Day Trips from Manchester

In Brief. Breezy Knees is a collection of varied, themed, modern gardens close to York. The themes include those based on the time of year when they are at their best, with gardens for May, June and September, and the site was densely planted and colourful in my June visit (in particular the June garden!).  This is a short drive from The Yorkshire Arboretum , in parkland adjacent to Castle Howard , which includes ancient and more recently planted trees in rolling countryside with an emphasis on open vistas. The Lawned Garden at Breezy Knees What's Here? The Breezy Knees gardens occupy over 20 acres of largely level countryside, which has been divided into a collection of gardens mostly themed by type of planting or time of year. There are various natural routes from garden to garden, including places to sit and take in the views. I had a fairly tight schedule to fit in with the guided tour at the Yorkshire Arboretum, but wished that I had taken a book and could have a lazier time ...

In Brief. The National Memorial Arboretum provides a permanent commemoration of the sacrifices made by service personnel in conflicts and peacetime. Given how great these sacrifices have been, the responsibility to provide a fitting recognition seems great, but the challenge has been risen to in the National Memorial Arboretum. The site is substantial and immaculately maintained, with over 400 memorials spread across a 150 acre site. Visitors can explore the site on foot, or participate in guided tours. The Stretcher Bearers Sculpture  on the Armed Forces Memorial What's Here? The arboretum is on level land by the banks of the River Tame.  Though there are trees, for the most part the site is light and open, with views along avenues and across lawns to the many memorials. These vary substantial in style and scale.   The Armed Forces Memorial The monumental armed forces memorial names members of the navy, army and air force who have lost their lives on service since the S...