Cholmondeley Castle Gardens: A Romantic Botanical Sanctuary in Cheshire
Explore 70 acres of romantic gardens, rare plants, and tranquil woodland walks surrounding the private Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire.
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, nestled in historic Cheshire parkland near Malpas, offers 70 acres of exquisitely designed ornamental gardens featuring rare plant collections, tranquil woodland walks, and a romantic Temple Garden. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, the gardens showcase seasonal botanical displays, a newly expanded Rose Garden, and family-friendly amenities including tea rooms and play areas. The castle itself remains a private residence.
A brief summary to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
- Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8ET, GB
- +441829720203
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance for a discounted rate and guaranteed entry, especially during event days.
- Visit on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, or bank holidays when the gardens are open from 10am to 5pm.
- Enjoy a break at the Tea Rooms in the garden heart, offering specialist teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches.
- Take a guided tour with the Head Gardener for an in-depth understanding of the garden’s history and plant collections.
- Use the signed wheelchair route through the Temple Garden and accessible facilities near the Tea Rooms if needed.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Chester or nearby towns typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Parking is available on-site, including accessible spaces near the Tea Rooms. Note that parking arrangements may change during wet weather or special events.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Malpas to surrounding areas, with a stop approximately 2.5 km from the gardens. From the bus stop, a 30-minute walk or taxi ride is required. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.
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Taxi
Taxis from Malpas or nearby towns offer a convenient 10-minute ride to the gardens. This option is ideal if public transport schedules are limited or for visitors with mobility considerations.
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Walking
For visitors staying locally in Malpas, a 45-minute walk through scenic rural paths leads to the gardens. Terrain is mostly flat but may be uneven in places; suitable for those comfortable with moderate walking.
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Legacy of a Historic Estate and Garden Vision
The Cholmondeley family has occupied this part of Cheshire since Norman times, with the current Gothic Revival Cholmondeley Castle constructed between 1801 and 1817. While the castle remains a private home, the surrounding gardens have been cultivated over the last six decades, largely shaped by the late Lavinia, Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Her passion for plants and garden design transformed the estate into a romantic sanctuary, blending formal and naturalistic elements that celebrate botanical diversity and seasonal beauty.Distinctive Garden Areas and Plant Collections
Visitors explore 70 acres of varied garden spaces, including the Temple Garden with its ornamental lake and rock garden, the newly extended Rose Garden featuring over 800 roses in two contrasting rooms, and the 100-meter double herbaceous border showcasing a vibrant floral tapestry. The Folly Garden offers a wilder, naturalistic atmosphere, while the Glade and Silver Wedding Arboretum present a mix of flowering shrubs, rare magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, and impressive tree collections. Tower Hill invites tranquil woodland rambles beneath underplanted wildflowers and bulbs.Tranquil Surroundings and Scenic Walks
Beyond the cultivated gardens, the estate includes Deer Park Mere and a nature trail that provide peaceful spots for reflection and stunning views of the castle. These areas emphasize the harmony between the gardens and the surrounding historic parkland, offering a serene nature escape. The estate’s careful design balances horticultural interest with natural beauty, making it a year-round destination for garden lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.Visitor Experience and Amenities
The gardens welcome visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and bank holidays from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Tickets are reasonably priced, with discounts for children, members, and certain groups. The Tea Rooms, centrally located, serve specialist teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches catering to dietary needs. Family-friendly features include a natural play area called The Den, a children’s play area by the Mere, and picnic spots. Accessibility is thoughtfully considered with signed wheelchair routes, accessible toilets, and parking near the Tea Rooms.Events and Guided Tours
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from plant fairs to music festivals, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant cultural venue. For those seeking deeper insight, guided tours led by the Head Gardener offer detailed explorations of the gardens’ history, design, and seasonal highlights for a small fee. Group visits with guided tours and lunch can be arranged by prior booking.Preservation and Sustainable Practices
The estate is managed with respect for its heritage and the environment, maintaining low-impact gardening practices and protecting wildlife habitats within the parkland. The gardens’ status as a private estate open to the public balances conservation with visitor access, ensuring the continued flourishing of its rare plant collections and historic features.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Burma Star Island
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Walmoor Hill (Douglas Castle)
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Overleigh Water Tower
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Churchill House
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Uffington House, Chester
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Bridge Gate and Old Dee Bridge
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Wishing Steps
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Roman South East Corner Tower
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Leadworks Lane Park
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Eastgate Clock
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Deva Roman Experience
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Crypt Chambers
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Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
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Eastgate St
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Explore Chester's Eastgate Street, where history meets modern shopping in a picturesque setting filled with charming architecture and vibrant culture.
Chester Cross
21.2 km
Medieval heart of Chester where Roman streets meet Tudor architecture and civic tradition.
Unmissable attractions to see
BeWILDerwood Cheshire
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Raw Head
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Explore Raw Head, Cheshire’s highest sandstone summit offering stunning panoramic views, rich geology, and tranquil woodland trails.
Bolesworth
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Peckforton Castle
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Land Rover Experience Cheshire
7.7 km
Master off-road driving in iconic Land Rover vehicles amidst the stunning landscapes and historic charm of Peckforton Castle.
Bunbury Mill
7.9 km
Explore a fully operational historic watermill in Cheshire, where tradition, hands-on learning, and rural charm meet.
Beeston Castle
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Historic castle ruins with legendary treasure, panoramic views, and enchanting woodland trails in the heart of Cheshire.
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
10.0 km
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Nantwich Museum
10.4 km
Discover Nantwich’s captivating history from Roman salt making to industrial heritage at this welcoming, free-entry museum in the town center.
The Ice Cream Farm
10.5 km
Cheshire’s award-winning family farm with the world’s largest ice cream parlour and endless play adventures for all ages.
St Mary’s Church, Nantwich
10.5 km
Discover the medieval grandeur and intricate vaulting of Nantwich’s iconic St Mary’s Church, the ‘Cathedral of South Cheshire.’
Northern Belle
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Applegates Antiques & Crafts
12.3 km
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Dagfields Craft & Antiques
14.5 km
Explore 25 unique shops of antiques, crafts, vintage toys, and enjoy homemade food in a welcoming Cheshire complex.
Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre
14.7 km
Discover majestic Shire horses, rare British wildlife, and tranquil countryside charm at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre in Cheshire.
Essential places to dine
Docket Restaurant
9.0 km
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Wild Shropshire Restaurant
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Discover Wild Shropshire, a Michelin Green Star restaurant offering a micro-seasonal, sustainable tasting menu that celebrates North Shropshire’s wild flavors.
The Vines at Carden Park
9.3 km
Award-winning fine dining at Carden Park with seasonal British cuisine, an onsite vineyard, and an intimate, elegant atmosphere near Chester.
The Coast Tarporley
12.1 km
Savor fresh Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Tarporley with warm service and a breezy coastal ambiance.
Academy Restaurant
15.4 km
Experience fine dining crafted by rising hospitality stars in a stylish, award-winning training restaurant in Crewe.
The Fishpool Inn
17.2 km
A warm, family-friendly gastropub in Northwich blending rustic charm with modern British cuisine and a scenic beer garden.
Cornichon
17.4 km
A charming French bistro in a historic Victorian building offering seasonal classics and warm hospitality in Tarvin, Chester.
Vale Royal Abbey Arms
18.1 km
Traditional Cheshire pub serving hearty British fare with vegan options, cozy fires, and friendly service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Bird In Hand
20.1 km
A charming Chester pub blending traditional British fare with creative dishes in a cozy, welcoming village setting.
The Moat Shed
20.3 km
Charming British restaurant at Northwood Hall offering exceptional local cuisine with scenic countryside views near Shrewsbury.
The Goshawk
20.5 km
Historic 19th-century coaching inn in Cheshire offering seasonal British fare, quality cask ales, family-friendly amenities, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.
Hickory's Smokehouse Chester
20.8 km
Savor authentic American barbecue and smoky brisket in a lively riverside setting at Hickory's Smokehouse Chester.
The Forge
20.9 km
Chester’s acclaimed steakhouse and fine dining gem, The Forge offers expertly aged steaks, sustainable ingredients, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
La Fattoria
21.0 km
Experience vibrant Southern Italian dining with authentic flavors, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Chester.
Artezzan Restaurant & Bar
21.0 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh, honest flavors and handcrafted drinks in Chester’s lively Pepper Street venue.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Walk The Line Vintage
10.4 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage fashion treasures in the heart of Nantwich at Walk The Line Vintage.
Stitch
12.1 km
Discover Tarporley’s premier craft boutique offering quality yarns, sewing supplies, and expert knitting workshops in a charming village setting.
LOLA | Clothes shop in Tarporley
12.2 km
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Crafts of Cheshire (Ltd)
16.2 km
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The Market Shopping Centre
16.5 km
Conveniently located in Crewe town centre, The Market Shopping Centre offers a practical and accessible retail experience for everyday shopping needs.
Cabin Boutique
18.9 km
Discover stylish women's fashion in a charming log cabin boutique nestled within Middlewich’s Hopley House Shopping Village.
Queens Road Shopping Centre
20.4 km
Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Queens Road Shopping Centre in Chester, where retail therapy meets local charm.
Lee Louise Chester Ltd
21.0 km
Discover Chester’s oldest timber-framed shop, a vibrant treasure trove of crystals, holistic gifts, and unique fashion in a historic 1571 building.
Ancient World
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About you
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Styled Boutique
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Søstrene Grene
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Gift Company CHESTER
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Harley’s Vintage Boutique
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Church Gifts Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Shady
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The Boars Head
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Fox & Barrel
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The Cheshire Cat
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Kings Head Chester
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The Cornerhouse
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Brewhouse & Kitchen - Chester
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Revolution Chester
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All Bar One Chester
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The Old Harkers Arms
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The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant
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Red Door
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Paysan
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The Cavern of the Curious Gnome
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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BONOBO Bar & Canteen
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Cruise
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Rosies - Chester
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Chester City Club
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The Live Rooms
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The Magnet Club
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Mandy & Graham’s
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Ewloe Social and Community Club Ltd
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Reflex - Newcastle Under Lyme
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Eleven
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Gossip!
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TTL Nightclub
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3D Congleton
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Pink Nightclub - Stoke on Trent
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
