A man and a woman sat on a bench facing away from the camera. They are sat underneath white blossom trees. The red brick Georgian house of Dunham Massey can be seen in the background. A brick canal wall surrounded by green flowers can be seen in the foreground. — Blossom at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester | © Paul Harris

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Manchester

From the woodland garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, this corner of the North West keeps colour and interest in the gardens throughout the year.

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 in the North West.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

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 field of yellow daffodils in the gardens at Dunham Massey

Lyme, Stockport

Find thousands of spring bulbs inside formal beds outside the orangery at Lyme. The yellow daffodils will be the first to flower, followed by hyacinths and then tulips, giving a continuous display of fabulous colour throughout the season.

Yellow daffodils in front of a lake and large Regency mansion.

Hare Hill, Macclesfield

The Walled Garden at Hare Hill bursts with bloom in the springtime and provides the perfect space for you to pause and refresh. The carriageway is lined with crocuses and daffodils, and the rockery is full of colour.

White daffodil in the garden at Cotehele, Cornwall

Where else to see daffodils in the North

Daffodils' cheerful yellow flowers mean spring is here. Find out where to see the best daffodil displays at the woodlands, gardens and parks in our care.

A woman taking a picture of another woman, who is standing amid a carpet of daffodils in front of a grey stone mansion

The appearance of blossom is a sure sign that spring has arrived. There are many different varieties to spot wherever you are. Discover places near you where you can see spring blossom and share your pictures on social media using the hashtag #BlossomWatch to spread the joy of spring.

Quarry Bank, Wilmslow

Discover the unexpected blossom at every turn in the gardens 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 the garden in the nearby village and propagated by our gardeners.

A visitor admiring blossom in the orchard at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Lyme, Stockport

Spot a beautiful specimen of the Great White cherry (Prunus Tai-Haku) which flowers in mid-April at Lyme. Look out for 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.

Bumblebee pollinating the cherry blossoms at Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

The display of spring blossom at Dunham Massey is one of the highlights of spring. The pale pink blooms of crab apple trees appear in late March, followed by the yellow magnolia flowers in April and bright pink cherry blossom in May. In the deer park look out for 300 fruit trees in full blossom.

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton

Look across the moat to see an orchard of apple and quince trees start to blossom. The large white blossom on the quince tree is very typical of Little Moreton Hall’s Tudor past.

Blossom

Spring has arrived and nature is throwing a party with pink and white confetti. Join in with the celebration of blossom – discover a range of activities happening across cities, places in our care and crafts from home.

Lyme, Stockport

Explore all the different areas of the garden at Lyme. Appreciate the changing colours of the garden with the wild moors and parkland beyond.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Spring is a celebration of colour and contrast at Dunham Massey. From delicate early crocus to bright daffodils and tulips, the garden comes alive with layered planting and fresh foliage. Paths are lined with emerging blooms, and each week reveals something new.

Pots of colourful spring flowers in the Dunham Massey Gardens under a blue sky with the house in the background

Quarry Bank, Wilmslow

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 family enjoying the Lower Garden in spring at Quarry Bank

Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester

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 will blossom with trees, shrubs and plants throughout the season.

Two young women in winter coats standing by a planter filled with plants and trees

Tatton Park, Knutsford

See 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.

Spring colour in the Gardens at Tatton Park, Cheshire

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton

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. The Elizabethan-style knot garden has been a much-loved feature of the hall for 50 years.

A family enjoying the gardens at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

Hare Hill, Macclesfield

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Walled Garden, or take a seat to listen to birdsong in the Wooded Garden. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, little legs will find Hare Hill an ideal place to let their imaginations go wild and a safe spot to roam.

Visitors exploring the garden in June at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Gardens in Liverpool and Lancashire

To gardens filled with history and colour at Speke Hall, to a peaceful garden with canal walks at Rufford Old Hall, discover gardens to explore in spring.

White blossom trees standing in front of a black-and-white Tudor house.

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.

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.

Bluebell woods at Dunham Massey

An unmissable carpet of delicate bluebells transforms 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, Lancashire

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

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.

Bluebells carpet the woodland to the West of the house at Speke Hall, Merseyside

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.

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.

Stag with Manchester in the background, at Lyme, Cheshire

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 or practise a range of outdoor activities.

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

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.

Three people walking through the autumn woods

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

Gardens in Liverpool and Lancashire

To gardens filled with history and colour at Speke Hall, to a peaceful garden with canal walks at Rufford Old Hall, discover gardens to explore in spring.

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.

View from the topiary yew trees beyond the south lawn at Sizergh Castle, Cumbria

Gardens and parks in Yorkshire

Enjoy Yorkshire's spring gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the gardens within a garden at Wentworth Castle Gardens, pathways and borders at Nostell, and the Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough.