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Historic Cheshire
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Best things to do in Cheshire this Spring
Inspiration – 27.02.25
Our Guide to the Best Gardens in Cheshire and Shropshire
It’s nearly Spring, and we know you’re just as excited as we are for longer days, lighter nights, and the promise of warmer weather. There’s nothing quite like exploring Combermere Abbey’s Pleasure Garden and Wood and its Woodland Walk as they burst into life, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for beautiful floral walks and gardens in Cheshire and across the border in Shropshire to explore, Combermere Abbey serves as the ideal base.
Woodland Walks with Bluebells
After a long winter, it’s time to enjoy the beauty of spring and experience one of our Woodland Walks with Bluebells. These magical trails are one of Cheshire’s must see visitor attractions, offering the perfect blend of fresh air, stunning scenery, and peaceful surroundings. Why not stop for refreshments at The Old Piggery Cafe before or after your walk, this delightful eatery is open between 9.30am – 3pm Tuesday – Saturday.
The bluebell season (mid April to mid May) is open to all our in-house guests staying with us. Also open to the general public, our Bluebell Walks are available by pre-booking only, with both morning and afternoon sessions available. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, and while children are encouraged to join, please note that the woodland paths are not suitable for prams or pushchairs. Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear to fully enjoy your adventure.
Upcoming Bluebell Walk Dates
Wednesday 16th April 2025
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Saturday 26th April 2025
Saturday 3rd May 2025
We’ve added an early bird discount (for bookings made before the 28th March 2025) making your visit even more affordable for just £6.00 per person.
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Bluebell TreeCombermere Abbey Garden Open Days
For the first time since 2019, we are thrilled to re-introduce our Spring Garden Open days. Discover the beauty and serenity of the restored grounds of Combermere Abbey and rare opportunity to explore the Walled Garden with its unique fruit tree maze, spring blossom and the Pleasure Garden with its Pavilion and wood. Our gardens team will be there to answer questions. Our very own onsite GQT!
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a lover of nature or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, our Garden Open Days offer the perfect blend of history, horticulture and tranquility.
Garden Open Dates
Tuesday 13th May 2025, 10am – 3pm (last entry 3pm)
Tuesday 17th June 2025, 10am – 3pm (last entry 3pm)
£8.50 per person (pre-booking is required)
*Please note: dogs and picnics are not permitted. There will be toilets on site and delicious refreshments available to purchase in the Pavilion.
Snowdrop Walks at Rode Hall
Shake off the winter blues and enjoy spring at one of the UK’s best Snowdrop Walks at Rode Hall open between February and March . Enjoy the new season, with over 50 varieties of delicate snowdrops carpeting the grounds, a beautiful sight for the whole family to enjoy. The summer season then begins on the 1st of April with the hall and gardens open to the public Wednesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays until the 30th of September 2025.
After your walk, stop by the Courtyard Kitchen for a homemade lunch, delicious cakes, and refreshing drinks. Dogs on leads are welcome, and while the bark paths aren’t suitable for wheelchairs, they are accessible for buggies.
The first Saturday of every month also sees a fabulous farmers market at Rode Hall, once not to be missed!
Exploring Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Just a short drive from Combermere Abbey, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens is a beautiful destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and breathtaking landscapes. As you wander through the beautifully maintained gardens, you’ll discover a stunning mix of formal planting and wild meadows.The vibrant displays change with the seasons, making every visit unique.
The estate is home to a variety of rare and exotic plants, alongside their famous Daffodil Walks, so whether you’re enjoying a peaceful stroll, a family day out, or simply looking for a quiet spot to soak in the views, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens offers the perfect escape into nature.
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Comberemere_GardensBolesworth Open Gardens
For one special weekend 9-10th May 2025, Bolesworth’s breathtaking gardens will be opening to the public in support of the National Garden Scheme. This is a rare chance to explore the spectacular Rock Walk with its national collection of rhodedendrons and azaleas and beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding Bolesworth Castle.
Tickets are available to purchase now on their website, with the best value available for those who book online before 8th May—just £8 for adults and £3 for children. Tickets will also be available on the gate at £10 per adult and £5 per child. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty of Bolesworth in full bloom.
The Beauty of Arley Hall & Gardens
Spring is the perfect time to visit Arley Hall & Gardens as everything comes into bloom. From bright tulips to the double herbaceous borders, the gardens are full of colour and life.Take a walk through the woodlands, explore the grounds, then stop by the cafe for a cup of tea and a homemade treat. The Spring Plant Fair also returns on the 23rd March.
June marks the 30th year of their ever-popular Arley Garden Festival, taking place Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025. This event promises to be a celebration of all things for your garden, including specialist stands, garden tours, expert advice and demonstrations. Dogs are welcome on a lead, with ticket pre-bookingadvised.
Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Set around a 16th Century Hall (not open to the public again until the 18th April 2025), Wollerton Old Hall is a formal, modern garden on an old site. Located in north Shropshire and covering 3 acres, its garden rooms are richly planted with perennials and bursting with design ideas.
The garden is renowned for its salvias, clematis and roses, growing in controlled exuberance, and the clever use of colour, form and scale. If you’re a keen gardener looking for inspiration or just love a stroll, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the season. Recently featured in Monty Don’s series British Gardens.
Hodnet Hall Gardens
Hodnet Hall Gardens offers a mix of landscapes, each with its own character. From the jungle-like unruliness of the Water Garden to the structured sophistication of the Circular Garden, every corner creates a picture-perfect scene. Walk on a carpet of magnolia petals that drop like melted wax, or tour the traditional walled Kitchen Garden, where neat rows of fruit and vegetables offer food for the soul as well as sustenance.
These historic gardens have evolved over centuries, and March is a truly special time to experience the breathtaking arrival of spring at Hodnet Hall, open from the 23rd March 2025.
We hope this guide has inspired you to make the most of your time while staying at Combermere Abbey. If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to sign up for the Combermere Club! As a member, you’ll receive exclusive offers, including 5% off your first stay, plus 10% off repeat stays within 12 months. You’ll also receive our monthly newsletter with all the latest news from across the estate.
Thank you for reading, we can’t wait to welcome you soon!
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