White blossom trees standing in front of a black-and-white Tudor house. — Visit Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire, in spring | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.

From blossom to bluebells and daffodils to rhododendrons, here’s just some of what to look out for in the gardens in Liverpool and Lancashire this spring.

Blossom at Speke Hall

In the orchard at Speke Hall you’ll see apple trees beginning to blossom, adorned with pink and white flowers, as well as plum trees further towards the entrance. Take a seat on the picnic benches alongside the orchard and enjoy the beauty of the trees and the planted beds running along the pathway.

Photograph of a bee on almond blossom at Stowe

Blossom at Rufford Old Hall

Rufford’s orchard is a hidden oasis in the middle of the garden. The first recording of an orchard at Rufford is from 1779, when the hall was leased out at an annual rent of £22 and 16 shillings. Today, the orchard contains a variety of apple trees, including Keswick Codlin, Duke of Devonshire, Lemon Pippin and Bramleys seedling, which are full of white and light pinks in April and May.

Where to see daffodils

From Speke Hall to Rufford Old Hall, find the best spring gardens to see daffodils in the North West.

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

Bluebells at Speke Hall

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

Bluebells at Rufford Old Hall

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 view of the carpet of blue below. The black-and-white Tudor hall makes the perfect backdrop for your spring photos.

Bluebells in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Rhododendrons at Speke Hall

Spring is the perfect time to see the glorious rhododendrons that border the North Lawn burst into their distinctive purple, pink and yellow colours and make sure to look out for two large cherry trees which come into glorious blossom.

Speke Hall

From peaceful strolls through colourful borders, to adventures in the woodland and spotting wildlife in the secret garden, there's plenty of seasonal joy to find at Speke Hall.

Rufford Old Hall

The gardens at Rufford Old Hall have lots of variety, from giant squirrel topiary and beehives, to picnic spots in the orchard and peaceful walks by the canal.

A winter image of the Leeds Liverpool canal. Trees are reflected in the water.

Gawthorpe Hall

Take a leisurely stroll around the formal garden with its views of the River Calder. Relax in the ornamental terraced garden to the north of the hall or the landscaped garden to the south.

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

Gardens and parks in Cheshire and Manchester

From the woodland garden at Dunham Massey to the industrial garden landscape at Quarry Bank, discover spring gardens in bloom in this corner of the North West.

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.

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.