Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

The Beautiful romantic gothic style castle at Cholmondeley proudly overlooks 50 acres of stunning ornamental gardens and 670 acres of historic parkland. The present day castle was built between 1801 and 1804 with the addition of the turrets completing the work in 1817. The gardens at Cholmondeley have been extensively developed over the past 60 years and were the lifes work of the Late Lavinia, Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley, a talented plantswoman with a passion for plants and gardens.

During this period the gardens have become one of the best kept secrets in the north of England with its great diversity and unique plant collections. The garden is a delight at all times of year from its huge drifts of naturalised Daffodils to the blaze of autumn colour that sweeps through the garden in October. Around the Castle is a series of terraces at varying elevations that give a simple formal feel and include the newly re-designed silver garden with its mounds of soft silver foliage punctuated with the tall spikes of Salvia and Eryngium species. Further down the mount below the croquet lawn are the grass beds which offer interest in every season. The glade is a sheltered spot where a mix of flowering shrubs and subtle under-planting allows you to meander your way to the Rose garden which has been recently refurbished, extended and planted with over 250 new roses. From here descend the steps to the newly created 100m long double herbaceous border, and then take the path through the Laburnum Grove towards the Folly Garden, which has also been extended and reburbished together with the orchid meadows. Then wander through the Silver Wedding Arboretum with its superb collection of trees to the Temple Garden. This area is the "piece de resistance" of Cholmondeley with plant interest and colour at all times of year, architectural entrances, the Temple itself in the centre of the lake, and the rock garden and cascade. Within all this the garden is home to fine collections of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Camellia and trees of all from and size that help make this garden what it is today.

A true hidden gem. Visit the friendly Tea Room situated in the very heart of the gardens where you can enjoy a range of specialist teas, homemade cakes and a choice of toasted sandwiches, filled baked potatoes, and light lunches all freshly prepared to order and catering for dietery requirements. Open from 11.00 am to 5.00pm with last orders at 4.45pm.