaurant set over two floors has an open-plan kitchen to watch the chefs in action.
Gulshan Restaurant
Where
to stay…
Alicia Hotel (Best Western) Sefton Park, Liverpool [t] 0151 727 4411 www.feathers.uk.com Former cotton merchant’s home overlooking Sefton Park with a deluxe conservatory restaurant and bar.
Caldy Warren Cottage
Caldy Road, Wirral [t] 0151 625 8740 www.warrencott.demon.co.uk Country house with great views across the River Dee towards the Welsh hills.
Royal Clifton (Best Western) The Promenade, Southport [t] 01704 533771 www.royalclifton.co.uk Overlooking the beautiful King’s Gardens, with easy access to Southport’s main attractions, the Royal Clifton features a health club, bar and an award-winning restaurant.
Scarisbrick Hotel
Southport [t] 01704 543000 www.scarisbrickhotel.com Beautifully refurbished traditional hotel situated in the heart of Southport’s main tree-lined boulevard. Has a leisure club including pool.
38 www.visitliverpool.com
Marsh Cat Restaurant
Parkgate, Wirral [t] 0151 336 1963 www.marshcat.com Established in 1997, one of the Wirral’s best restaurants. Wonderful River Dee views, plus an exciting à la carte menu.
Duke Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 705 3005 www.sapporo teppanyaki.com The first authentic Japanese restaurant in Merseyside is one of the finest in the region.
Warehouse Brasserie
West Street, Southport [t] 01704 544662 www.warehousebrasserie.co.uk Local produce combined with flavours from around the world by Michelin-starred head chef Marc Verite.
Where
to drink… The Bold Arms
Churchtown, Southport [t] 01704 228192 Located in a beautiful village with 17th-century thatched cottages. Beer garden, pub grub and real ales.
Britannia Inn
Riverside Drive, Liverpool [t] 0151 727 8237 Enjoy a relaxing drink in a friendly atmosphere. A great pub restaurant, with a patio offering superb Mersey views.
Cottage Loaf
Iris
Fly in the Loaf
London Carriage Works
Hope Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 705 2222 www.tlcw.co.uk Part of the Hope Street Hotel, this stylish restaurant and brasserie offers classic cuisine.
Buckels Nursery Ltd
Copplehouse Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool [t] 0151 525 2712 Growers for over 100 years. Fine selection of herbaceous and bedding plants at threeacre site with coffee shop.
Sapporo Teppanyaki
Aigburth, Liverpool [t] 0151 427 2273 www.gulshan-liverpool.com Listed in the Michelin Guide, this is one of the UK’s finest Indian restaurants. Impeccable food, service and décor.
West Kirkby, Wirral [t] 0151 625 3770 Stylish modern British food served in a period building. Early fixed-price menu and live jazz on Saturdays.
trees and shrubs supplied from Pistoia in Tuscany and the Northwest’s largest selections of Australian and New Zealand tree ferns.
Thurstaston, Wirral [t] 0151 648 2837 Quiet rural pub set in beautiful country park. Comfortable interior with open fires. Popular for alfresco dining.
Hardman Street, Liverpool [t] 0151 708 0817 Winner of Best Bar in the 2006 Mersey Tourism Awards. The name refers to an old bakery which originally occupied the site.
The Grange Country Club
Thornton Hough [t] 0151 336 3968 This gracious country home was built in 1830 for
Liverpool ship owners. It has a palm conservatory, restaurant and polo lounge.
The Philharmonic
Hope Street, Liverpool, [t] 0151 709 1163 This Grade II listed, superior late-Victorian gin palace was a big hit with John Lennon. Art deco lights, stained glass and mosaic floors.
Pump House
Albert Dock, Liverpool [t] 0151 709 2367 An ideal vantage point to view Liverpool’s magnificent waterfront. Polished wooden floors and dark timber fittings; nautical-themed interior. Reasonably priced menu that includes scouse!
Ring O’ Bells
West Kirby, Wirral [t] 0151 625 8103 This 200-year-old timbered inn has gorgeous hanging baskets. Excellent range of drinks and high quality food. Lovely beer garden.
The Seven Stars
Church Road, Thornton Hough [t] 0151 336 4574 www.sevenstarswirral.co.uk Traditional 19th-century pub in the heart of a charming village on the Wirral Peninsula. Serves fresh food daily from 12-9pm.
Hartleys Farm Shop & Nurseries
Northway, Lydiate, Liverpool [t] 0151 526 1577 www.hartleysnurseries.co.uk A family-run nursery, in business since the late 19th century. Top quality chrysanthemums, bedding plants and shrubs.
Modo Creations
27a Banastre Rd, Southport [t] 01704 220521 www.modocreations.co.uk Make your garden different with outdoor chess sets, ancient Inca statues, wooden barrel planters, animal statues and a range of contemporary stone garden artworks.
Rushtons Nurseries
Runnels Lane, Liverpool [t] 0151 924 2365 Specialises in bedding plants, herbaceous and perennials and, later in the year, cut flowers and Christmas trees.
Wirral Water Gardens
Carr Farm, Birkenhead Rd, Wirral [t] 0151 632 2222 All you’ll need to create a fantastic water feature, plus expert advice and a range of tropical and coldwater fish.
Where
to shop… The Bigger Plant Company Ltd
Fornalls Green Lane, Meols [t] 0151 632 3532 www.thebiggerplant company. co.uk Specimen
Tropical fish – on the Mersey?
Liverpool’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Cumbria:
The Lake District With breathtaking scenery that has inspired artists, poets and gardeners alike, plus a mild climate that brings the exotic a little closer to home, Cumbria never disappoints
✽
Inside this area
P40-41 BLOOMS WITH A VIEW Set your sights on Holehird, and a Flora of the Fells event P42-43 AT ONE WITH NATURE Get a little closer to some dramatic Cumbrian gardens
P44-46 WILDLY DIFFERENT Wonderful topiary, and an owl or two: try something unusual P47-48 ESSENTIAL LISTINGS
*Blooms with a view Cumbria: The Lake District
From the mountain scenery of the Lake District to the remote wilderness of the North Pennines, Cumbria’s diverse natural habitats and changing climate produce gardens that thrive with a variety of flowers and plants
Visit in May for magnificent magnolia
day lilies take over from hellebores in the Davidia bed. In late summer and autumn, the national collection of hydrangeas comes into its own, and the rest of the garden puts on a show of colour from the leaves and berries of the many maples and azaleas.
walled Garden
Holehird Gardens
Voted as one of the nation’s favourite gardens in a BBC Gardener’s World poll of 2002, Holehird is certainly a joy to behold. The 10-acre gardens are located above Lake Windermere and offer fine views of the mountain scenery of the Lake District. They are kept and developed by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, a group of 250 active members who manage the garden on a voluntary basis. The society was set up to promote the art, science and practice of horticulture, particularly in the Northwest, and garden trials are conducted here to determine which plants thrive best in the Lakeland area. The society has installed an automatic weather station to record the main climactic factors that affect plant growth.
Outer garden
Hot borders
Here, the gunnera pool and Cascades have been redirected and replanted over the last year. In winter the borders are full of the colour and scent of viburnum, hellebores, rhododendrons and hamamelis. Heathers take over the flower beds in winter and summer and there is a spectacular Davidia border that changes with the seasons. In April, hellebores rule, by May interest has shifted to the magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and the Davidia bracts, which hang down like handkerchiefs. Himalayan blue poppies are at their best in June and hostas, dicentra and hybrid
Originally a kitchen garden, the area has been redeveloped since the 1980s. Today, the herbaceous borders contain a wide selection of perennials and bulbs, with silver and grey foliage plants predominant in the west-facing border and some interesting shade-loving plants in the north border. The central beds add a vibrant contrast with hot shades of reds, pinks, yellows and oranges. A patio contains a new herb bed with stone troughs and alpines along the wall edges.
Why I love… Holehird “The Lakeland Horticultural Society’s garden at Holehird is inspiring. Within a truly wonderful setting, the garden has been brilliantly cultivated by its members” Alan Titchmarsh, gardening broadcaster and writer
Identity parade flora of the fells
Flora of the Fells is a spring and summer festival that celebrates Cumbria’s mountain landscapes and upland flowers and plants. The diversity of terrain and climate in the area has bred a selection of interesting flowers and plants: some have survived in the area for more than 10,000 years, while others are relative newcomers which have taken advantage of the changing climate and circumstances. There are more than 160 events for all the family to take part in including guided walks, outdoor learning events, farm visits, adventure days and talks. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, you can develop your creative streak on a drawing and painting walk, take part in a wildflower identification day or learn how to photograph flowers and plants in a photography masterclass. The events are all graded for different levels of fitness and suitability. For more information call 01539 733187 or visit www.floraofthefells.com.
Rock rose
Melancholy thistle
Herb Paris
Alpines
Part of the gardens at Holehird are on a fellside site with natural rock gardens on Coniston grit outcrops. This makes them perfect for growing alpine plants. There are two alpine glasshouses open for public view, containing scree beds, stone troughs and raised borders.
National Collections
The garden houses three national collections. There are more than 200 cultivars of astilbe, which bloom from June to August, more than 300 species of hydrangeas, many contained in the spectacular Hydrangea Walk, and around 60 cultivars of polystichum fern. n From the A591 Windermere to Ambleside
road, turn right at the mini roundabout onto the A592 (signposted Ullswater via Kirkstone Pass)
Peak viewing: Holehird’s vistas are stunning
For further visitor information please see Cumbria listings on page 47
Heather-strewn lower Lonscale fell
www.golakes.co.uk
41
*
Cumbria: The Lake District ▼
Fun for everyone
Family days out... 1
HOLKER HALL & GARDENS
These 25-acre gardens were described in The Good Gardens Guide as ‘among the best in the world for design and content – an oasis of peace and tranquility’. The newest feature here is a labyrinth, set in a wildflower meadow. There’s also a Motor Museum containing 20,000 exhibits, a Courtyard Café and a Food Hall.
▲ Rooms with BLACKWELL
Completed at the end of the 19th century, Blackwell House marks an important crossroads in the Arts and Crafts movement. It is one of the finest examples of the genre and sympathetic restoration has created a living museum out of a house that was originally designed to be enjoyed. The gardens have been laid out to maximise the house’s breath-taking position overlooking Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells. Designed to be low maintenance, they consist of a series of terraces and slate walls, and have a modern planting scheme of clematis, tulips, dahlias, geraniums, irises and fragrant herbs.
n From M6 J36, follow signs along the A590
Why I love… Holker Hall
“The gardens are a delight to wander through, full of rare plants lovingly cared for by their charismatic owners, Lord and Lady Cavendish.”
Kim Wilde, garden writer and presenter
a view
n Junction 36 off the M6 then A591 to
At one with nature
Bowness, then A5074, then B5360
▲ Lakeside activities BROCKHOLE, LAKE DISTRICT VISITOR CENTRE
Designed by Thomas Mawson in 1898, these stunning gardens are managed using environmentally-friendly techniques and consist of a series of south and west-facing terraces, sloping down to Lake Windermere. Within the grounds you will find clipped box and yew hedges, a riot of spring bulbs, rhododendrons and azaleas, magnolias and camellias, herbaceous and mixed borders and old fashioned and shrub roses. There is also a wildflower meadow, a kitchen garden and new for this year, a grass labyrinth, which children love. n On the A591 south of Ambleside
Apple of Eden
Poetry in motion
ACORN BANK GARDEN & WATERMILL
A truly historical garden, Acorn Bank contains the North of England’s largest collection of medicinal and culinary plants in a 17th century walled herb garden. Within the two-acre site there are two orchards with rare fruit trees, including apples unique to the area such as ‘Keswick Codlin’ and the rediscovered 19thcentury ‘Lemon Square’ variety. Elsewhere you will find a spectacular display of shrubs, roses and herbaceous borders as well as a small pond. n North of Temple Sowerby,
6 miles east of Penrith on the A66
For further visitor information please see Cumbria listings on page 47
2
MuNCASTER GARDENS MEADOWVOLE MAZE Discover what it feels like to be a tiny meadow vole, where dangers lurk at every corner. Children can meet a number of cartoon characters with voices by Harry Enfield, including Max MeadowVole. By answering a series of questions, children can guide Max back safely through the meadowland to his underground home and they could even win a prize for their efforts.
Peter Rabbit’s home
3
LAKELAND WILDLIFE OASIS Children can trace 3,000 million years of evolution at this hands-on exhibition which charts the development of life on earth. Children can get close to nature with a number of interesting species such as butterflies, bats, lizards as well as lemurs and monkeys.
4
HOLKER HALL Specially-crafted quizzes make it fun for children to learn about the past. There is also an adventure playground near the motor museum, a small undercover maze and a labyrinth in the wildflower meadow. Baby changing and milk warming facilities are also available.
▼
are an inspiration to those who live there
▼
It’s easy to see why Cumbria’s gardens and stately homes
HILL TOP Fans of Beatrix Potter will be able to recognise all the sources of inspiration for the much-loved animal tales at the writer’s home and garden. The building and grounds remain as the author left them and young eyes will delight in finding objects that appear in some of the books.
WORDSWORTH HOuSE & GARDENS
The Romantic poet William Wordsworth felt a very close connection to the natural environment of The Lake District, celebrating it in many of his works. He spent a lot of time exploring his father’s garden at their happy home in Cockermouth. The National Trust has recreated the garden as it would have been in the 18th century when Wordsworth lived there, with fruit trees, vegetables, cut flowers and herbs which were used in the home.
2
1 4
3
n Main Street, Cockermouth town
centre, just off the A66
www.golakes.co.uk
43
▼
▼
different
Man and nature work hand in hand to create great gardens that are home to extraordinary plants, and some illustrious feathered friends ▼
The peak of pleasure
Other areas of the garden are less formal, creating a wild beauty that is complemented Muncaster by the natural backdrop of the Situated under the gaze of Lakeland fells. Among these England’s highest peak, Scafell 70 acres, you will find the Pike, Muncaster Castle was built Himalayan Gardens featuring 800 years ago as an English a great collection of specimen stronghold. The gardens are plants from around the world. magnificent, with glorious views New for this year is a kitchen of the surrounding countryside garden, growing fruit and from all angles. The Georgian vegetables to be served up Terrace, which extends for half in ‘Creeping Kate’s Kitchen’, a mile and is enveloped by and a physic and herb garden grand gates, looks out over is being developed that will Eskdale and is planted with contain species used in current alternating yew trees and box medicine as well as ancient hedges, which help to protect herbs. There is a brand new plants from the raw elements. plant centre, stocking a number The terrace links to Church of species from the gardens. Wood, with its mass of colourful n From M6 junction 36 follow signs summer maples and winterto Barrow on the A590, taking the A5092, then A595 to Muncaster flowering rhododendrons.
▼
Em am dit utpatPerci ting
Summer colour
The stunning Georgian Terrace
Outdoor activity
Fell Foot Park This majestic Victorian park with its lovely views over the Lakeland fells really comes into its own in spring and early summer when yellow daffodils burst forth, followed by colourful rhododendrons. Rolling lawns extend down to the shores of Lake Windermere. It’s an important habitat for bats and birds, and you can see their activity via the hidden cameras in boxes installed around the garden and woodland.
Feeling blue
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens Meaning ‘manor in the valley’, this lovely medieval, Tudor and early Georgian house has a number of gardens and terraces containing beautiful, ancient planting as well as Dalemain’s famous vivid blue Himalayan poppies.
n Junction 36 off the M6, A590, then A592
n Junction 40 off the M6,
then A66, then A592 towards Ullswater
The World Owl Trust With its headquarters at Muncaster, the WOT has one of the largest collection of owls in the world, from bizarre fishing owls to tiny pygmy owls and dazzling snowy owls. Many have been rehabilitated at the centre and the trust is involved in a number of conservation and breeding projects. You can see them up close every day at 2.30pm when a talk and display is given.
Eric Robson, chairman of BBC Gardeners’ Question Time If you want to see the finest topiary garden in Britain, Levens Hall is the place. One of my pet hates is gardening fashion but Levens Hall’s gardens, since they were created in the Elizabethan times, have remained unchanged. Levens Hall is a theatrical place, set in wonderful counterpoint to the house. The plants are so ancient now that they almost seem to be growing into their convoluted shapes.
❝ TIP FROM THE TOP
*Wildly
Cumbria: The Lake District
❜❜
▼ Shopper’s
paradise
larch cottage nurseries
This unique nursery has one of the most comprehensive collections of rare plants in the country. There is an exceptional choice of perennials, dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, roses, shrubs and ornamental grasses, many of which have been propagated on the premises. n Junction 39 off the M6 then the A6
towards Penrith
▲ Shapely borders
levens hall The world famous topiary displays at Levens Hall make this a must-see destination. Gardener Guillaume de Beaumont started the gardens in 1694, building on his training at Versailles and his earlier work laying out the gardens of Hampton Court. The magnificent topiary is the main attraction at Levens Hall, which depending on when you go, is enhanced by the colourful spring and summer bedding. Additional features include a rose garden, a nuttery, herbaceous borders, and a fountain garden laid out with pleached limes in 1994 to celebrate 300 years of the gardens at Levens. n Five miles south of Kendal on the A6, off
junction 36 of the M6
For further visitor information please see Cumbria listings on page 47
www.golakes.co.uk
45
*
Cumbria: The Lake District
Cumbria.
▼ Middle age spread SIZERGH CASTLE
This medieval country estate was built by the Strickland family in the Middle Ages and it is still occupied by their direct descendants. The imposing building with its oak-panelled rooms and fine collection of portraits and furniture is complemented by a fabulous garden. On the 1,600-acre estate you will find two lakes and a superb rock garden containing four national collections of hardy ferns, plus a range of magnolias, maples, conifers and a handkerchief tree. Public footpaths criss-cross the estate, providing circular walks from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells. n Junction 36 off the M6 then the A590 towards Kendal
Diary... 24-25 June
✽
WOW 2006: WINDERMERE ON WATER
Where
1-31 July
Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill
The Glebe [t] 015394 40021
COCKERMOuTH SuMMER FESTIVAL 2006
Cockermouth Main Street [t] 01900 822634
8-9 July
LAKELAND ROSE SHOW
Westmorland County Showfield [t] 01229 584926
▲ Historical honey trap MIREHOuSE
9 July
Nestling between mountains and lake, Mirehouse was built by the Earl of Derby in 1666. Restoration on the garden began 40 years ago with the discovery of huge Scots Pines dating back to 1748. Beneath these sit ancient hydrangeas and rhododendrons. The sheltered and spacious Bee Garden has been planted with Cumbrian fruit trees, buddleia and a heather path maze to keep the bees buzzing, and the newly restored Canada Garden has been furnished with a rhododendron tunnel, outdoor sculpture and a mown path linking it to the Poetry Walk – a Victorian verandah overlooking the rose garden that houses poetry displays by finalists in the annual Words by the Water literary festival.
Cumbria – the essentials
LAKELAND CLASSIC CAR RALLY
Leighton Hall [t] 01524 734474
15 July
CuMBERLAND COuNTY SHOW
to visit… Temple Sowerby [t] 017683 61893 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 42. Open: 25 Mar-29 Oct, WedSun, 10am-5pm Admission: adults £3.20, children £1.60, family £8
Blackwell
Bowness-on-Windermere [t] 015394 46139 www.blackwell.org.uk For more details see page 43. Open: daily, 13 Feb-31 Dec, 10.30am-5pm (4pm in winter) Admission: £5.45, children £3, family £15
10 August
LAKE DISTRICT ANNuAL SHEEPDOG TRIAL
Hill Farm [t] 01524 271584
BANGERS AND BATS
Fell Foot Country Park [t] 01539 531273
4-20 August
LAKE DISTRICT SuMMER MuSIC INTERNATIONAL
▼
Putting down roots
HuTTON-IN-THE-FOREST This beautiful historic house is situated on the north-eastern edge of the Lake District. It has belonged to the Inglewood family since 1605 and was originally a medieval stronghold. The gardens are equally impressive with 17th-century topiary terraces surrounding an extensive Victorian woodland garden. There is a stunning walled garden built in the 1730s, which contains a collection of herbaceous plants and 18th-century topiary. There are also a number of specimen trees and a pretty 17th-century dovecote which can be seen on the Woodland Walk. n Junction 41 off the M6
then B5305 to Wigton
For further visitor information please see Cumbria listings on page 47
Rydal Mount
Stricklandgate House [t] 08456 442144
20 August
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens [t] 01900 825642
20 August
LAKELAND COuNTRY FAIR
Torver Showfield [t] 01229 837680
KEY National Trust Garden National Garden Scheme Garden Parking Plants for sale Toilet Refreshments
Picnics allowed No dogs Guide dogs only Dogs allowed on leads* Events Shop * Areas where dogs are allowed may still be restricted
Near Windermere [t] 015395 31273 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 45. Open: all year, 9am-5pm Admission: free
Graythwaite Hall
Windermere [t] 015394 46601 For more details see page 42. Open: Easter-29 Oct, 10am-5pm. Admission: free
Buckbarrow House
High Cleabarrow
Conishead Priory
Hill Top
Denton Park Court, Gosforth [t] 01946 725431 Private garden with Japanese gravel area, pond and stream. Open: by appointment Admission: adults £2.50, children free
Copt Howe
Chapel Stile, Great Langdale [t] 015394 37685 Many rare plants, shrubs and trees from mountain regions around the world. Open: June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12 (NGS); June 16, 23, 29, July 3, 7, 14, 19, 21 (recorded message for more openings) Admission: adults £3, children free
Wheelchair access Restaurant
Fell Foot Park
Newby Bridge [t] 015395 31248 Shrubs and roses flourish amid yew hedges, terraces, formal and Dutch gardens, with sundials and gates by architect Dan Gibson. Open: Apr-Sept, daily, 10am-6pm Admission: adults £3, children free
South of Ulverston [t] 01229 584029 A Buddhist retreat with 50 acres of woodland and gardens. Open: 5 June-14 July, 14 Aug-31 Oct, dawn-dusk. Admission: adults £2.50, children £1.50
10 August
north of Keswick
Coniston [t] 015394 41396 www.brantwood.org.uk John Ruskin’s lakeside garden is rich in allegory, including a floral depiction of the seven deadly sins. Open: Mar-Nov, daily, 11am5.30pm, Nov-Mar, Wed-Sun, 11am-4.30pm Admission: adults £5.50, children £1, family £11.50
Brockhole
Carlisle [t] 01228 625600
n On the A591,
Brantwood
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens
Penrith [t] 017684 86450 www.dalemain.com For more details see page 45. Open: 26 Mar-29 Oct, garden – Sun-Thur, 11am4pm; Admission: garden only – adults £4, children free; house & garden – adults £6.50, children free
Windermere [t] 015394 42808 Unusual perennials and shrubs, rose garden and wildlife pond. Open: to groups by appointment only Admission: £2.50
Near Sawrey, Ambleside [t] 015394 36269 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 43. Open: April-Oct, Sat-Wed, 10.30am-4.30pm; every Thursday in August Admission: adults £5.10, children £2.30
Holehird
Windermere [t] 015394 46008 (Mar-Oct) www.holehirdgardens.org.uk For more details see page 40. Open: daily, dawn to dusk Admission: free
Holker Hall & Gardens
Cark-in-Cartmel [t] 01539 558328 www.holker-hall.co.uk For more details see page 42. Open: grounds – Mar-Oct, Sun-Fri, 10am-5.30pm Admission: garden – adults £5.70, children £3, Hall and garden – £8.80, children £5
Hutton-in-the-Forest
Penrith [t] 017684 84449 www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk For more details see page 46. Open: garden – 12 Apr-1
Cumbria’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Oct, daily except Sat, 11am5pm; house – Weds, Thu, Sun and Bank Holidays, 12.30pm-4pm Admission: garden – adults £3.50, children £1; house and garden – adults £5.50, children £3
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis Carnforth [t] 015395 63027 www.wildlifeoasis.co.uk For more details see page 43. Open: daily, 10am-4pm (5pm school holidays) Admission: adults £6, children £4, families £18
Levens Hall
Near Kendal [t] 015395 60321 www.levenshall.co.uk For more details see page 45. Open: 2 Apr-12 Oct, SunThur, 10am-5pm Admission: house and garden – adults £9, children £4, families £23; garden – adults £6, children £3, families £17.50
Mirehouse
Near Keswick [t] 017687 72287 www.mirehouse.com For more details see page 46. Open: Apr-Oct, 10am5.30pm; group visits by appointment all year Admission: house and grounds – adults £4.80, children £2.40; grounds – adults £2.40, children £1.20
Muncaster
Ravenglass [t] 01229 717614 www.muncaster.co.uk For more details see page 44. Open: gardens – daily 11 Feb-5 Nov, 10.30am-6pm; castle – Sun 12-5pm Admission: garden – adults £6.50, children £4.50, families £20
Quarry Hill House
Mealsgate [t] 01697 371225 Three-acre traditional gardens planted with fruit trees and a vegetable garden, plus 25 acres of woodland, specimen trees, wildflowers and ponds. Open: 2 July, 1.30pm-5pm, other visits by appointment Admission: £3, children free
Stagshaw Gardens
Rydal Mount
Rydal [t] 015394 33002 www.rydalmount.co.uk Delightful lakeside cottage that was once home to William Wordsworth. Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct, daily, 9.30am-5pm; Nov and Feb, daily except Tues, 10-4 Admission: adults £5, children £2, family £12
Sizergh Castle
Near Kendal [t] 015395 60951 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 46. Open: Sun-Thur, 2 Apr-29 Oct Admission: adults £6.20, children £3.10, family £15.50
Wordsworth House
Cockermouth [t] 01900 820805 www.nationaltrust.org.uk For more details see page 43. Open: 28 Mar-28 Oct, Tues-Sat, Bank Holidays 11am-4.30pm, plus Mondays in July and Aug. Admission: adults £4.70, children £2.60, family £13.50
World Owl Centre
Ravenglass [t] 01229 717393 www.owls.org For more details see page 44. Open: daily, all year except Jan, 10.30am-6pm, or dusk Admission: adults £6.50, children £4.50, family £20
Yewbarrow House Stagshaw Gardens
Near Ambleside [t] 015394 46027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk An elegant woodland garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. Open: daily, 1 Apr-30 Jun, then July-Oct by appointment only Admission: £2
Grange-over-Sands [t] 01539 532469 Mediterranean style, with walled garden, fern garden and Japanese hot spring pool. Open: 2 July, 6 Aug, 3 Sept, 11am-4pm; private visits by appointment Admission: £3, children free
Winderwath
Temple Sowerby, Penrith [t] 01768 88250 A private garden with alpines, New Zealand species and Himalayan plants. Open: Mar-Oct, Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, Sat,10am-12noon Admission: adults £2.50, children free
An exotic resident of Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
www.golakes.co.uk 47
Cumbria – the essentials Where
to stay… Abbey House Hotel
Barrow-in-Furness [t] 01229 838282 www.abbeyhousehotel.com Stunning mansion and garden close to Furness Abbey.
Armathwaite Hall
Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick [t] 017687 76551 www.armathwaite-hall.com Lakeside country house with wood-panelled rooms.
Bessiestown Farm Country Guesthouse
Catlowdy, near Carlisle [t] 01228 577219 www.bessiestown.co.uk Award-winning 18th-century farmhouse with indoor pool and beautiful willow garden.
Borrowdale Gates Country House Hotel
Grange-in-Borrowdale [t] 017687 77204 www.borrowdale-gates.com Situated within two relaxing acres of wooded gardens amid the breath-taking Borrowdale Valley, with an award-winning restaurant.
Fayrer Garden House
Bowness-on-Windermere [t] 015394 88195 www.fayrergarden.com Cumbria Tourist Board Hotel of the Year 2002. Wonderful views of Lake Windermere and the fells.
Gilpin Lodge
Windermere [t] 015394 88818 www.gilpinlodge.com One of the UK’s top 10 small hotels (AA 2003). Set in 20 acres of country gardens.
Regency elegance at Rothay Manor
Hill Farm
Cartmel [t] 015395 36477 www.hillfarmcartmel.co.uk B&B in a 16th-century house, south of Lake Windermere.
The Inn on the Lake
Ullswater, Glenridding [t] 017684 82444 www.innonthelake ullswater.com Lakeshore grounds, mountain views and top leisure facilities.
Lindeth Howe Hotel
Bowness-on-Windermere [t] 015394 45759 www.lindeth-howe.co.uk Once owned by Beatrix Potter. Gorgeous private gardens with lake views and a restaurant.
Linthwaite House
Windermere [t] 015394 88600 www.linthwaite.com Guesthouse set in 14 acres of gardens and woodland overlooking Lake Windermere.
Low Wood Hotel
Windermere, Cumbria [t] 015394 33338 www.elh.co.uk Four-star hotel next to lake Windermere. Leisure facilities and watersports centre.
Miller Howe Hotel
Moresby Hall
Moresby, Whitehaven [t] 01946 696317 www.moresbyhall.co.uk Grade I listed 16th-century house with walled garden.
Netherwood Hotel
Grange-over-Sands [t] 015395 32552 www.netherwood-hotel.co.uk Les Routiers Hotel of the Year in 2000; pretty terraced gardens.
Rothay Manor
Rothay Bridge, Ambleside [t] 015394 33605 www.rothaymanor.co.uk Country house hotel offering superior accommodation and a fine restaurant.
Roundthorn Country House
Beacon Edge, Penrith [t] 01768 863952 www.roundthorn.co.uk Grade II listed Georgian mansion with views of the Eden Valley, Pennines and Lakeland fells.
The Samling
Windermere [t] 015394 31922 www.thesamling.com This 18th-century hotel was Enjoy England’s Hotel of the Year in 2005.
Windermere [t] 015394 42536 www.millerhowe.com Cumbria Tourist Board Hotel of the Year 2003 has views over woodland and a herb garden.
Walker Ground Manor
Monkhouse Hill Cottages
The Waterhead Hotel
Sebergham, near Caldbeck [t] 016974 76254 www.monkhousehill.co.uk Award-winning self-catering cottages with panoramic views.
Hawkshead [t] 015394 36219 www.walkerground.co.uk A 16th-century cottage with three individual rooms.
Ambleside, Cumbria [t] 015394 32566 www.thewaterhead.co.uk A four-star hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere, with superb restaurant.
Where
to eat… Appleby Manor
The Watermill Inn
Appleby-in-Westmorland [t] 017683 51571 www.applebymanor.co.uk Two AA-rosette restaurant.
The Café at Brockhole
Near Staveley, Kendal [t] 01539 821309 www.watermillinn.co.uk This pub now has a CAMRA star for its ales and food.
Sharrow Bay
Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere [t] 015394 46601 www.lake-district.gov.uk For great Cumbrian specialities.
Ullswater [t] 01768 486301 www.sharrowbay.co.uk Luxury hotel serving classic cuisine, speciality desserts.
Clarence House Hotel
White Moss House
Skelgate, Dalton-in-Furness [t] 01229 462508 www.clarencehouse-hotel.co.uk Beautiful Victorian mansion near beaches and countryside.
Crosby Lodge
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle [t] 01228 573618 www.crosbylodge.co.uk Overlooks parkland with the River Eden beyond.
L’Enclume
Cartmel [t] 015395 36362 www.lenclume.co.uk A gastronomic restaurant with luxurious accommodation.
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Church Cottage, Grasmere [t] 015394 35428 www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk Gingerbread prepared from a 150-year-old secret recipe.
Holbeck Ghyll
Windermere [t] 015394 32375 www.holbeckghyll.com Michelin Star and three AA rosettes, plus health spa.
The Jumble Room
Grasmere [t] 015394 35188 www.thejumbleroom.co.uk Les Routiers North West Restaurant of the Year 2003-4.
Low Sizergh Barn
Sizergh, near Kendal [t] 015395 60426 www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk Award-winning tearoom and farm shop.
Low Wood Hall
Wasdale [t] 019467 26100 www.lowwoodhall.co.uk British cuisine with a twist, in a candle-lit conservatory.
48 www.golakes.co.uk
[t] 015395 68237 www.the-punchbowl.co.uk Traditional inn with real ales and global wines.
Grasmere [t] 015394 35295 www.whitemoss.com Food and fine wine in a house once owned by Wordsworth.
Where
to drink… The Black Swan Inn
Culgaith, Penrith [t] 01768 882233 www.blackswanculgaith.co.uk A fine selection of ales and a pretty beer garden.
The Drunken Duck Inn
Barngates, Ambleside [t] 015394 36347 www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk Superb beers and wines, plus food in a comfortable setting.
The Eagle And Child
Staveley, near Kendal [t] 01539 821320 www.eaglechildinn.co.uk Local ales and guest beers next to the River Kent.
Jennings Brewery
Castle Brewery, Cockermouth [t] 0845 129 7185 www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk See how Jennings ales are brewed, then sample them.
Kirkstile Inn
Loweswater [t] 01900 85219 www.kirkstile.com Atmospheric 16th-century inn with its own brewery.
Masons Arms
Strawberry Bank [t] 015395 68486 www.strawberrybank.com This fellside inn is famed for damson beer and fruit spirits.
The Punch Bowl Inn Crosthwaite
Where
to buy… Bank Mill Nurseries
Silloth [t] 01900 881340 www.bankmillnurseries.co.uk Reputable family nursery with exotic plants, water products and a butterfly house.
Garden House Nursery
The Square, Dalston, Carlisle [t] 01228 710297 www.gardenhousenursery.co.uk Small family buiness specialising in herbaceous perennials, hardy geraniums, hostas, day lilies and irises.
Visit gardens for
FREE!
2-FOR-1 SPECIAL OFFERS
you’ve read about the glorious gardens of the Northwest, now enjoy visiting them with these great 2-for-1 offers
G
ardens of England’s Northwest is offering you special 2-for-1 deals at a selection of gardens around the region. Take advantage of these offers by visiting www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com, where you’ll find details of all participating gardens. Just fill in the form and print off the vouchers. One person will obtain free entry on presentation of a voucher when accompanied by another fee-paying adult.
Greystone House Farm Shop & Tea Room Stainton, Penrith [t] 01768 866952 Award-winning shop and tearoom on organic farm.
Hayes Garden World
Ambleside [t] 015394 33434 www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk Large family business with garden displays, lifestyle products and lots of plants.
Holmes of Natland Garden Centre
Natland, Kendal [t] 015395 60224 www.holmesofnatland.co.uk Garden centre and florist with 11 modern glasshouses.
Inglefield Speciality Plants
Staveley [t] 01539 821142 www.inglefieldplants.co.uk Specialises in exotic plants of dramatic colour, foliage or scent from all over the world. Wide selection of beautiful containers.
Larch Cottage Nurseries Melkinthorpe, Penrith [t] 01931 712404 www.larchcottage nurseries.com For more details see page 45.
Cumbria’s best places to visit, stay, eat, drink & shop
Download your free 2-for-1 entry vouchers from www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com
www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com