Enjoy the outdoors at Tatton

Published:: 30 April 2024

Tatton Park is a haven for those who love being outdoors with 1,000 acres of deer park for visitors to enjoy as well as woodland areas and meres, the Parkland is a fascinating landscape to explore bursting with wildlife all year long. It's the perfect place to escape to on an exhilarating run, walk or bike ride.

Walking

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a gentle hike, take in the fresh air, appreciate the scenery, and immerse yourself in the historic Humphrey Repton designed landscape. With various walking trails available, you can select based on your fitness level and personal preference. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the meres, explore the gardens, venture into Dairy Wood Way or Dog Wood. Alternatively you can join a charity walk to enjoy the views while raising money or simply grab a map and wander through the estate at your leisure.

Length: 3 Miles

During the Field to Fork trail you'll learn how the Parkland was a source of food for the entire estate, the different ways in which the land has been worked historically to generate food, and how it is managed today.

This is a three mile circular walk which begins at the northern end of Tatton Mere. Information panels are dotted throughout the trail revealing interesting facts and things to look out for along the way such as the hidden Ice House.
Length: 1hour – 1hour 30 minutes

Devised by the Rangers, this nature trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the Parkland and its natural habitat.

Nature Trail booklets are available from any of the onsite shops/attraction entrances for 50p and include maps, trails and striking photographs of the estate's wildlife and flora. Proceeds from the booklet will be donated to Tatton Park Charitable Trust to help raise funds for conservation throughout the estate. 

The trail follows a 1 hour walk to the Old Hall and back again. It offers easy walking on level ground and is suitable for families with older children and for adults. There is an additional 30 minute loop round Melchett Mere, which is also marked in the leaflet.
Length: 1.5 Miles

The Beech Avenue Conservation Trail is 1.5 miles long and takes approximately ¾ hour to fully appreciate.

The avenue was originally planted in 1739 and many of the trees have now reached the ancient phase of their lives, the most valuable for wildlife. The holes, decay, fissures and dead wood host numerous invertebrates (including nationally scarce species) and provide legally protected roosting and nesting sites for birds and bats. Along the way walkers will be able to learn about the history, wildlife and landscape features of the avenue and its immediate surroundings.

Two women in a garden, one using a mobility Tramper, the other walking beside her. | © National Trust/James Dobson

Mobility Scooter Hire

If you find walking difficult you can still enjoy the gardens at Tatton with a mobility scooter that's available to pre-book for free. Available from the Garden Entrance.

Running

Treat yourself to a memorable view on your next run. Tatton Park offers a stunning backdrop for your run, whether you prefer a leisurely jog or a more demanding trail. Explore the marked walking paths or venture off the beaten track to discover new routes (please be mindful of our deer herd and wildlife throughout the year and keep at a safe distance). Why not join one of our running events?

Running events at Tatton Park

RunThrough UK

Join RunThrough for our popular Tatton 10k Series and annual Run Tatton Half Marathon & 10k. These fast, undulating, road closed races set at the beautiful Tatton Park in Cheshire are a perfect opportunity to set yourself a personal best! (Must be pre-booked online)

Visit the RunThrough website for more information

Two women running at Tatton Park, Cheshire — Two women running with Runthrough at Tatton Park, Cheshire | © RunThroughUK

Dog walking

Tatton Park is the perfect space to walk your four-legged friends with 1,000 acres of parkland and woodland to explore.

Find out where your dog can go and the facilities available.

Plan your walkies

From 1 May 2024, all dogs must be kept on a lead within the Parkland until 31 July 2024, to protect deer calves, pregnant hinds and sheep at this time of year.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to enjoy Tatton Park's vast estate and beautiful vistas. Enter via either Rostherne or Knutsford gate and lock up your bike in the main car park or in the Stableyard to stop off for a coffee or visit the mansion and gardens. Entry to the parkland is free for cyclists.

The Cycle hire shop is open seasonally, view opening times and dates here. 

Horse Riding 

Horse riding is permitted all year round. You may enter the Parkland on horseback from either Rostherne or Knutsford Gate. If you enter with a vehicle and horsebox, you must enter the Parkland from Knutsford Gate only. Fee is £8 per horse and a separate vehicle entry charge applies. Please check current Parkland entry charges. The riding area extends to land west of Knutsford Drive. Riders must wear an approved safety hat. Please read our horse riding regulations with map.

Sailing 

Sailboards and sailing dinghies up to 16ft only are permitted on Tatton Mere during high season. No canoes or inflatables. Crews must wear life jackets/buoyancy aids. Please read our sailing regulations and map. 

Permit holder - Full day sailing costs £12.50 (after 3pm £7).

Non Permit holder - Full day sailing costs £25 (after 3pm £12.50). 

You can buy an annual sailing permit for £50 to access discounts. Application forms are available from Tatton Park Reception.

Not permitted in low season. 

Fishing

Fishing is allowed on Tatton Mere only between the hours of 7:00am - 4:30pm (last entry 2:30pm) in low season, gates are locked at 5pm. Please note that from Friday 9 February 2024, access to fishing will be temporarily from 7:45am, for a short period only. 

Buy fishing permit - Day tickets for pleasure fishing on the west bank of Tatton Mere cost £10 per adult and £6 per child. Tickets must be purchased online in advance - Fishing may be suspended due to weather and ice on the Mere. Please check our website and social for daily updates on whether it is allowed before purchasing a permit. Download our fishing regulations and map.

Species include Carp, Roach, Bream, Tench, Perch and Pike. If you belong to a fishing club and would like Tatton Park to organise a match, please contact the Rangers on 01625 374414.  For exact dates of the coarse fishing season please view our Fishing Regulations and map.

In 2018 a 52lb 8oz Common Carp was caught at Tatton Mere - don't forget to share your pictures with us on social media or email tattonmarketing@cheshireeast.gov.uk 

Bird Watching (Allen Bird Hide)

During the summer you can spot Kingfishers and Sand Martins over the mere and a number of woodland birds including Nuthatches, Treecreepers and Great Spotted Woodpecker. During the winter, wildfowl numbers increase including Shoveler, Goldeneye, Wigeon and Tufted Duck.

Visitors to Tatton Park are able to enjoy watching nature from the sanctuary of the Allen Bird Hide. The Hide is situated on the edge of Melchett Mere alongside Knutsford Drive, immediately after the turning to the Old Hall. The Hide can accommodate 10 people and can be used during park opening times (closed 30 minutes before the park closes.) Please note, binoculars are not provided.