Trentham Gardens and Shopping Village

 

In Brief.

Trentham is a leisure and shopping destination in the grounds of a now defunct stately home. The gardens and associated lake provide a variety of formal or not-so-formal wandering opportunities, and the adjacent shopping village provides many small shops, both independent and from chains. It is entirely possible to have a civilised and varied day out here, though the case for visiting will be stronger for locals than for those with further to travel.

The lake and some local wildlife.

What's Here?

Little remains of the once grand Trentham Hall, which was largely demolished in the early 20th century, the site having been blighted by pollution in the nearby River Trent. However, a substantial renovation project in the early 21st century has restored the gardens and associated lake. The result is a large, formal Italian garden and assorted adjacent spaces, including a "floral labyrinth".  These are quite pleasant, but for me are not more interesting than some other formal gardens in the region, such as those at Lyme, and they don't have the personality of nearby Biddulph.  There are, however, as pictured, lots of fairies in the garden that are easier to spot than is typically the case.

The "Floral Labyrinth".

There is, in addition, a significant supporting cast for the day tripper. A walk round the Capability Brown remodelled lake seems to be de rigueur, and there are substantial wild flower gardens along one side and mixed woodland along the other, both with pleasant views. There are cafes at both ends of the lake, thought the view is largely obscured by a hedge for the coffee shop beside the Italian garden. My carrot cake was not as tasty as it was large, and the coffee took a while to come, but the outdoor setting somewhat compensated thanks to the decent weather. The supporting cast also includes a substantial playpark and maze close to the cafe by the formal gardens, and a series of minimally signposted mini-gardens next to the playpark, including a Japanese Garden and an Allotment Garden. These varied gardens are worth seeking out.

The Shopping Village is essentially a single (pedestrian) street with wooden lodge-style shops on both sides.  These are typically quite small, but as a result there are a lot within a small area, and there are several places to stop for coffee or lunch. 

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 47 miles

Drive Time: 60 minutes.

Price: Gardens: $$

Parking: Free.

Food and Drink: There are numerous eateries in the Shopping Village, and two cafes in the Gardens.

Retail therapy: The village is extensive, and has a wide variety of shops including art, interiors, fashion and outdoor wear.  There is also a huge garden centre.

Child Friendly: There is a play park in the gardens and a miniature railway by the lake.

Toilets: Yes - in the Gardens and the Shopping Village.

Do it justice in: 4 hours.

Inside-Outside: 30:70

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