Things to see and do in the garden at Hare Hill

Visitor walking at Hare Hill, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

There’s so much to enjoy at Hare Hill, whether it’s a stroll around the Walled Garden, exploring the historic parkland and woodland, spotting wildlife in the Wooded Garden or having fun in the natural play area.

Exploring the garden at Hare Hill

There’s plenty to admire in Hare Hill, from rare and exotic rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, to more recent additions such as unusual foxgloves, bulbs and of course the perennial summer borders in the Walled Garden.

Birdwatchers can head for the bird hide and spot blue tits, tree creepers and even a woodpecker from time to time.

Family fun in the garden

Children will love the natural play area and can explore the twisting paths through the Wooded Garden. Make the most of your day by bringing a picnic: there are lots of benches throughout Hare Hill or you can bring a blanket and claim a spot on the lawn in the Walled Garden.

Discover the Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is an ideal place to relax. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take a seat on one of the benches, read a book and listen to the birdsong.

It was originally created for vegetables and cut flowers, but became a plantsman's garden during the later years of Colonel Brocklehurst's life.

Working with renowned plantsman James Russell, Brocklehurst wanted to create a tranquil haven at the centre of his garden. Sadly he died before he could achieve his vision, and in the past few years we’ve worked to recreate it.

Highlights of the Walled Garden

White borders now line the sunny west-facing wall, and on the footprint of the old glasshouse along the south-facing wall. During the winter of 2015/16, a third border was installed along the east-facing wall, completing the final phase of the Walled Garden restoration.

The planting is mostly white, in accordance with Charles Brocklehurst's instructions, and it provides a spectacular display from spring to autumn, peaking in midsummer. Look out for unusual varieties of iris, poppy, echinacea, lupin, phlox – and spot the bees enjoying the white catmint.

The two equestrian wire sculptures by Christopher Hobbs were commissioned by Charles Brocklehurst as a tribute to his twin brother, Patrick, who died in a riding accident. There’s also a metal pergola, designed by Philip Jebb, which was built after the death of Colonel Brocklehurst.

Open metalwork equestrian sculpture of a horse and rider, 1975, by Christopher Hobbs, in the walled garden at Hare Hill, Cheshire — Open metalwork equestrian sculpture of a horse and rider, 1975, by Christopher Hobbs, in the walled garden at Hare Hill | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Spot wildlife in the Wooded Garden

Explore the Wooded Garden and look out for birds in the bird hide nestled in a hidden corner. There’s lots to explore including bridges and ponds teeming with pondlife.

Cheshire has the densest pond landscape in lowland Britain and these wetland areas are a significant addition to its biodiversity. Many species of amphibians and invertebrates such as newts, frogs, water boatman and pond skaters live in these increasingly endangered habitats.

Above the surface, as well as mallards and mandarin ducks, you may spot dragonflies, damselflies and even herons, perched quietly surveying the activity below.

Explore the historic parkland at Hare Hill

If you’re feeling like a longer walk, follow the permissive path to explore the tenanted farmland. Breathe in the fresh air and admire the beautiful Cheshire countryside surrounding this special place.