You wouldn’t guess it now but, Trentham Estate’s idyllic Italian-style gardens once hosted an amusement park and motor rally races during the 20th century. These formal gardens, dating back to the 1800s, were far from looking their best self. But Trentham Gardens has had quite the makeover, wouldn’t you agree?
Since the millennium, Trentham Gardens has undergone a multi-million-pound redevelopment – restoring the Italian gardens and woodlands to their former glory. James Alexander Sinclair of The Telegraph described it as “The garden makeover of the decade.” It’s also won multiple awards, including Countryfile Garden of The Year and Visit England’s Gold Accolade.
There are over 80,000 perennial flowers planted in The Italian Garden. Plus, iconic statues, water fountains and the ironwork frame of the Trellis Walk. But from the mile-long lake (enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Miss Elizabeth boat) to the ancient wildflower meadows and SSSI woodlands, you’ll also want to explore all of Trentham Gardens. Keep your eye out for the magical fairy trail too!
Elsewhere, discover the unrestricted and naturalistic weave of grasses – created by internationally acclaimed designer Piet Oudolf – in the Rivers of Grass; or meander along a labyrinth of floral paths through 30 beds of tall and bold perennial planting. Budding wildlife enthusiasts may spot recently reintroduced beavers, herons, a family of Black Swans, bees and hoverflies, sheep, frogs, deer and more.
Meanwhile, the kids go wild at the adventure playground – full of swings, climbing walls, tightropes, roundabouts and zip lines – while the toddler zone offers a nautical-themed adventure area. Your little ones can also delve their toes over mud, bark, grass and pebbles on the Barefoot Walk; discover special talking pipes in the Hide and Speak Maze; and children aged 5 and under can also test their driving skills at the Young Drivers Zone.
How do I get to Trentham Gardens from Birmingham?
You’ll find Trentham Estate just outside of Stoke-On-Trent. The quickest way is to drive via the M6, which from the City Centre will take you 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Stoke-On-Trent from New Street Station, where you can grab a 10-minute bus (No. 100) directly to Trentham Gardens. You’ll find Trentham Estate at Stone Rd, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG
How much does it usually cost?
A trip to Trentham Gardens costs £13 for an adult, and £9.50 for a child (3-15 years), while those under 3 go free. You can also grab a family ticket starting from £37.50. Your tickets will also get you 15% off at Trentham Monkey Forest, where you can meet 140 free-roaming barbary macaques.
To learn more about Trentham Gardens head here.