Biddulph Grange Garden

In Brief.

Biddulph Grange is perhaps the Bohemian Rhapsody of gardens - a collection of diverse components, combined in an unpredictable way into something that somehow makes sense. Though the work of a small team of garden designers in the mid 19th century, Biddulph Grange includes many different elements, some regional (Chinese, Egyptian and Italian Gardens), some by species (Rhododendron Ground and Lyme Avenue), and some that are altogether more difficult to pin down. These individual spaces are largely invisible from each other, sometimes connected by tunnels or buildings, giving rise to a series of new and engaging vistas.

The Pond and Rhododendron Ground in May

What's Here?

Biddulph Grange is a National Trust garden developed in Victorian times by and for James Bateman, a botanist and Gardner who inherited sufficient wealth to allow him to explore his interests on a grand scale. However, the deep interest in plants hasn't resulted in a cerebral garden; instead the garden is characterised by variety and imagination.  

The more formal parts of the garden are located near the house, much of which is privately owned, though it hosts the cafes (one of which seems to be open more often than the other).  Near to the house, there is an Italian garden leading to the pond, with an impressive collection of Carp, and a Dahlia Walk that was being replanted from spring to summer flowers during my visit in May (when the Rhododendrons provided much of the colour).

This is all perfectly fine, if reasonably conventional.  However, having walked round the pond, there is a tunnel leading to The Pinetum, a curved path with mature trees, which in turn leads to a cottage.  From the cottage is an exit to an Egyptian garden, from which a path leads to The Stumpery (a path meandering through tree stumps - make of it as you will), which leads to the Chinese Garden and through another tunnel to a Himalayan Glen (more Glen than Himalayan in terms of scale).  

The pagoda in the Chinese Garden.

This is by no means a complete list, and there is even an indoor geological gallery. Thus this is a garden of unprecedented variety, and while it could be seen as consisting of a collection of curiosities, the individual components have been created with such care and attention to detail that they command respect individually as well as together. 

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 30 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 15 minutes.

Price: $$

Parking: Free onsite parking.

Food and Drink: There is a cafe, including outside seating, that serves typical National Trust fare, so give priority to the scones.

Retail therapy: There is a compact gift shop at the entrance, with assorted gift food, some books and accessories, as well as a collection of plants for sale. 

Child Friendly: The garden itself has various places to explore and clamber around, and there is a woodland play area.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2 hours.

Inside-Outside: 10:90

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