The Biddulph Grange Garden in Staffordshire

On our way up to the Lake District for the bank holiday weekend last May we decided to break up the drive and stay overnight half way.  Mark had to work so I left him at the hotel and went exploring on my own.  Originally I had no idea what to do around the area of Stoke-on-Trent but then decide to see if there were any National Trust properties around and stumbled on to the Biddulph Garden, or formally called the Biddulph Grange Garden. My future mother-in-law got Mark and I National Trust memberships for Christmas which allows us free entry into hundreds of places including more than 200 gardens and parks.

The Biddulph Grange Gardens surround a beautiful Victorian mansion which dates back to the 1840’s.  Sadly the house is privately owned and thus not able to visit but the gardens around it are really the sastra of the show.  On a Friday morning I wandered through the 15 acres full of flowers and trees in full bloom and surprises around every corner. I am not a gardening expert by any means but given the wide variety for what I saw on my two mile walk I absolutely believe that the master Gardner, James Bateman who, spent over twenty years collecting plants from all over the world to make it.  And when I read that it was a Grade I listed garden and is considered the one of the best remaining age of Victorian gardening I nodded my headed in agreement.

I love how it was described as “a quirky, playful paradise” as well as “one of the most remarkable and memorable gardens in Britain”.   These gardens are well looks after and even though I did not use them, there were tons of benches throughout the one way system if you need a rest.As you wander along the paths, steps and tunnels you are certainly taken on on a global journey. The Chinese House and traditional pagoda were my favourite surprise but there were many other cultural bits including Egyptian sphinxes. The most famous view is considered to Dahlia Walk which you can see below.  The woodland walk at the edge of the property had tons of fun activities for kids like a wooden balance beam which you can see below but I headed straight on.  Take a look at some of the shots I was able to capture of Biddulph Grange Garden: 

And just some insider tips – the only bathroom is at the start of the property by the ticket office so use it.  Additionally, the cafe, The Camellia House, is at the start of the garden as well where you can get a much needed cup of coffee or delicious pastries.  In case this was bot enough info take a look at the write up on Historic England or the formal page on the National Trust website. 

Would you want to visit the Biddulph Grange Garden?