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A visitor admiring blossom in the orchard at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
A visitor admiring blossom in the orchard at Quarry Bank, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

From the glorious garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, this corner of the North West is full of blossom and spring flowers.

Top gardens in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

A family enjoying the Lower Garden in spring at Quarry Bank
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Quarry Bank 

Wander through the dramatic valley garden, stroll by the river and tune into the sights and sounds of the season as you explore this rare retreat where nature and industry collide.

A magnolia comes into bloom in the gardens of Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
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Dunham Massey 

There’s nothing like a garden full of spring flowers to lift your spirits and reawaken your senses. See the garden come to life with an array of vibrant colours. From daffodils and tulips to blossom and bluebells, there's something new to see every time you visit through spring.

Daffodils in the Italian Garden at Lyme, Cheshire
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Lyme 

Explore all the different areas of the garden at Lyme. This winter appreciate the formal geometry around the house with straight edges, columns of yew and clipped hedges demonstrating man’s dominance in comparison to the wild moors and parkland beyond.

Japanese Garden at Tatton Park, Cheshire
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Tatton Park 

Discover how the garden has evolved with each owner and their chosen landscape architect. View the Japanese Garden from its perimeter and walk through the Fernery and Kitchen Garden.

Visitor walking at Hare Hill, Cheshire.
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Hare Hill 

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Walled Garden, or take a seat to listen to birdsong in the Wooded Garden, while the natural play area is perfect for little ones.

Spring view of the sky garden on Castlefield Viaduct. Green trees on the right of the bridge. Three people with umbrellas walk amongst the trees.
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Castlefield Viaduct 

Step onto Manchester’s first ‘sky park’. Explore Castlefield Viaduct’s history and experience an urban park in the sky. The accessible green space in the heart of the city is full of spring blossom and colourful flowers throughout spring.

Visitors walking through the gardens in August at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
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Little Moreton Hall 

Though the garden is small there is plenty to see. A fine selection of native flowers as well as early introductions from the continent grow here. You can wander around the garden and discover the plants which the Moreton’s would have likely grown.

Where to see daffodils

The daffodil is a classic spring flower found blooming from February through to May. As spring gardens awaken from their winter slumber, discover where you can see some of the best daffodil displays.

Daffodils in March at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
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Dunham Massey 

As winter turns to spring, you can enjoy the colours of over 70 varieties of daffodil at Dunham Massey. You’ll also find around 50,000 colourful dwarf iris and a sea of bluebells beneath towering oak trees.

A family enjoying the daffodils
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Hare Hill 

The walled garden at Hare Hill bursts with bloom in the springtime and is the perfect space to pause and refresh. The carriageway is lined with daffodils and crocuses, and the rockery is full of colour.

A springtime scene at the lake with daffodils in bloom at Lyme, Cheshire
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Lyme 

Lyme’s gardeners plant thousands of bulbs in the formal beds outside the orangery each autumn. The yellow daffodils will be the first to flower, followed by hyacinths and then tulips. You’ll spot a new display of colour every time you visit through the season.

Little girl in the daffodils at Fountains abbey

Where to see daffodils 

Discover the best places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to see daffodils this spring, at the woodlands, gardens and parks in our care.

Best places to see blossom

The appearance of blossom is a sure sign that springtime has arrived and there are many different varieties to spot. You can spot spring blossom on your doorstep or at a National Trust place. Share your pictures on social media using the hashtag #BlossomWatch to spread the joy of spring.

A family in the orchard during the Festival of Blossom at Quarry Bank, Cheshire
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Quarry Bank 

Discover the unexpected blossom at every turn in the garden and woodland of Quarry Bank, or visit the Apprentice House to relax in the plum and apple orchard. Keep an eye out for the ‘Withington Welter’, a variety of apple discovered in a garden in the nearby Styal village and propagated by our garden team.

Spring blossom in the garden at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
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Dunham Massey 

The display of spring blossom at Dunham Massey is one of the highlights of springtime. The pale pink blooms of crab apple trees appear in late March, followed by the yellow magnolia flowers in April and the bright pink cherry blossom in May. Three hundred blossoming fruit trees were planted in the deer park in 2021 too.

Bumblebee pollinating the cherry blossoms at Stowe, Buckinghamshire
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Lyme 

Spot a beautiful old specimen of the Great White cherry (Prunus Tai-Haku) which flowers in mid-April at Lyme. Or watch the bees as they move from flower to flower picking up the nectar. Not long after, the Chinese crab apples start to show their small but plentiful flowers.

White blossom buds and open flowers, tinged with pink, on an apple tree branch
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Little Moreton Hall 

Head across the moat to find an orchard of apple and quince trees. Through spring they should be starting to show their blossom. The large white blossom on the quince tree is very typical of Little Moreton’s Tudor past.

A woman taking photographs of the blossom at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire

Best places to see blossom 

From ornamental magnolias in gardens to blackthorn scattered across the countryside, discover some of the best places to see blossom in our care and beyond.

Where to see bluebells

Seeing bluebells carpeting a woodland floor or scattered along a grassy verge is a highlight of any walk. These delicate blooms are found all across Western Europe by about half of the world’s population is right here in the UK. Find some of the top places to see bluebells near you.

A carpet of bluebells in a woodland at Dunham Massey
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Dunham Massey 

An unmissable carpet of delicate bluebells transforms Dunham Massey’s Winter Garden each spring. Meander through winding paths and glimpse the sun breaking through the tree canopy above.

Carpet of bluebells in the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank
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Southern Woods walk at Quarry Bank 

Explore the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank to find the jaw dropping display of bluebells carpeting the bank next to the River Bollin. As the river twists and turns alongside this woodland walk, keep your eyes out for other hidden gems.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6) to miles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Visitors walking in bluebell woodland at Hatchlands Park, Surrey
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Best places to see bluebells 

Discover some of the best places to see bluebells in the UK, from trails through ancient woodlands to valleys and nature reserves. Rufford Old Hall is one of the best places to find the delicate flowers in Lancashire.

Parks and estates in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Visitors walking on a path through the winter parkland at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
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The deer park at Dunham Massey 

Dunham Massey's deer park is an historic parkland and naturally spacious place to visit. Walk along the leafy avenues and admire the far-reaching views while getting a breath of fresh air.

Grandparents swinging a child by the arms and legs in the parkland at Lyme Park, Cheshire
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The estate at Lyme 

There's over 1,400 acres of historic parkland to explore at Lyme in winter. Discover thriving wildlife during your walk into nature, and seek out the follies for some of the best views over Cheshire.

Red deer at Tatton Park, Cheshire
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The estate at Tatton Park 

With 1,000 acres of parkland, there’s plenty to do on the Tatton Park estate. See the variety of wildlife, practise a range of outdoor activities and stop by the Old Hall.

View of a woodland path next to the River Bollin
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The woodland estate at Quarry Bank 

Pull on your walking boots and stride out on a walk through the 400-acre estate. Follow the river through woodland to discover a historic landscape bursting with wildlife.

Climbing a tree in woodland at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire.
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Woodland at Alderley Edge 

Discover what makes Alderley Edge so special, from its wildlife and fun activities such as orienteering, to its areas of historical significance.

Gardens and parks further afield

Discover more seasonal blooms in the north of England and Wales with plenty of gardens and parks to visit.

Bluebells in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
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Gardens in Liverpool and Lancashire 

From bluebell woods at Speke Hall to delightful blossom at Rufford Old Hall, what will you find on your next garden adventure?

Visitors enjoying the gardens at Sizergh, Cumbria

Gardens in the Lake District 

The Lakes is known for its dramatic, wild landscapes, but it's home to some intriguing gardens too. Explore castle grounds, a cottage garden that inspired Beatrix Potter, and more.

A clump of daffodils pictured in front of the house at Nostell

Gardens and parks in Yorkshire 

Enjoy Yorkshire's spring gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the borders and pathways at Beningbrough Hall and Nostell.

View of daffodils in the garden with Powis Castle on the hill in the background in Powys, Mid Wales.

Gardens and parks in Wales 

Visit an amazing collection of gardens and parks in Wales. From walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates, there’s plenty to explore.

A young girl and family member admiring the blossom in the Lower Garden at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Discover more in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Great houses and glorious gardens, moorland landscapes and medieval deer parks around Cheshire and Greater Manchester.