Spring gardens at Quarry Bank

From the picturesque riverside gardens which twist and turn down to the valley bottom, to the walled garden with its historic glasshouses and orchards fluttering with apple blossom - Quarry Bank is bursting into spring.

Coronavirus update

From end of Tuesday 24 March, we closed all our car parks to further restrict the spread of coronavirus. This followed the decision to close our parks and gardens in addition to our houses, shops and cafes. We urge people to stay local and observe social distancing. Please do not travel.

Spring highlights at Quarry Bank

Daffodils

Early spring will see the gardens awash with daffodils - they're everywhere! One of the first signs of spring, there are over 12 different varieties of daffodil at Quarry Bank, including the 'Narcissus cyclamineus' with it's distinctive long trumpet, native to North West Portugal and Spain. There's also the short stemmed 'Lent Lily' daffodil, with its pale yellow petals, known as one of the most abundant wild flowers in the English countryside.

Bluebells

Cameras at the ready! A carpet of bluebells makes for dramatic displays throughout the gardens and into Quarry Bank's woodland estate beyond. Check out our top tips on how to photograph them - including the best times of day, composition, lighting and angles for the perfect shot.

Tulips

Tulips are amongst the most popular of bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes. Head over to the riverside Victorian Ladies Strolling Garden, for one of the best spots to see them!

Apple blossom

A symbol of spring - blossom! Head over to the orchard in the Apprentice House garden to catch the fluttering blossom of the historic apple, pear and plum trees. From here, you can also walk across to the upper gardens for some of the most dramatic vistas over the valley.

Visitors smelling the spring blooms in quarry banks gardens

Fresh herbs and fragrant florals

During spring time the gardens are also fragrant with the scent of fresh herbs and fragrant florals. Take a gentle stroll through the walled gardens and take in the scents of the season.

Giant gunnera

The huge leaves of this giant gunnera plant are always a showstopper. They also make great umbrellas to shelter under on drizzly days, so you can enjoy the gardens come rain or shine!

The glasshouse

Step inside the warmth of the glasshouse to see bunches of grapes ripening as they hang under the twinkling panes. From here you can also walk through to the potting sheds for a window into the world of the gardeners who once worked here.

vistors in the apprentice hosue kitchen garden

Fresh veggies and seasonal produce

Pop by the kitchen garden to see rows of onions, cabbages and potatoes snug in their beds. Once ready for harvest, it's walked down to the restaurant kitchens or popped onto the donations table in the upper garden for visitors to take home for their own recipes.

The heritage rhododendrons at Quarry Bank

Standby for the rhodendrons!

Don't miss the budding rhododendrons as they prepare to put on their greatest show - usually from around June time, but they can surprise us much earlier depending on weather conditions! The heritage rhododendrons are a real showstopper, lining the banks of the river as it flows through the valley. Head to the garden bridges for some of the best photo opportunities!

Stay tuned for what's in bloom

We can't tell spring when to, well, spring, but we can tell you when it does! Stay tuned for what's in bloom, as our garden team head out each week with their camera. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and don't forget to share your photographs with us too - we love to see them! Tag us @QuarryBankNT.

Visitor using a Tramper mobility scooter in the gardens

Getting around in the gardens

Spread out across the valley, Quarry Banks gardens do include some steep footpaths, steps and bridges in places. We strive to make sure that as many people as possible are able to experience Quarry Bank's gardens and wider landscape. If you'd like some support getting around the gardens, a Tramper mobility scooter can be booked at reception (please book in advance) and wheelchairs are available too. We also provide a buggy service between the upper and lower gardens to help those with low mobility explore the different areas of the garden. To view our full access statement, please click on the link above.

And if you're a keen gardener yourself . . .

Pop into the garden shop and browse our spring garden collection. Whether it's garden tools, books or heritage garden pottery that you're looking for, our practical and stylish garden essentials will help you get the job done, whatever the weather. We've also got great garden gift ideas too!