Discover more at Quarry Bank
Find out when Quarry Bank is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Explore the gardens at Quarry Bank
Discover some of the best views of Quarry Bank. Paths twist and turn through the valley, passing caves, cliffs and garden bridges. Stroll along the river, step inside the glasshouse, or see what's growing in the walled garden.
Spring in the gardens
The gardens are rich with colour and intrigue, bursting with spring floral displays. Vivid pops of colour can be found in the upper and lower gardens.
Look out for these spring highlights:
- Take in the far-reaching views from the south end of the Walled Garden. From here you will see swathes of Rhododendron, the hot pink of Camelia and the opulent flowers of the Magnolia.
- Enjoy the striking display of Clivia in the glass house and don't miss the tulip display in the vinery and small glass house.
- The Wisteria on the Mill Manager's house makes for a lovely photo opportunity.
- Will you discover the mythical looking Arisaema, otherwise known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit? Find them in the flower beds near the river walk.
Quarry Bank is a special place to enjoy blossom this Spring
Spring is an exciting time in the gardens here at Quarry Bank, as they burst into beautiful swathes of blossom and spring floral displays.
Make your way over to the walled garden to delight in the blossom of wall trained fruit species peach, nectarine and apricot that flourish in their sheltered location. Just a few steps away you will come across the pink and white flowers of the historic apple trees near the gardeners dipping pond.
The Apprentice House Orchard is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic under the canopy of apple blossom trees. Can you spot the Mistletoe that's happily living amongst the blossom?
On the zigzag walk down to the lower gardens you find the bright and glossy blooms of Magnolia, a favourite of bees and other pollinators.
A particular highlight is the cascade of flowers displayed by ‘The Bride’ which you can find down on the lawn area in front of the sandstone cliff face near the River Walk.
Please do ask our friendly staff and volunteers any questions you may have about the beautiful blossom. And don't forget to tag us on your photos on social media using #blossomwatch
The industrial picturesque movement
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.
Lower garden
Wander through the mill meadow, cross over the garden bridges and follow the bubbling River Bollin as it flows past the Ornamental Ladies Garden created by mill owner Robert Hyde Greg in the 1860s.
Upper garden and glasshouse
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 here, and step inside the historic curvilinear glasshouse where exotic plants and fruits were grown. And in the back sheds, you can can uncover the stories of Quarry Bank's gardeners from the 19th century.
Apprentice House garden
See where apprentices grew herbs, fruit and vegetables for their meals, after long days working inside the mill. The Apprentice House garden, orchard and pond are a haven for wildlife, where you can often spot birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
The garden shop
Whatever your gardening plans, there’s something to help you get the job done. From tools to seeds, plants to pots and even books stuffed full of tips, find inspiration and gift ideas in the Garden Shop, nestled next to the walled garden at Quarry Bank.
Family activities in the gardens
There are lots of self-led trails around the gardens to enjoy with your family. Whilst you explore jump in puddles and play a game of poohsticks from the lower garden bridges.
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