Explore the gardens at Quarry Bank

Three family members, including a little girl in a pink coat walking along a path. Trees line the path on one side, and shrubs and flowers on the otehr side. In the background is a red brick wall. — Visitors walking through the gardens in autumn at Quarry Bank, Cheshire | © Annapurna Mellor

Discover some of the best views of Quarry Bank. Paths that twist and turn through the valley, passing caves, cliffs and garden bridges. Stroll along the river, step inside the glasshouses, or see what's growing in the walled garden.

Autumn highlights in the garden

The gardens are beginning the transformation from summer blooms to rich autumn colour. Leaves are starting to fall and the squirrels are busy filling their stores.

Autumn’s a great time to wrap up warm and explore everything nature has to offer. The trees turn red, gold and orange, colourful fungi grows in the most curious of places and you can spot animals such as squirrels and birds getting ready for the winter. Here's just some of what to look for on your next visit.

For vibrant pops of autumn colour look for the young Judas tree next to Quarry Bank House, the Nyssa sylvatica and Acer near Fernybrow. On the tennis lawn you will see the bronze orange leaves of the Amalanchier and glossy leaves of the Persian ironwood as its leaves transform from purple to brilliant red with deep crimson flowers.
The apple trees in the Apprentice House Orchard and Walled Garden will be laden with fruit and laden with fruit and ripe for picking. For a donation you can take a bushel of apples home with you, ideal for an apple crumble.
In the walled garden you will find Daliah's, hesperantha, Cyclamen coums and the vivid red stems of Cornus otherwise known as Dogwood.
Alongside the river walk in the lower gardens the Parterre with lilac and purple shades of Oenothera, Verbena and Achillea.

Visitors walking along a path near the small glass house in the upper garden — Visitors exploring the gardens in autumn at Quarry Bank | © Annapurna Mellor

Areas of the garden to explore

The valley garden at Quarry Bank is a rare example of the industrial picturesque movement, where elements of nature such as the caves and cliffs feature alongside the industrial mill backdrop to create a sense of drama.

Take in the elevated views over the valley and discover Hannah Greg’s favourite spot to sit and enjoy the garden. Head to the Walled Garden to see what grows there, and step inside the historic curvilinear glasshouse where exotic plants and fruits are grown. Don't miss the exotic succulents in the Small Glass House, in the centre of the Walled Garden. In the back sheds, you can uncover the stories of Quarry Bank's gardeners from the 19th century.