Arley Gardens

Arley Gardens is the first place we visited in months. As the lockdown restrictions lifted, we were able to travel to a place we wanted to see. The gardens were open, but only for locals, at about 50 minutes from us, it would have been inappropriate for us to travel to the gardens before 29th March. Check their website for details if you want to visit the gardens. Details about fees and opening times are at the end of the post. Arley Hall & Gardens are owned by Lord & Lady Ashbrook.

The entrance to the Hall must be amazing in the summer. This is the view from the entrance towards the car park. There were people queueing at the entrance, so I avoided taking a picture of it.

To get to the formal gardens one needs to pass through this stunning clock tower. But, before visiting the formal garden, we did the woodland walk.

The Grove is an informal garden in a woodland setting. There are a few benches for visitors to spend a few moments enjoying the beautiful flowers and plants. The informal parts are filled with rhododendrons, and, even more important this time of year, gorgeous magnolias. The grove is one of the favourite parts of the estate for Lord Ashbrook.

How beautiful are these magnolia trees? They are dotted around the garden.

The formal gardens are nice, but I imagine they are stunning in the summer. Even in March there are many flowers in bloom.

The sundial was correct, it was about 1pm when we visited the gardens.

Despite its name, there are no fish in the garden.

I got a plant like this from their nursery. It is called Lutea. It has these beautiful yellow flowers. The one I got started to bloom, so I am very happy with that. Also, it was £8.50, which is really good for such an unusual and big plant. I also got a “globemaster” allium, which should be amazing in the summer.

The tea cottage was a beautiful surprise while visiting the gardens. When I saw it I thought it must be Victorian, as their passion for mock Tudor is well known. I was wrong, the tea cottage is much older than that, dating to the 18th century. It was used for garden parties.

It is likely that the Cruck Barn was built at the same time as the house, in 1469. An oak trunk was split in the middle to create each pair of the 7 crucks; these were jointed on the ground before being raised into position and tied in with horizontal members. In the 19th century it was used as an indoor riding school. Now the barn is used for events and is open to visitors to the Hall.

I think the barn makes for a perfect location for an event. It’s just stunning.

Arley Gardens are open everyday 10am – 5pm, this time of year. The Hall, Chapel, and Garden Vinery are still closed until further lockdown restrictions are lifted. A mask is required when visiting Arley due to the entry in the garden being via the gift shop. There is no need to book. Entry fee is £10 for adults and £4 for children, with family discounts too. Car par charge is £2.

Arley Hall & Gardens are in Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA. The nursery was open and we bought two plants. We had masks on when we paid, but the nursery is outside and there is a one-way system, making it very safe for people to browse and pick the plants they like.