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A carpet of bluebells in a woodland at Dunham Massey
Find a new perspective in the countryside around Cheshire and Greater Manchester | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Countryside and woodland in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

From deer parks and grand estates to the rolling countryside and woodland, there is plenty of space for an adventure in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Bluebell walks in the North West

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

A walk through the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6) to miles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Carpet of bluebells in the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank

Dunham Massey, Altrincham 

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

A carpet of bluebells in a woodland at Dunham Massey

Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk 

Rufford Old Hall’s woods are awash with bluebells in April and May. Follow winding paths and step over bridges that give you a close up viewpoint of the carpet of blue below. The black-and-white Tudor hall makes the perfect background for your spring photos.

Bluebells in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Speke Hall hidden paths trail 

Liverpool & Lancashire

Explore the hidden paths around the garden and through the ancient woodland surrounding Speke Hall. From late-April to the end of May, the winding paths are surrounded by a sea of bluebells.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Bluebells carpet the woodland to the West of the house at Speke Hall, Merseyside

A guide to bluebells in the UK 

Discover how the native British bluebell differs from the Spanish variety, and find out how this wild flower has been used in medicines and inspired storytellers for centuries.

A close up of some bluebells in the rain

Countryside and woodland to visit in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Wander through winding paths, listen to nature’s calls and discover far-reaching views of distant horizons in a woodland near you.

Dunham Massey 

Get some fresh air in Dunham Massey's historic deer park. Walk along the leafy avenues and admire the far-reaching views.

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Lyme 

Explore over 1,400 acres of landscape at Lyme, including thriving wildlife and some of the best views in Cheshire. There have been red deer on the estate for over 600 years.

Stag with Manchester in the background, at Lyme, Cheshire

Discover the woodland 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.

Visitors walking in Chapel Woods in autumn at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Alderley Edge 

Discover what makes Alderley Edge so special, from its wildlife to its areas of historical significance. The woodland here is home to a wide variety of birds, including flycatcher, redstart, nuthatch, tree creeper, green and great spotted woodpecker, goldcrest and bullfinch.

Three people walking through the autumn woods

Cheshire and Wirral Countryside 

Discover the beauty of Cheshire’s countryside on a stroll through its woodlands, see rich birdlife on its marshes and explore historical sites such as the folly at Mow Cop.

Beech trees in soft sunlight, amongst the woodlands of Alderley Edge

Tatton Park 

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

Walker on the Field to Fork Trail, Heading to Board 3, Tatton Park, Cheshire

Countryside and woodland near Cheshire

Countryside in the Lake District 

Explore the Lake District's majestic mountains – among them Scafell Pike, the tallest in England – ancient woodland, hidden waterfalls, rugged coastline and, of course, its many lakes. You might even spot a red squirrel, roe deer or bird of prey.

Hikers climbing Great Gable, in the Lake District, on a cloudy spring day with mountain views all around

Coast and countryside in Yorkshire 

Discover the many opportunities to stretch your legs and explore the coast and countryside across Yorkshire – whether you fancy a gentle stroll through a deer park, a refreshing hike in the Dales or scenic route along a coastal path.

A sunlit beach and cliffs at Boggle Hole near Robin Hood's Bay with a view towards Ravenscar. A wide expanse of rippled sand dotted with pools and rocks in the foreground, with cliffs on the right, curving into a rocky headland topped with green fields in the distance.

Countryside and woodland in Wales 

Explore dramatic and beautiful valleys, ancient woodlands and river walks or have an adventure through the wild Welsh mountains and visit some of the country’s most iconic peaks.

Young family and dog walking around still lake with autumn trees reflected in the lake

Countryside and woodland in the Peak District and Derbyshire 

Find out about the extensive countryside and woodland places to explore in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from rugged peaks to wide expanses of moorland.

View of Mam Tor from Winnats Pass, Derbyshire
A visitor admiring blossom in the orchard 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.