Parks and open spaces

Parks and open spaces are our outdoor living rooms and our outdoor leisure centres. Our most frequent experiences of wildlife and the natural environment come from our gardens and public open spaces.

 

Congleton is surrounded by famous gardens - among some of the best are:    

Arley Hall and Gardens, near Northwich, won North West’s small visitor attraction 2006. Visitors can explore the stately home and grounds which have been owned by the same family for over 500 years.

 Website or tel 01565 777353

 

Biddulph Grange Garden, two miles from Congleton, this National Trust attraction takes you on a journey of discovery through gardens around the world. Tunnels and pathways lead to individual gardens inspired by the Chinese, Egyptians and Italians amongst others.

Tel 01782 517999  

 

Bridgemere Garden World, off the A51 just south of Nantwich offers a Garden Kingdom Tour and flower demonstrations and promises that there is always something new.

Website  

tel 01270 521100

Congleton Park

No visit to Congleton is complete without a visit to Congleton Park.  Designed by Edward Kemp, the park was officially opened in 1871and has been restored to its former Victorian glory in 2004/5, receiving a Green Flag Award in 2008.

Stand on one of the bridges crossing the River Dane and feed the ducks, stroll through the Victorian bedding displays and Town Wood, bring the children to the play area or visit the pavilion for coffee or something to eat.

Easily accessible from the town centre on foot (follow the sign posts) with park entrances from Park Road, Mill Green, Brook Street and Riverdane Street.  Parking is provided at the end of Park Street. 

If bringing children don’t miss a visit during the summer months to the nearby paddling pool situated on Park Road (next to Daneside Theatre).

Website

 

Capesthorne Hall, three miles south of Alderly Edge, is open to the public on Sundays, Mondays and all Bank Holidays from April to October. There is a stately home filled with interesting collections, a Georgian Chapel and 100 acres of parkland to explore.

Website 

tel 01625 861221

 

Gawsworth Hall, on the way to Macclesfield, is an ancient manor house wrapped in romance, intrigue and great charm. The grounds are the venue for an extensive range of performances from Abba to Shakespeare.

Website

tel 01260 223456

 

Hare Hill, at Over Alderly is a National Trust run charming wooded and walled garden, which has spectacular rhododendron and azalea displays,  as well as a holly collection of national repute.

tel 01625 584412

 

Little Moreton Hall, off the A34 and just four miles south of town, is perhaps the finest example of timber-framed moated manor houses in Britain. Owned by the National Trust, the property is little changed in over 500 years and is brought to life by daily guided tours and events. Other attractions include a maze, a knot garden and orchard.

Tel 01260 272018

 

The Quinta Arboretum

This 28 acre site was created by Sir Bernard Lovell and contains over 2000 species of trees and shrubs, including two National Collections.  Enjoy a stroll through the tree lined avenues and wild flower meadow, explore the nature reserve or simply admire the view over the River Dane.  The site is open daily from 9am until dusk and is accessed through The Swettenham Arms beer garden.

 

Rode Hall, at Scholar Green just south of Congleton is an early 18th century country house with extensive gardens including a formal garden designed in 1860 and a walled kitchen garden which dates from 1750.

Website

tel 01270 873237

 

Stapeley Water Gardens on the A51 a mile south of Nantwich, pulls in 1.5 million visitors each year. It is regarded as one of the world's leading water garden centres and, apart from the display gardens, offers a tropical oasis of palms as well as an angling centre.

Website

tel 01270 623868

 

Tatton Park at Knutsford is one of the North West’s most impressive historic estates. Visitors can enjoy the 50 acre gardens, an historic Mansion, a Tudor Old Hall and a 1930s working farm. There is also an adventure playground.

Website

tel 01625 534400

 

Trentham Gardens – near Stoke, has historic Italian gardens now beautifully restored, a retail village and one of the UKs largest garden centres. Also 750 acres of woodland and lakeside walks and Monkey Forest.

Website

tel 01782 646646

 

If you want to see animals, you may wish to consider 

 

Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough is an award winning farm set on the edge of the Peak District. It is a free attraction, with great nature trials and a chance to watch lambing, sheep shearing, cows being milked and see baby calves and hens. It’s the home of Hilly Billy Ice Cream. No picnics allowed.

Website

tel 01260 227229

 

Lakemore Farm Park, off the A534, near Crewe is a family-friendly attraction suited to young children. You can see llamas, pygmy goats, miniature donkeys, Shetland ponies, pigs, sheep and ducks amongst others. There are indoor and outdoor children's play areas, plus children's rides and a crazy golf course.

Website

tel 01270 253556

 

Monkey Forest, visitors can join the monkey world by entering the 60 acre woodland that is home to 140 Barbary Macaques. There is also an Italian garden, garden centre and retail village.

Website

tel 01782 659 845

 

Stockley Farm, near Northwich, attractions include tractor rides, lamb feeding, sheep racing, milking, birds of prey, soft play areas, adventure play area. Baby calves, piglets, goats, lambs, chicks and rabbits are always available for children to handle.

Website

tel 01565 777323

 

Wheelock Hall Farm, between Sandbach and Crewe has a successful farm shop as well as café, children’s play area and access to farm animals.

tel 01270764230