Alan Titchmarsh describes this attraction as ‘one of the UK’s must-see gardens’, so what are you waiting for, take a look for yourself! These multiple award winning gardens include floral labyrinths, rivers of grass, hide and speak maze, barefoot walk, adventure playground, tea rooms, boat rides and much much more. Whatever the season Trentham Gardens is a great day out and one that the whole family will love.
What’s the idea: A visit to Trentham Gardens
Where is it: Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG
Who for: There is something for everyone
Cost:
Adults: £7.35 each
Senior citizens/students £5.80 each
Children (from 5 to 15 years old): £5.50 each
Disabled/carers £4.20 each
Under 5 years old – free of charge
Family (2 adults + up to 3 children aged 5-15 years) £24.15
Family (1 adult + up to 3 children aged 5-15 years) £17.00
Where can I find out more: http://www.trentham.co.uk/trentham-gardens
TIG’s review
We arrived at the North entrance and walked to the jetty only to realise we had timed it to perfection. The electrically-powered, ecologically friendly, 42 seat catamaran was just pulling in. After an exceptionally peaceful jaunt on the boat we headed into the stunning Italian Gardens where 80,000 perennials are planted in over 400 different varieties, in 70 flower beds. This was a sight to behold, one of the largest contemporary perennial plantings in Europe with hot bold colours at the top of the garden, graduating into lighter and more subtle shades as the planting approaches the lake. Simply WOW!
We then headed to the hide and speak maze where we discovered some very unusual talking pipes. The idea is that you shout through them to help you to find your way through the maze. After a good 20 minutes or so I reached the final destination; a tall grassy mound with a spiral path which led me to the top of the maze. From this high position I was able to shout to Jamie who was still very much lost in the maze!
After what seemed like hours Jamie finally emerged from the maze, so we then went to try out the ‘barefoot walk’. It wasn’t the warmest of days and we were the only brave/stupid people to attempt the 1km walk! We took off our shoes, socks and rolled up our jeans, then set off through the woodlands and meadows. Our toes were certainly tantalised with an array of testing textures underfoot, including mud, bark, babbling streams, logs, hay, grass and pebbles…to name but a few. Despite all the squelching mud, painful pebbles and sand in our toes this walk was actually great fun. It is also meant to be very therapeutic; apparently as you do this walk, the idea is that you are improving your health and vitality at the same time, using a historic principle of Sebastian Kneipp. Watch this promotional video to see what I’m talking about!
Once we had showered our feet and got dressed it was time for something to eat. There are quite a few eateries in the gardens, however I can highly recommend the Italian Garden tearoom. They serve a fabulous selection of hot and cold food and the building is really modern with a good outdoor seating area.
After refuelling we walked back to the car via the lovely lakeside footpath. There is so much that we didn’t get the chance to explore. There is a miniature train, you can charter your own rowing boat on the lake, a fairy trail, bird hide, adventure playground, incredible show gardens, parkland to play games and so much more. There are endless opportunities for all ages here, a fantastic destination for a memorable day out.
Top tips
- Definitely tie this in with a trip to The Monkey Forest next door, you can read my review here.
- Follow Trentham Gardens on twitter here – extremely engaging with interesting news, exciting events and competitions.
- Trentham Gardens is part of the Trentham Estate which is home to so many more great attractions that you could visit, including; The Monkey Forest, Trentham shopping village, Trentham garden centre and Aerial Extreme.
Would I go again?
If I was in the area again I would certainly stop at Trentham Gardens. There is just so much to do and explore. After two or three trips I can imagine you still won’t have experienced everything Trentham Gardens has to offer. There really is something for everyone whatever the season.
For more photos on Idea #18: Trentham Gardens, visit my board on Pinterest
